how to use a carpet cleaner

Get the Best Clean with a Steam Cleaner

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Most people associate steam cleaners with carpet, but these machines can be used for so much more. Steam cleaners are used for sanitizing surfaces such as glass shower doors, tile walls, cleaning hardwood, and tile flooring and getting your living room drapes clean. Ranging in size from backpack and handheld units to large stand-up push machines, steam cleaning can be as simple as a daily mop of a kitchen floor to deep cleaning of household surfaces. To find the best model for your needs, read on.

Best Overall: McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Cleaner with 18 Accessories

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With over 2,000 five star ratings, consumers rank the McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Cleaner with 18 Accessories the best overall steam cleaner. Users have used this magic machine to remove wallpaper, clean grout, get rid of bed bugs, cleaned windows and more. The 18 attachments are convenient for getting in a variety of tight areas, and the 48 ounce tank heats water within eight minutes.

Best Value: BISSELL 39N7A/39N71 Steam Shot Deluxe Hard-Surface Cleaner

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The Bissell 39N7A/39N71 Steam Shot Deluxe Hard-Surface Cleaner is our best value in steam cleaners. This handheld cleaner is lightweight and easy to use, making it a favorite among price-conscious consumers for both quick clean ups and more down and dirty jobs like baseboards and toilet perimeter. The Steam Shot provides chemical-free cleaning and has attachments that are great for cleaning grout, fabric, windows, and in small areas. The tank holds about six ounces and heats water in under a minute.

Best Steam Mop: Shark Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket (S5003D) Steam Mop

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With over 500 five star consumer ratings, the Shark Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket (S5003D) Steam Mop is a popular household item for good reason—its Steam Blaster technology makes quick work of tough spots, wiping them clean and clear away. Called "amazing" by more than a few reviewers, consumers find it easy to assemble and operate, and rave about the level of clean they get. They also love the washable and reusable dual-sided pad.

Best Heavy Duty: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty Steamer

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If you're staring down a massive cleaning job, the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty Steamer is up to the task. This heavy duty, chemical-free steam cleaner can tackle the biggest of messes, including deodorizing, degreasing and sanitizing. The steam heats to 275 degrees and the tank capacity provides cleaning for up to 50 minutes. Over 600 consumers gave this product a five star rating and hands-down love how easy the machine is to use.

Best For Outdoor Use: Pure Enrichment PureClean XL Rolling Steam Cleaner

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The Pure Enrichment PureClean XL Rolling Steam Cleaner crushes outdoor cleaning projects. The heavy duty machine is equipped with an extra long power cord making it easier to reach those outdoor areas. Once there, the pressurized steam makes it easy to clean grease, stains, mold, and dirt off caked-on patio furniture, sooty windows, grimy garage floors, and more. Consumers remarked how well built the PureClean XL is, and how easy it is to maneuver for tasks both out and in.

Best For Indoor Carpet: Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine, 86T3

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The Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine, 86T3 has been the leader of home carpet cleaning for years and over 3,000 consumers agree and have given the machine a five star rating. Pet owners are happy with the way Big Green cleans stains and picks up pet hair they don't get while vacuuming. Many users compare this machine to the type professional carpet cleaners use. Though on the expensive side, users called it "one of the best purchases I've ever made" and that "it way exceeded expectations."

Best for Tile and Hardwood Flooring: Sienna Luna Plus Steam Mop, Multi Purpose Handheld Steamer

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Sometimes using a simple push mop is not enough to clean hardwood and tile floors. That's where the Sienna Luna Plus Steam Mop, Multi Purpose Handheld Steamer can save the day. This steam mop uses Sonic Micro Pulse Vibration Technology, 212 degrees of steam, and three steam control levels to effortlessly clean and sanitize surfaces. "I'll admit I don't mind cleaning the bathroom anymore. Steaming the kitchen floor is also a breeze," said one reviewer. The Luna Plus, along with attachments can also be used to clean car interiors, drapes and even removing wrinkles from clothing.

Best For Spot Cleaning: Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner, FH11300PC

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When there are little ones in the house, you can bet there will be plenty of spots and stains to clean up. The Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner, FH11300PC is a great machine for this neverending job. Over 500 consumers rate it at five stars and rave about the convenience and power of this portable unit. Users love that it's effective on oopsies from both kids and kittens, yet scaled down, so it's easy to store neatly while in easy reach. Germaphobic (who isn't)? Dual tanks separate the dirty and clean water, and the self-cleaning technology gets rid of bacteria and dirt by flushing the hose after use. The device also includes a tool to get those spots that need a little more elbow work.

Best For Drapes and Furniture: Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaning System

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Buyers rank the Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaning System with five stars over and over again. Lightweight, easy to use, and durable, numerous pleased consumers called out this steamer for meticulously cleaning drapes, furniture and bedding, as well as for ridding said upholstery and fabrics from that evil modern scourge, the bed beg. Offering users a chemical-free cleaning experience, each tank will last for about an hour of cleaning with steam that heats to 210 degrees (take that little monsters).

Best Handheld: PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner with 9-Piece Accessory Set Purpose and Multi-Surface All Natural, Anthracite

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The PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner with 9-Piece Accessory Set Purpose and Multi-Surface All Natural, Anthracite makes steam cleaning easy. It's lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and handle in smaller spaces and on multiple surfaces, including waterproof flooring, clothing, carpets, and furniture. Capable of tackling massive messes, the PurSteam garnered enthusiastic consumer raves for its ability to deep cleaning the car, cupboard, appliances, and assorted hard-to-reach cracks and crevices.

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