Steam cleaning has long been one of the most effective ways to clean carpets. There are companies that will bring large, commercial-grade steam cleaners to your home and clean all of your carpets within a few hours. This cleaning process not only makes your carpets look cleaner, but it can also remove odors and allergens. Steam cleaning is an awesome option for homeowners; that much is clear. However, you may still have a few questions you'd like answered before you hire professionals to steam clean your carpet.

Is professional steam cleaning really better than using an at-home steam cleaner?

In short, the answer is "yes." Portable, at-home steam cleaners do an okay job of cleaning carpets, but they have their limitations. They don't extract that much moisture from the carpet, which means the carpet takes longer to dry. They may not remove quite as much grime, either, since their suction is not as powerful. You'll get a deeper, more thorough clean from professional equipment, and your carpet will dry surprisingly fast – often within one day.

Can you steam clean a wool carpet?

Yes, most wool carpets can be steam cleaned. You do not want to get wool wet and then dry it too quickly, as this can lead to shrinkage. However, steam cleaning followed by a slow, natural drying period is generally fine. Your carpet cleaning company will likely use different detergents for a wool carpet than for a nylon or synthetic one, however.

Is it safe for pets to walk on a carpet after it has been steam cleaned?

You will want to keep your pets off the carpet until it is totally dry. A damp carpet will likely grab onto their hair and dander. Once the carpet is dry, though, it should be safe for them to walk across and rest on. The detergents used for carpet cleaning these days are almost always pet-friendly, and if your cleaning team knows you'll have pets, they'll be sure to use a product that won't bother them.

How often should you have your carpets steam cleaned?

People often have their carpets cleaned once a year. If you have kids or pets, you may want to have them cleaned twice a year instead. 

Steam cleaning has been the preferred method of carpet cleaning for many years. You can count on professional carpet cleaners to do a great job of removing stains, odors, and grime.

Reach out to a company like Supreme Steam Restoration to learn more.