Regular vacuuming helps keep carpets clean and free from visible dirt. However, they also need an occasional deep clean to remove embedded germs and pests. The question is, should you steam clean or shampoo your carpet?
The answer depends on the level of dirt or stain, the type of carpet fibre, and your cleaning preferences.
In this article, we differentiate these cleaning methods so you can decide which one suits your carpet’s needs.
Steam cleaning uses a machine that injects high-pressure hot water into the carpet. Heat and pressure help dislodge stuck-on dirt, debris, and other particles.
Some cleaners may add a specific cleaning solution to the steam machine if required. Additionally, some commercial machines have an agitation mode to enhance dirt removal.
After steam cleaning, the cleaners use a high-power vacuum cleaner with a holding tank to extract any remaining pollutants from the carpet.
Shampooing uses a carpet shampooer or extractor. This machine has a rotating brush and needs a chemical-based carpet shampoo.
As the brush scrubs the carpet, the shampoo becomes foam or lather, loosening the grime and stains deeply embedded in the carpet.
After shampooing, the cleaners rinse the carpet with clean hot water, then use the vacuum to remove excess moisture.
Both cleaning methods can give you a spotless and fresh-smelling carpet. However, there are instances when one method is more suitable than the other, depending on your needs.
Let’s compare the two further based on these factors: long-term cleanliness, stain removal, allergen removal, drying time, sustainability, and cost.
Steam carpet cleaning offers longer-lasting cleanliness and a better deep-cleaning effect as it does not leave any residue.
Loose particles from the cleaning solution are often present on a shampooed carpet. The fibres can also become sticky when improperly rinsed, attracting more dust particles.
One common problem with carpet shampooing is that residue does not appear instantly. It may take hours before an improperly shampooed carpet shows signs of residue and unpleasant odour.
Steam cleaning and shampooing are both effective in removing stains. However, their efficacy relies on the type of stain.
Steam cleaning is best for pet odours, ink and oil stains, and deep-down mud and dirt. Since steam cleaning involves high heat, this method also removes bacteria in stains.
On the other hand, shampooing is ideal for tough stains caused by food or beverage spills. It also removes surface-level mud and dirt. Because it uses chemical cleaners, shampooing is generally more effective in most stains, including stubborn ones.
However, always test stain removers first to avoid damaging your carpet.
Steam cleaning is the ideal choice for allergen removal in carpets. Its high heat and steam pressure can go deep within the fibres, removing and killing trapped dust mites.
Carpet shampooing is more effective for removing surface-level dirt, which may not reach deeply embedded allergens. Moreover, the chemicals in carpet shampoo can leave residues or odours that may trigger an allergic reaction.
If you need your carpet clean and dry after several hours (12 hours max), choose steam cleaning. This method uses less water, and the hot water used evaporates quickly.
In contrast, shampooing requires more water to rinse off the chemical-based cleaner thoroughly. It will take at least 24 hours for the carpet to dry completely.
Shampooing and rinsing carpets on a cold or humid day naturally takes longer drying time.
Steam cleaning is an eco-friendly option for your carpet as it only uses water, heat, and pressure.
The chemicals in carpet shampoo may harm the environment. However, green carpet cleaning products are also available.
In addition, steam cleaning is more sustainable because it uses less water.
If budget is a concern, shampooing your carpet is the more affordable cleaning method. The carpet shampooing process is usually faster with simple equipment needs, making it less expensive.
Steam cleaning tends to be more expensive because of two factors: the thoroughness of cleaning and the equipment involved.
Steam cleaning is a more thorough process. Also, it usually requires professional cleaning skills and advanced equipment, contributing to higher costs.
However, remember that carpet steam cleaning provides longer-lasting cleanliness that may result in better value for money.
Did the comparison above help you decide which cleaning method suits your carpet? Aside from the carpet cleaning factors discussed, the following considerations can also help.
Some carpet types or fibres respond better to either cleaning method. For example, steam cleaning is best for nylon, wool, and polyester.
Shampooing is often ideal for cleaning olefin (polypropylene) carpets. Either steam cleaning or shampooing is good for carpets with blended fibres.
Go for steam cleaning if you need to remove deep-seated dirt and allergens from your carpet. This method is also best if you need your carpet dry within the day.
However, choose shampooing for surface-level carpet dirt and stubborn stains. It’s also ideal if quicker drying time is not a priority.
Carpet steam cleaning is a better option for those with allergies. This chemical-free cleaning option also has less impact on the environment. Still, if neither health nor sustainability is an issue, shampooing can free your carpet from dirt and debris.
If you prefer to clean your carpet based on your schedule, then DIY shampooing is your best option. A carpet shampooer is more accessible and affordable than a steam cleaner.
You can also rent out this machine at some hardware stores. Creating a DIY carpet shampoo solution yourself is possible by combining liquid detergent, vinegar, and baking soda.
However, if you want better and more efficient cleaning results, professional steam cleaning or shampooing is the way to go. Professional carpet cleaners can also assess your cleaning needs or give expert advice. It’s also the best choice if you hire professional services for regular carpet cleaning.
Clean carpets keep your business or office environment presentable, healthy, and allergen-free. You can easily achieve this if you regularly steam clean or shampoo your carpets.
However, there is no better carpet cleaning method between the two. That’s because the best carpet cleaning choice should suit the carpet material, type of stain or dirt, and your budget. So, make sure to assess your needs first.
Better yet, avoid the hassle and leave it to the cleaning professionals in Moorabbin or Melbourne’s surrounding areas. Contact PPSG on 1300 867 872 for our satisfactory carpet steam cleaning services.
