Your carpet will be only slightly damp to the touch after your cleaning. Most carpets typically need 6-10 hours to dry completely. However, it could take up to 24 hours to dry depending on the time of year your carpets are cleaned, and the air circulation, humidity and temperature in your home.
Steam Cleaning (actually it's really not steam – it's just hot water) is a 40 year-old process that can leave the carpets wet for many hours (or even days). It is an old system that relies on high water pressure, high alkaline detergent and hot water to clean.
The key to drying your steam cleaned carpet as quickly as possible is good ventilation and a warm room temperature. Freshly cleaned carpet should never stay damp for more than 24 hours, or microbial growth and odours can occur. At around 30 degrees Celsius or higher, most carpets will be dry in around an hour.
Wicking. Wicking is another common reason for carpets remaining dirty after cleaning. Wicking occurs when the carpet dries faster than the padding, causing the dirt and stains to wick back up into the carpet fibers.
When the carpets are steam cleaned, the dust mites get killed and all the dirt is broken down. This happens due to the heat and the tiny pieces of dirt particles still remain there. To remove the dirt from the carpets after the steam cleaning you have to wipe it out with a broom, cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Steam cleaning is a really effective and efficient way to lift build up from the carpet fibers, including mold and pet scents.
Although we offer both approaches, in our opinion, steam cleaning tends to be the better option in most situations. Here's why: It can usually remove ingrained dirt more effectively – particularly stubborn stains that have embedded themselves deep into the fibres.
Most carpet manufacturers recommend that you get your carpet steam cleaned professionally, every 12-24 months to maintain appearance, however there is more to consider than just the appearance of your carpet. Carpet acts like a filter and helps trap air borne contaminants, which is great for your air quality.
If your carpet remains damp after 24-48 hours, it could be at risk for mold and mildew growth, so it's essential to take steps to speed up drying or consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner.
The verdict
They'll likely leave less water behind, leaving a clean and shiny, streak-free floor, but they don't have any magic bacteria-busting powers over a regular mop and bucket.
The biggest tip to keep in mind is that it's not bad to vacuum a steam-cleaned carpet, but the carpet MUST be dry before vacuuming. If you try to run the vacuum before the carpet is dry, it can cause issues in the way that the carpet continues to dry, and issues in how the carpet feels after it dries as well.
Place fans around the area to speed up the drying process
You'll need to leave the fans on for several hours, so make sure you have enough to cover the entire area. If possible, open a few windows as well to create cross-ventilation. Once the carpets are completely dry, you can vacuum them to restore the pile.
If left completely to its own devices, your carpet will take anywhere from 6-12 hours to dry. However you can shorten this time by assisting the drying by leaving some windows ajar and maybe have a ceiling fan providing some additional airflow.
It is recommended that you try to stay off the freshly cleaned carpets until they are dry – about 6 hours. If you MUST walk over your damp carpet before it is dry use EXTREME caution. Where you transition from carpet to another hard surface, like tile or hardwood, can be very slippery.
It feels damp when you walk on a steam-cleaned carpet immediately after cleaning. Wait until 6 hours before you walk on a steam cleaned carpet.
So, why does carpet smell after carpet cleaning? Excess moisture causes mildew and mold growth in a carpet, resulting in a musty smell after cleaning. Wrong choice of tools and persistent stains may also leave a mildew smell on carpets after cleaning.
Abrasive cleaners can damage the carpet fibers and leave a bare spot where the stain used to be. The same goes for heavy-duty scrubbing brushes. If you must scrub your carpet, use a mild cleaner and a soft bristle brush to prevent damage.
Long drying times for carpet
In Steam Cleaning Equipment, using steam for carpets, you may have to wait up to 24 hours for the carpet to be completely dry and able to be walked on again. This could be inconvenient for some, especially if the carpet is in a workplace or commercial area.
Steam is perfect for carpets, as it is often capable of delivering results without a reliance on caustic cleaning chemicals. Superheated steam is directed exactly where it is needed. And the latest steam cleaners use the optimum amount of water, ensuring your carpet isn't completely drenched afterwards.
Hot Water Extraction
Otherwise known as steam cleaning, this is easily the most common professional carpet cleaning technique. Steam cleaning uses hot water at high pressure to penetrate into carpet fibers, breaking down the dirt and bacteria stored deep within. The hot water is then extracted via vacuum.
Mix a cup of vinegar (white) with a gallon of warm water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and generously spray it on the carpet. Allow a few minutes to sit to break down the stains, grease, dirt, and dust. Steam clean before the pretreatment solution dries.
Stanley Steemer typically charges around $50-$75 per room for areas exceeding 400 square feet. The cost may increase depending on the level of dirt or stains present. It's important to note that these prices are estimates and can vary depending on your location and specific requirements.
Water and steam cleaning
PPE is required when using water or steam as a cleaner and must protect the worker from eye contact and skin burns.