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Steam cleaning carpets: Is it safe?

December 2, 2002

I asked an expert for help with this question. Mickey Manzer built his own highly successful carpet-cleaning business before he sold his company to McMahon's Indoor Environmental Cleaning Services. Mickey now works for McMahon's, and this has enabled him to expand his knowledge even more. Mickey has educational credits in both carpet cleaning and mold control.

Mickey says the carpet cleaning solutions used by his company (as well as most standard brands) are safe to use around both pets and human beings. The industry realizes that people will be lying on the carpet and living in the rooms. The intense heat of the water does most of the work, so that it is not necessary to use harsh chemicals.

He shared the five conditions that promote mold growth:

1. Temperature between 68 and 86 degrees F. (Mold can exist in higher or lower temperatures, but usually becomes dormant in temperatures outside this range.)
2. Stagnant non-moving air.
3. Moisture that remains in place greater than 48 hours.
4. Organic food source. (This can be anything derived from plants or animals, for example cardboard.)
5. Dark conditions.

The most important of these conditions is moisture. Mold simply cannot grow without moisture, and that moisture must be present long enough for the mold to grow. In the steam-cleaning process, high vacuum suction removes water along with soil. This enables the carpet to be almost dry when the job is finished. Within a few hours it will feel dry and it will be completely dry long before mold has time to grow.

Steam cleaning of carpets is the industry standard. Not only does it provide excellent results, but kills dust mites and bacteria as well. While bare floors provide the optimal solution for dust mite control, steam cleaning is recommended for those who have carpets.

You'll find more reading material at McMahon's Indoor Environmental Cleaning Services as well as the American Industrial Hygiene Association (See references below.)

For those who prefer a dryer method of cleaning carpets, National Allergy Supply offers two products: Capture Dry Carpet Cleaner cleans, deodorizes, and removes surface allergens. Acarosan Dust Mite Powder (a moist powder) kills mites and keeps them away for up to 4 weeks.

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