How carpet cleaners work

Although carpet cleaners are called steam cleaners or steam vacuums, there's actually no steam involved in the cleaning -- a fact that caused a lot of confusion and disappointment among user reviewers. More accurate names for these machines are carpet cleaners, deep cleaners or hot-water extractors. They spray a solution of hot water and detergent onto the carpet, work it into the carpet fibers with brushes and then use suction to extract the solution -- and with it, dirt.

According to ConsumerReports.org, professional cleaning services do the best job of getting dirt out of carpets. However, these services can be costly, especially if performed every 12 to 18 months as experts recommend. Renting or buying a machine is a cheaper alternative. Take the expected lifetime of a new carpet cleaner into account when deciding whether buying or renting is more cost-effective. For example, one machine tested by Good Housekeeping costs around $30 a day to rent or $600 to buy. This means that the machine would have to last for at least 20 uses to pay for itself. ConsumerReports.org says that the more carpet you have and the more dirt it's exposed to, the more likely it is that buying your own carpet cleaner will be a worthwhile investment.

Once you've decided to buy a carpet cleaner, the most important choice is between an upright and a compact carpet cleaner. Upright cleaners tend to cost more and require more storage space. They can also be heavy, although not as heavy as bulky rental units. Compact cleaners are easier to maneuver and, according to owner reviews, can be very easy to use. They can also fit into smaller spaces than uprights. However, these cleaners are only useful for spot cleaning; they can't cover an entire carpet.

Some other factors to keep in mind when shopping for a carpet cleaner:

  • Think about the tank size. A cleaner with a larger tank can clean more carpet before needing to be refilled. On the other hand, a bigger water tank will make the carpet cleaner heavier and harder to push when full. You'll have to balance the inconvenience of more frequent refilling against the added stress on your back. Also, some models have two separate tanks for clean and dirty water, while others use a "tank in tank" design with only one part to remove and refill. Users say this design makes refilling easier, but it also cuts down on the tank's capacity.
  • Consider specialty tools and attachments. Most models have handheld attachments for cleaning upholstery, stairs and narrow spaces. Some uprights also come with an attachment for cleaning bare floors.
  • Check out the features. One feature many users appreciate is an automatic soap dispenser, which automatically mixes the right amount of detergent with the water. Other features that may be useful include an internal water heater, powered brushes to scrub out dirt, indicator lights to tell you when the tank needs emptying or refilling and a tank shutoff that cuts off the machine's suction when the dirty-water tank is full. Think about your personal needs and which of these features will be most important for you.
  • Don't be deceived by model names. Although many of the machines in our report have "steam" in their names (such as the Hoover SteamVac and Bissell QuickSteamer), none of them actually uses steam to clean. Also, the brush on the Bissell QuickSteamer PowerBrush is "powered" by the user pushing the carpet cleaner, not by a motor.
  • Look for a long cord and hose. A 20-foot cord is most common, but cord lengths range from 15 feet in smaller, portable models to 30 feet for some large uprights. Hose lengths typically range between 5 and 8 feet, although the expensive Rug Doctor machines boast an extra-long 12-foot hose. A longer hose is handy for cleaning stairs and getting into tight spots without having to move the entire machine.
  • Factor in the cost of cleaning agents. Most manufacturers recommend using their brand of cleaner for optimum performance, but they are usually expensive. While some users say alternatives such as OxiClean make good substitutes, keep in mind that using a cleaner other than what the manufacturer recommends may void your warranty. If you don't feel comfortable with an off-brand, make sure to include the cost of cleaners in your price calculations.
  • Look at the warranty. Many manufacturers post warranty information for their carpet cleaners on their websites. Good Housekeeping also recommends checking the warranty on your carpet to make sure you're not using a product that could void it.
  • Try before you buy. Look for a store where trial models are available so you can test out your chosen machine before laying down your money.

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