carpet washer or steam cleaner??

caris

We previously had a bissell carpet washer, it was forever breaking down, during its guarantee it was sent back to bissell for repairs, however it was always the same fult when it went again, we eventually got rid of it when it broke again, and vowed never to buy another bissell.

We now want another carpet washer but dont know what to choose. We have been thinking about a steam cleaner, but having never had one we dont know how these compare to a carpet washer.

We would appreciate any comments and views for either please the good and the bad.

Thanks
caris

paddy's_mum

A steam cleaner does not remove the dirty water. The steam loosens the dirt but then you do the hard work of removing it using a towelling head or some sort of fabric mop. You also have no choice of temperature with steam - it's hot, full stop.

Sounds like you were unlucky with your previous machine since I have a Bissell and it's more than earned it's keep. I do some rugs that I know are not overly tough with cold water to avoid damaging them. You can't do that with steam and neither can you do any kind of Dralon since the steam melts it, so in many cases, you can't clean your upholstery.

Why not google for reviews of the different Vax machines or else enquire about hiring a Rug Doctor if you only want to do a yearly spring clean?

tattubato

Hi,

For carpet washing i have hired a RugDoctor twice it cost £20 for 24hrs hire from HomeBase i already had detergent you do not have to buy RugDoctors solution you can use any carpet washing solution as long as it does not foam up too much it is a warm water washing machine and it is FANTASIC at getting carpets clean i did my 4 bed bungalow in 1 day and washed the car seats complete this was working at it for 12 hours straight.

To buy a Rugdoctor is far too expensive if only hired when you think your carpets need a wash for me once a year is enough.

Just buy a good vacuum for everyting else.

I have a VAX orange old style but now the power cord is broken inside it is good at vacuum but not so good at washing it is very hard work so now i need either replce the power cord but this machine is 20 years old and still going strong or buy a new type of cleaner but it will only be a vacuum cleaner but i will hire a Rugdocor every time for washing.

compforus

Hi

I went for a Triplosimac Steam Cleaner as rated top by Which? (at great expense) 4 years back. The steamer effectively sterilises the carpet and leaves the place feeling fresh. It does not make the carpets look clean though, so if the carpets look dirty, they will stay looking dirty. I found this very disappointing as I had cream carpets. I also have a dog who sometimes wets the carpet hence my reason for buying it, I liked the idea of reducing all the allergens too. It was excellent for steaming curtains, the car seats and floors etc. Cleaned the bathroom tiles and leaves them looking like you have never seen before. Handy for cleaning windows too. Downfall was that it is really cumbersome and difficult to manouver. How it got top rating at Which? have no idea why as it kept falling apart as I used it (pole kept coming apart spraying steam everywhere) and many of the parts snapped.

As the triplosimac has broken now (steam no longer comes out though can still use it to suck water up) I have bought a Bissell. I wish I had done that originally, it is amazing for cleaning the carpets. So much easier than the steam cleaner. If the dog has an accident I can clean it in a flash. I used to dread assembling and cleaning the steamer.

To summarise: the steamer is excellent for cleaning hard surfaces and would recommend getting a smaller one that is simple to put together. For carpet cleaning I would go for the Bissell time and time again. I got it with Cash back, discounts, etc for £70 less than normal. Formula is expensive though and I seem to get through it very quickly. Wish I could find a way of getting it cheaper.

[Deleted User]

14 years ago when we got a dog, we bought one of those orange VAX machines and have used it regularly ever since (it's also our vacuum cleaner). We've lent it out to friends and it's still going strong. Would definitely recommend it.

On the downside - it's heavy, so might be better kept as a carpet cleaner (if you have the room and money) and get a separate, lighter vacuum cleaner.

gabyjane

Can't overly help as always have said i'll buy a carpet washer but never have! Last week our cleaner came in and did our stairs and halls which are cream carpet..i have to say they have come up really really well..they went down brand new almost 3 years ago and i have been quite good at keeping them clean and we wear no shoes but they still get grubby quickly. They are coming again this fri to do them again as think they will look almost as good as new if not a little flatter in places!! They use a Bissel and although you don't seem keen i am tempted to buy one now seeing how good it is.

I wouldn't buy a steamer due to the fact they do not remove marks just hydrate them.

We have a bissell lift off hoover and it is amazing! had it about 2.5 years now and love it to bits, it is sooo powerful and used for allsorts as the canister comes out to hold so we use for car, buggies, stairs easily etc..one of the best things i have ever bought so a huge fan of bissell.
Good luck x