4 Differences between a Vacuum and a Carpet Steamer
We previously published a guide on how to disinfect a carpet. In it, you can find practical tips to make sure your rugs and carpets come out clean and sparkling while getting rid of dirt and allergens.
If you can’t afford professional carpet cleaning services in Singapore, then you might want to invest in some equipment to make it easier to do on your own. But first, you’ll need to know how to use them to get optimal results.
With that in mind, we’ll be looking at four differences between a vacuum and a carpet steamer in today’s post.
Vacuum cleaners are easier (and cheaper) to set up and use
No doubt about it, vacuum cleaners come in a wide range of units, styles, and models to accommodate just about any cleaning need or lifestyle. This makes them a more convenient appliance to use for cleaning carpets.
Even smaller apartments and condo units can clean up using a cordless vacuum cleaner, making storage a lot easier, as well. Models with a powerful enough suction can be used for upholstery, rugs, drapes, and even hardwood floors.
And because they come in different models and brands, there are plenty of affordable vacuum cleaners in the market, too.
Carpet steamers can clean up spills and stains better
If you want to remove cigarette smells and other stinky fumes from your carpet, then a carpet steamer can fill the bill. Its use of hot water and a disinfectant cleaning solution addresses those who have allergies.
Certain high foot traffic areas in your house like the kitchen and living room can have lots of spills and stains from food or drink. A carpet steamer or steam-powered vacuum cleaner is more efficient at sucking up excess water and dirt compared to a regular vacuum cleaner or mop.
Of course, carpet deep cleaning takes more time to dry (up to a full day) compared to spot cleaning an accidental spill or stain.
Vacuum cleaners can be used in smaller areas of the house
As previously mentioned, there are many compact vacuum cleaners to help clean even the hardest to reach nooks and crannies of a house. There are handheld vacuum cleaners to get in-between couch cushions, at the corners of rooms, and under furniture.
And while there are smaller versions of carpet steamers on the market, they’re still quite bulky with their water tanks and other parts. Steam cleaners also require a more complicated setup that requires water, a cleaning solution, and a suction mechanism to remove all the water afterwards.
In contrast, a Robo vacuum might be worth it if you have a busy schedule and can benefit from having a silent “cleaner” doing chores in the background.
Carpet steamers are used less often than vacuum cleaners
Vacuum cleaners have become essential home appliances that are pretty affordable compared to carpet steamers. If your home is particularly dusty, you might have to vacuum every single day.
The good news is that you’re likely to use steam cleaners for your carpets every six months to a full year (depending on whether you have pets or not). And you can always bring your vehicle’s carpets and upholstery to a car detailing shop for a full disinfection and cleaning treatment.
And if you don’t have one yourself, you can rent one and return it after use. This is a practical option for homes that don’t have enough storage for their own carpet steamer.