During the sixties, carpet industry saw rapid growth in both production and demand. Since this development, the industry has been scrambling to come up with a method of carpet cleaning that won’t affect the carpet’s fabric. This led to the development of the first practical vacuum cleaner.
Due to the increase of pollution in the modern world, filth and dirt have grown more tenacious and challenging to remove. People are starting to suffer from respiratory problems and other allergies, which all point to the need for a healthier environment inside the house.
Carpet steamers are preferable to standard vacuums in terms of getting rid of filth since the former simply cleans the carpet’s appearance while the latter also gets into the carpet’s padding and strands.
Undoubtedly, there are some obvious differences between a steam cleaner and a vacuum that you already know. However, there are some more significant differences between the two; hence if you are uncertain about which of the two cleaning machines would be the better option for you, continue reading.
Carpet Steamers
Recently, there has been a revolution in carpet cleaners. In the past, carpet cleaners and carpet shampooers were synonymous with identical but non-tank-equipped cleaning machines.
They used a cleaner with a brushing motion on the carpets and rugs to get them clean. The cleaning solution was not rinsed away after being applied to prevent damage to the carpet fibers.
As technology has progressed, however, the phrase “carpet cleaner” has come to include any device designed to clean carpets, regardless of whether or not it has a water storage tank. Today, steam cleaners have replaced the majority of other types of carpet cleaners. They wash the rug using steam or hot water and a solution containing mild detergent to the rug’s surface.
Since the brushes spin, they are able to dislodge dirt and dust from the fibers as they pull them up. The combined water and detergent are drained into the machine’s sewage holding tank.
Your carpets will be thoroughly cleaned, and the cleaning solution will be removed thereafter, enabling the area to dry rapidly. Most importantly, some carpet steamers and cleaners include a suction function to remove the washing fluid and water from your carpet.
Always remember that treating them like a vacuum might cause irreparable harm to your device.
Vacuum Cleaner
As far as cleaning tools go, vacuum cleaners far and away win the popularity contest. Carpets and rugs are cleaned by sucking out the dust, filth, dander, and pet hair that may be found on the surface. Nothing wet or cleaning-related should ever touch it.
Newer versions appear every day, and with them come a plethora of accessories from different vendors. Attachments for vacuums make it simple to clean high and low, including under furniture and in crevices like steps.
Even if you clean your floors and carpets on a daily basis, certain signs of wear and tear may become apparent with time, such as persistent pet stains that won’t come out with endless efforts.
In spite of the fact that vacuum cleaners are pretty good at what they do, they are unable to remove all marks. This means you should go out and either purchase or hire a carpet steamer right now.
Vacuums vs Steam Cleaners
Carpets may be cleaned of surface grime or a sticky spot with the help of a steam vacuum cleaner, which uses hot water and the strength of steam to do the job.
Carpet shampooers, also known as steam cleaners, utilize a mix of water and washing liquid to sprinkle into the carpet and then suck away the debris and extra water, making it easier to eliminate challenging stains from high-traffic areas.
However, a vacuum can clean both carpet and hardwood floors well because of its combination of strong suction and brush movement.
For cleaning hard-to-reach places or sensitive materials, various models come with a variety of accessories. If you want the utmost cleaning convenience, you should look at both robotic and ordinary vacuums.
Consider the following things when deciding between a vacuum cleaner and a Carpet Steamer.
● Cleaning Speed
When you consider the length of time needed for the carpet to dry after being cleaned with steam, vacuuming is a lot more efficient use of your time. If you’ve just washed your carpet with soapy water and let it air dry, you should give it another 10-24 hours before walking on it.
Steam cleaning is one of the most time taking methods for maintaining the cleanliness of your carpeted flooring. The best wet-dry vacuum should be considered if you often need to pick up both dry dust and wet messes.
● Convenience
Although current carpet cleaners are less complicated to operate than before, vacuums still provide the utmost convenience. But you still need to keep an eye on the water storage and sewage holding tank.
They work best when used with a specialized cleaning solvent. If you’d rather not deal with the hassle, a high-quality carpet steam cleaning service can handle the job for you.
● Power
Even though a strong vacuum is helpful for picking up loose debris and dust, nothing beats the results of a professional carpet steam cleaning. Still, your high-powered vacuum cleaner will still clean the carpet faster than a compact carpet steamer.
Both of these home appliances are capable of doing their designated tasks, but one of them is far more efficient than the other.
● Cost
Consider purchasing a conventional vacuum if the price is a problem. Typically costing twice as much as a high-quality vacuum, a carpet cleaner need the additional purchase of carpet cleaning solution to be diluted in the water before use.
Steam cleaners can be rented just as readily as vacuum cleaners, but they won’t be less expensive. Having your carpets professionally cleaned is an investment that may become pricey quickly.
Combination Of Steam Cleaners and Vacuum Cleaners
You can get two jobs done with one investment in a two-in-one vacuum and steam cleaner, which performs both functions. You may think of them as a hybrid between a wet and dry vacuum. To properly eradicate germs and sanitize your floors, you need to vacuum up the dirt and debris as well as do a thorough cleaning.
When looking at different models, the power output is the most crucial consideration for both options. Suction power is essential for any decent combination cleaner since this is what will ultimately remove the grime. Furthermore, powerful steam and pressure are required to thoroughly clean and eradicate germs. The filth and dirt should be simple to remove. Although convenient, combination devices frequently lack the efficiency of specialized tools. When shopping for a combination package, you should also think about:
- When does water turn into steam, and how much time does it take?
- How long does the supply of water in one tank typically last?
- Can you use it on both carpet and hardwood?
Unless you specifically buy a carpet extension, most steam cleaners and vacuums are only suitable for hard floors like marble and wood. However, it does not have the suction force of a traditional vacuum cleaner.
Though it’s important to watch your budget, know that a high-quality vacuum will cost you much more due to the excellence of its construction and expected lifespan.
Time savings from being able to vacuum and steam clean in one pass, as well as the convenience of just needing to store a single unit, more than justify the higher purchase price of a professional device.
How to Use a Vacuum and Steamer Together?
1. Start with a dry steam mop on a bare floor.
2. Put the vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment over the steamer’s nozzle.
3. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and steamer.
4. Slowly move the vacuum cleaner and steamer over the floor.
5. Empty the vacuum cleaner’s canister after each use.
6. Rinse the floor with clean water after you’re done.
Comparison Table
| Features | Vacuum Cleaner | Carpet Steamer |
| Mechanism | Drags debris, such as dust, hair, lint, and other floaters, away using suction and rotatory brush. | Uses hot water and cleaning solution |
| Management | Comfortable to deploy and use | Less simple to execute |
| Use | Effective for regular usage | Infrequently used, with the primary focus being on spot removal from carpets. |
| Price | Less Pricey | Expensive |
| Specialty | Cleans up in a flash without the need for soap, water, or other cleaning agents | Includes a steaming system for sucking dirty water away after cleaning. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is steam cleaning better than vacuuming?
There is no doubt that a steam cleaner is the most efficient method for cleaning carpets. The carpet may be used again without worrying about soiling as long as it is allowed to dry completely before being walked on. Your rugs will remain in great condition if you steam clean them regularly.
Can a steamer remove smell?
Yes, the steam from a steam cleaner can penetrate deeply, lifting and removing even the most stubborn stains and odours. To prevent the stench from returning after drying, the extractor eliminates its source.
Does steam deodorize carpet?
Unknowingly, carpet fibres may serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and other potentially harmful microorganisms. However, steam is hot water vapor, which may destroy microorganisms on your carpet. Steam cleaning is more effective at eliminating contaminants from carpets than from hardwood floors
Will steam get rid of urine smell?
When it comes to cleaning up pet accidents, many pet parents turn to their vacuum cleaners. But did you know that using a carpet steamer can actually be more effective in removing pet urine odours? The steam generated by a carpet steamer penetrates deep into carpet fibres and helps to break up urine crystals, which are the main source of pet urine smell.
Do steam cleaners also vacuum?
Carpet steamers are sometimes also called “steam vacuums.” However, they function quite differently than traditional vacuums. Carpet steamers release hot water and steam onto the carpet to loosen dirt, grime, and stains. The machine then sucks up the dirty water along with the dirt and stains. In contrast, vacuums work by using powerful suction to pull dirt, dust, and pet hair from the carpet.
Does steam cleaning leave carpet wet?
Carpet steamers use significantly less water than traditional wet extraction methods. This means that your carpet will be left only slightly damp after a steam cleaning treatment. However, it will take several hours for your carpet to dry completely.
Take Away
To sum up, if you want a spotless home, all you have to do is get out the vacuum and turn it on. This incredible battery-driven cleaner works wonders on floors, walls, rugs, staircases, etc. However, if your carpets are stained, you probably need to get a professional carpet steamer rather than relying on your vacuum cleaner to get the job done. The choice is all yours!
