How to Steam Mop Your Carpet

Steam mops were originally designed for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces like tile, hardwood floors and linoleum. Today, many models come with special attachments that allow you to use them on your carpets and rugs. Steam mops, unlike other carpet and floor cleaners, do not use cleaning solutions to get surfaces clean. Instead, they superheat water and send jets of steam to strip off dirt, grime and even germs, all of which is then soaked up by a cleaning pad.

• 1

  Fill your steam mop's reservoir tank with water. The tank should have a maximum fill line -- do not overfill. Secure the cap to the top of the tank to form a tight seal.

• 2

  Secure the carpet attachment to the steam mop. For specific instructions on how to install the carpet attachment to your steam mop, consult the manual for your particular make and model.

• 3

  Plug the steam mop into a wall outlet and turn the machine on. Wait for the mop to start producing steam. It should take a few minutes for the water to heat up.

• 4

  Move the steam mop over the carpet. Release steam during the push forward, then let go of the steam button when you pull the mop backward. If your steam mop automatically releases steam, you will not have to push a button. Repeat this process until you have gone over the entire carpet. If you run out of water before you finish, refill the reservoir tank and pick up where you left off.