Steam cleaning services

There are some places in your home that are impossible to reach with a standard cleaning routine. That's where steam cleaning comes in handy.

We've put together this guide so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right steam cleaning service for you and your home.

What are steam cleaning services?

Simply put, steam cleaning is the process of using steam, sometimes mixed with a detergent, to remove household dirt from your carpets, curtains, sofa or other upholstery. Some steam cleaning services can also work their magic on stubborn stains on tile grout and wooden flooring.

What does a steam cleaning service do?

Contrary to popular belief, a steam cleaner can rid more than just your carpet of its bacteria. Here are a few other places that can benefit from a steam cleaning service:

• Material furniture
• Tiled, hardwood or laminated flooring
• Showers and baths
• Kitchen appliances
• Car exteriors
• Mirrors
• Interior and exterior of windows
• Mattresses

How do I hire a steam cleaning service?

You won't need to search too hard to find a steam cleaning service near you. A quick online search will reward you with lots of city-wide companies. Alternatively, use a site like Airtasker to find smaller local companies offering up their services.

How much does a steam cleaning service cost?

Steam cleaning services will vary by company and location. For carpet steam cleaning, companies tend to quote their prices per square metre. This can range anywhere from $4 to $7. For other steam cleaning services, expect to pay between $35 and $40 per hour.

How should I prepare for a steam cleaning service?

If you've booked a carpet cleaning service or other floor treatment, you'll need to move most of your bulkier furniture beforehand such as couches, beds and other heavy items. After the clean, your carpets will need to dry for around five hours, so be prepared for this too. Other steam cleaning services shouldn't require too much preparation beforehand.

What to consider when hiring steam cleaning services

Not all steam cleaning services offer the same quality or value for money. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the service for you:

• Cost. Cheaper doesn't always mean better when it comes to steam cleaning. Remember to weigh up the quality of the clean with the price to choose the right service for you.
• Reviews. Chat to friends and family to see if they have any steam cleaning services that they'd recommend. Alternatively, check out online reviews from previous customers.
• Insurance. Make sure the cleaner is covered for any accidents or damage that occurs on your property.
• Chemicals. Steam cleaning is possible with or without cleaning chemicals. Double-check with the company to see how their cleaning process works.
• Guarantee. Does the company offer a guarantee period if stains come back after being steam cleaned?

Do I need to be at home for a steam clean?

It's completely up to you whether you want to be home or not during your steam cleaning service. It may actually be easier if you aren't at home, especially if you're having your floor and carpets cleaned.

Pros and cons of steam cleaning

Pros

• Saves time.
• Experienced professionals will know exactly which cleaning products to use on your carpets and upholstery.
• You won't need to rent new equipment or learn how to use it.
• Thorough treatment helps to remove grime and fight allergies.

Cons

• More expensive than doing it yourself.
• Some types of carpet and upholstery can suffer damage from the steam cleaning.

Frequently asked questions about steam cleaning

Will a steam cleaner sanitise my home?

Steam cleaners are very effective at destroying bacteria as they penetrate deep into materials providing a much more thorough clean. The temperature of the steam released is known to kill bacteria and sanitise surfaces.

Will a steam cleaner ruin my shower?

A steam cleaner shouldn't ruin your shower if you use it correctly. Steam cleaning is very effective at removing grime from the shower cubicle. However, extra care should be taken not to overheat the silicone tile sealant in your shower as this may cause problems in the future.

What can I clean with a steam cleaner?

You can use steam cleaners on a variety of surfaces. Most commonly steam cleaners are used to tackle carpets and upholstery, but they're also useful on lino, vinyl, ceramic tiles and some laminated flooring. They can also be used to clean kitchen units, showers and mirrors.