Friday, February 20, 2009

Random Question


Spring is coming and SSG has cleaning her carpets as item numero uno on her Spring Cleaning To Do List.

I was pricing out professional cleaners in the area, but they seemed kind of expensive and I don't like the idea of a bunch of chemicals in my carpet.  I was pondering buying a steam vacuum because I read you can put warm water and vinegar in them.  Does anyone have any experience with these babies?  How do you guys keep your carpets clean?  Halp!

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Buying one is definitely suggested over having some random chemical cleaning company come in. Not only are they cleaning your carpets but there are residues from everyone elses carpets now in yours...can I say yuck?

It will end up paying for itself and you can use it chemical free.

I Am Woody said...

No help here - only have hardwood!

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com said...

You could also try sprinkling baking soda on the carpets and vacuuming normally? It gets rid of smells.

As for stains... I don't have any help there.

My mom used a steam cleaner, but it came with chemicals (Bissell) and she loves it, but I hate the smell of the chemicals.

It depends on how often you're really going to use it because you have to work out the cost-per-use ratio before buying it. If it's only once every 6 months, and it's $600, then it's $600 the first time, $300 the next, $150 the next.. and so on

Bella Della said...

I've always gone to the grocery store and rented those stupid machines. Not fun. It would be nice to have one of my own but wonder how much I would use it- um, answer none- since I have hardwood floors now- duh!

HalfAsstic.com said...

A few months ago we ran up to the local grocery store and rented the big carpet shampooer and went after it. It worked beautifully. Totally worth the rental fee... whatever that was, sorry can't remember. ;-)

Molly said...

Well, I did so well at taking care of carpet that I sold that house and bought one with wooden floors. No idea how to avoid chemicals, though it sounds like a good idea.

Predo said...

Rent one! We have owned them before, they sit in storage until your friends need one, and then before you know it they are broken and you only got to use them twice!

They make great cleaning solutions that are green friendly too!!!!

Anonymous said...

I used one much like the pictured model to clean my whole house. (borrowed from a friend) It did a great job...I was amazed to see how much dirt came out of the carpets in rooms that dont even get used. Prepare to feel like the nastiest person alive when you see the water those things suck out.

Molly said...

I came across this today - thought you might find something to help you in your quest. My favorite Mrs. Meyers products are here - Yay!

Anonymous said...

I bought one about ten years ago. I don't use it as often as I should, but am always pleased with the results. (I'm going to have to check out that hot water and vinegar thing....sounds promising - and much cheaper than the carpet cleaning solutions.)

Unknown said...

Ummm, in SSG withdrawal here...need a fix soon. Are you okay? Breathing? Die of chemical intoxication from cleaning your carpets?

Tap, tap, tap...can you hear me?

{Tear} I miss you so.

ab said...

When I lived in my place in San Diego I bought a cleaner and used it all the time. With 2 dogs and light carpet it was a necessity and came in handy quite often. It was really good for getting newer stains out. But when we sold the place we tried deep cleaning it ourselves and wound up having to pay somebody to come out and do it for us. The Bissell just wasn't up to par for older stains.

Frita said...

The one time we rented one, it seemed to really be a pain in the arse... it saturated the carpet. Last time we had the carpets cleaned, I had a guy come out who used a cleaner that was chemical free. Mimi could walk on it right after they were cleaned and lick her paws. I'll have to look up what type of process it was and let you know.

good for you to be in spring cleaning mode. I'm getting there.

Missing you!!