Does a Steam Carpet Cleaner Really Kill Germs and Bacteria?

Carpets are known to contain dirt, dust, and bacteria more than any other item in the home, and it may be difficult to remove these things even with vacuum cleaning. A lot of homeowners turn to steam carpet cleaners hoping for efficient and deep cleaning along with germ removal. The crucial question is: do steam cleaners exterminate germs and bacteria? It is important to know how steam cleaning works in combination with its efficacy against harmful microorganisms so we can determine whether it is the ideal option for disinfecting carpets.

How Steam Carpet Cleaners Work?

Steam carpet cleaner employs high temperature water vapour to the carpet surface in an attempt to cut grime, stains or even bacteria. Hot water is heated to a temperature between 200°F (93°C) and 250°F (121°C). This heated water is then let out into pressurised steam covering the carpet which helps with loosening dirt along with killing a certain percentage of bacteria and allergens. To enhance the steam cleaning process, certain equipment adds detergent solutions to make the removal of stubborn stains easier.

Can Steam Kill Germs and Bacteria?

Steam cleaning can effectively kill certain bacteria, viruses, and even dust mites. Many microorganisms cannot withstand high temperatures, and steam cleaners operate at temperatures sufficient for eliminating numerous household germs. Studies have proven that steam cleaning can kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses when done appropriately. On the other hand, its effectiveness is dependent on temperature, duration of steam application, and type of surface being cleaned.

For bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, steam cleaning is highly effective at 200 degrees F or more when maintained for 10 – 15 seconds. However, for tougher pathogens such as some mould spores and biofilms, a longer time above 200 degrees F or additional cleaning agents will be necessary.

Can Steam Cleaners Replace Disinfectants?

While steam cleaning is effective in killing germs, it is not always an adequate replacement for disinfectants. Commercial disinfectants do have chemicals that can target a wide array of germs that cannot be cleaned by steam alone. Steam cleaners should be used as part of a comprehensive cleaning routine rather than the sole solution.

For homes with greater foot traffic or with pets and children, steam cleaning combined with other sanitising methods such as disinfectant spray or deep shampooing provides deeper cleaning and germ removal.

Advantages of Steam Cleaning Your Carpet

Steam cleaning is particularly advantageous, especially if there are children, pets, or allergic individuals since it does not use strong chemicals. Unlike traditional carpet cleaners that use different chemicals, steam cleaning only uses hot water, reducing the risks of exposing people to harmful substances. Moreover, chemicals often lead to residues that may cause respiratory or skin issues, while steam cleaning uses water and heat.

Likewise, steam cleaning is effective in getting rid of mites and allergens, making it useful for people struggling with asthma or other allergic reactions. The intense heat destroys dust mites and helps get rid of pet hair, pollen, and other allergens that get stuck within the carpet fibres.

Drawbacks of Steam Cleaners

Without a doubt, steam cleaning offers a lot of benefits. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. One of these is that moisture could become a significant issue leading to mould and mildew growth if carpets are not sufficiently dried after cleaning. In other cases, thick carpets or pads tend to hold on to moisture, which sustains bacterial growth. To eliminate this risk, it is important to dry carpets as fast as possible by opening windows or using fans after steam cleaning.

Also, steam cleaning might not be very useful for stubborn stains that have oil or greasy substances. Some stains may need special treatments before steam cleaning to yield some results.

Tips for Optimising Steam Cleaning

Follow these tips to realise the steam cleaning’s utmost effectiveness starts with:

Get rid of loose dirt first: Pick up any loose dirt, hair, and other material inside the carpet. This will minimise the dirt buildup on the steam cleaner.

Slow and Constantly Moving: Moving too fast might cause the steam not to kill the germs and bacteria.

Provide Enough Temperature: Some steam cleaners do not have a temperature high enough for sanitising. Before using them, double-check the manufacturer’s details.

To prevent mould growth, ensure the carpets dry completely, particularly after steam cleaning; use fans or dehumidifiers.

Conclusion

If you were looking to reduce germs, bacteria, or allergens in a carpet, then steam cleaning it with a vacuum carpet cleaner would do the trick. When done correctly, most households’ bacteria and viruses can be reduced by up to 99.9% due to the high temperatures and moisture provided through the steam. However, some tough pathogens would still require the use of chemical disinfectants. The steam cleaning method would be best combined with other techniques and proper drying methods to achieve the most optimal results. For those who are looking for no chemical cleansing or deeper sanitisation, steam cleaners would be a good device to have around the house.