The effectiveness of a steam cleaning device is measured in three basic areas: sufficient amounts of water, temperature of the water and suction power. What is Steam Cleaning? Under high pressure, hot water is forced through a device as a means of removing dirt, grease and imbedded odor. Sometimes detergent or other chemicals are added to the water as a surfacant to loosen stains and deeply imbedded dirt. odor neutralizing solutions may be added as well. Steam cleaning is usually associated with carpet cleaning which is now the preferred method of sanitizing carpets. Years ago, when carpets were simply shampooed, a machine with large, rotating brush heads was used. The round brushes rotated at high speed while a worker pulled the machine over a large area of carpet. The shampoo method simply mashed the dirt and soap around, pressing it deeper into the carpet. Then a better idea was introduced. Not only applying soap and water, but forcing it deep inside the fibers. The dirt you were targeting, as well as most of the soap and water, would then be suctioned out leaving a truly clean carpet. This forceful suction also pulls most of the water out of the carpet allowing it to dry quickly. Not all steam cleaners are created equal. Several years ago I bought a “steam” cleaner from a local department store. It was a name brand, so I trusted the device would do as it claimed. It came with an 18-20 foot hose that needed to be attached to the kitchen hot water faucet. As I pressed the release button, water dribbled out of the cleaning head. At this slow dribble rate, water moving through the long hose had plenty of time to cool down before it reached its destination. As far as pressure was concerned, there wasn’t any. This “steam” cleaner was a dreadful disappointment. The device didn’t clean. It just kind of wet the carpet. But had it been advertised as a tepid water dribbler, I’m sure there would have been no buyers. . . unless you miss having a dog. Only then would you have appreciated it. Other forms of steam cleaners are on the market as well. A popular hand held version is used for cleaning walls and hard surfaces in the kitchen or bathroom. A good steam cleaner will even clean soap scum from the bathtub or grease and various stains from other surfaces. Commercial carpet cleaning companies have the top steam cleaning devices. A friend of mine in the business suggested you make your appointment for early in the morning. The reason for this is, the truck is plugged in all night, heating its cylinder of water. The first appointments get the hottest water, near the boiling point. The hotter the water, the cleaner the carpet. If you decide to purchase your own device, keep in mind that in order for it to be an actual steam cleaner it must use hot water, high pressure and strong suctioning power. Tepid dribblers do not fit into this category. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society