Steam Cleaner...any Suggestions?

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and preferences regarding steam cleaners suitable for carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. Various brands and models are discussed, along with personal anecdotes about their effectiveness and issues encountered.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, seeks recommendations for a steam cleaner that works on carpets and upholstery without using chemicals, expressing frustration over a previous model that leaked.
  • Another participant shares their positive experience with the Little Green Proheat Turbo Carpet Cleaner by Bissell, noting its convenience for quick clean-ups despite a higher price point.
  • One participant mentions using a natural product in their Bissell cleaner instead of the provided solution.
  • Another participant discusses their experience with a Hoover cleaner, highlighting its effectiveness and a long warranty, while expressing dissatisfaction with previous Bissell models.
  • One participant raises concerns that steam cleaners may leave too much water behind, potentially damaging carpets and suggesting professional cleaning as an alternative.
  • Another participant claims their new Hoover cleaner dries carpets better than professional services, while also noting they have used steam cleaners for 20 years without issues.
  • One participant expresses disappointment with their Shark Steamer, although acknowledging its fast drying time and suitability for laminate floors.
  • Another participant appreciates their Shark Steamer, stating it works well with just water and is highly effective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and suitability of various steam cleaners, with some participants expressing satisfaction with specific brands while others caution against their use on certain surfaces. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best option for all needs.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences with different steam cleaners, focusing on their performance, ease of use, and suitability for various cleaning tasks. The discussion reflects a range of opinions and experiences within the community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on steam cleaners for home use, particularly those interested in non-chemical options and effective cleaning solutions for carpets and upholstery.

Jules711
Silver Member
Messages
1,929
I'm looking for a steam cleaner that will work on carpets and upholstry (as well as laminate or hardwood floors if possible). After having my DD throw up on the couch, I need something great or I need a new couch..ick! I'd prefer one that doesn't use chemicals. We had one but it leaks so that's a problem. I've been looking online, but have no idea!

Thanks so much!
 
For quick pick ups (like this) we've got a litte Green machine (Actual name Little Green Proheat Turbo Carpet Cleaner by Bissel) I LOVE IT!! It's much more expensive than it used to be, we had one we bought over 10 years ago finally got a crack in it where water held and we had to update, just about died when I saw it was almost $100.00, but so WORTH it!! Much easier to pull this out when kids gets sick or cat puks all over then the HUGE one, and it's much easier to clean for only doing a little area, or that's my opinion.

We don't use the solution they give, we use a natural product in it.

We are on market for total house one, for bigger things, like our carpets. Last one we had was a Hoover, and it had it's own little quirks, like part where you added solution glue that kept it on machine "melted" for lack of a better word, as it was basically hot glued on and it rested against where you put the hot water in, duh to company. MIL had same one and FIL is now trying to take both of them apart and see if he can make 1 that will work with parts from both, and still nothing.

A friend has a different brand and I'm going to go to her house this week and try it out and see what I think. I'll let you know,

Lisa
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
What natural product do you use in it?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Anyone know anything about the Monster Steam Cleaner (one for carpets too) or the Shark that can do carpets?
 
Well I have some good advice for you. I just bought a new cleaner 2 weeks ago - it's the best one I've ever used!

I have had 3 Bissel steam cleaners. All of them worked great at first, but did not last long. The last one I only had about 18 months - it would not suck up enough of the water anymore. We could not figure out what the problem was! I decided to try a new kind - I will not spend anymore money on Bissell.

Here is the one from Hoover I got:

http://www.target.com/Hoover-Platinum-Upright-Extractor/dp/B001PBABW0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&frombrowse=0&node=1038576&keywords=Hoover&field_browse=1038576&searchSize=30&id=Hoover%20Platinum%20Upright%20Extractor&field_availability=-2&refinementHistory=subjectbin%2Ctarget_com_age%2Ctarget_com_gender-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=relevancerank&searchPage=2&field_keywords=Hoover

It is expensive, but has a 6 year warranty. All the others are 1 year.

It worked REALLY good! My carpet was very dry afterward and looks like I had it cleaned by a professional. My kids even said, "I can't believe how dry the carpet is."

I could not find a cheaper price on-line, but ended up getting mine at Kohls on sale for $399 plus used a 30% off coupon (so $279.30) - I have a Kohls card! That was the best price I could find on it.

I would buy it again. I just hope it lasts 6 years like the warranty is. I'm going to send the registration card in for sure!

Good luck!
 
None of them are really good for your carpets because they all leave more water behind then a professional carpet cleaners system would and that ruins the padding, you might be better off just having someone come out and do it for you. And you can't use any steam cleaner on wood floors because it will ruin them, wood floors shouldn't be cleaned using water.
 
I've had my carpet for 20 years and have always used steam cleaners - no problems. I've had professionals out 2 times.

The new Hoover gets my carpet even dryer then a professional.
 
I have a Shark Steamer. I am not impressed with it. But the steam does dry very, very fast and they advertise that you can use it on hard wood floors. I have and I does a better job on a floor that doesn't have any indentations or designs. Would I buy it again, definitely no.

My friends like it for cleaning their laminate wood floors. They all rave about it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I would like something that doesn't use chemicals. We had a Bissel and it leaked bad so not good. I agree that it made the carpet too wet. Supposedly there are actual steam cleaners that can work on both. I'm just not sure that they actually can. I thought they could work on wood floors too, but maybe not? Not a huge deal. Mostly would like for laminate and carpet (and still the couch...we've done what we can :yuck:).
 
Yeah, the Hoover would take chemicals, but you could try using it with just water. The other thing I like about this machine is it automatically rinses. It really doesn't use a lot of cleaner either. I filled up the holder only 1 1/2 times for my entire house.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Lisa-did you use your friend's steam cleaner? Anymore suggestions? There are just too many options and I'd love something that works on carpet.
 
I have the steam shark (both of them) & love it. I'd definitely buy it again. All I use in it is water. It's a miracle worker IMHO.
 
Just used my Hoover Platinum for the first time...LOVE IT!!

Love that the soap container is separate from the water...love the black light...love how easy it was to assemble...just plain LOVE IT!

I'm always bragging on this site and how it's so much more than business. I would have never looked at this otherwise...THANKS!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a steam cleaner and how does it work?

A steam cleaner is a device that uses steam to clean and sanitize surfaces. It heats water to a high temperature, creating steam that is then released through a nozzle. The high-temperature steam helps to loosen dirt, grime, and stains, making it easier to wipe away. Steam cleaning is effective for a variety of surfaces, including floors, carpets, upholstery, and kitchen appliances.

Can I use a steam cleaner on all surfaces?

No, not all surfaces are suitable for steam cleaning. While steam cleaners are safe for many hard surfaces like tile, sealed hardwood, and laminate, they may not be appropriate for unsealed wood, certain types of fabric, or delicate surfaces. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines for your steam cleaner and the surfaces you plan to clean.

What are the benefits of using a steam cleaner?

Using a steam cleaner offers several benefits, including effective sanitization without the need for harsh chemicals, the ability to remove tough stains and grime, and the convenience of cleaning multiple surfaces with one tool. Additionally, steam cleaning can help reduce allergens and bacteria in your home, making it a healthier option for cleaning.

How do I maintain my steam cleaner?

To maintain your steam cleaner, regularly empty and clean the water tank to prevent mineral buildup. Use distilled water if possible, as it reduces scale deposits. Clean the attachments and nozzles after each use to ensure optimal performance. Refer to the user manual for specific maintenance tips and recommendations for your model.

Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a steam cleaner?

Yes, when using a steam cleaner, always follow safety precautions. Avoid direct contact with the steam, as it can cause burns. Use the cleaner in well-ventilated areas and keep children and pets away from the cleaning area. Additionally, be cautious of slippery surfaces after cleaning, as they may become hazardous until dry.

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