Steam cleaning has long been a standard method for cleaning stained or dingy carpets and also furniture. It is also a good option for cleaning hardwood and tile floors, as the process leaves less residue than the scrubbing methods that are sometimes used. Knowing how to steam clean your carpet, fabric or floor surface properly will ensure successful removable of allergens, mold and deep or stubborn dirt.

Step One

Prepare the area prior to steam cleaning by removing loose debris and dust with a dust mop, broom or vacuum. Leaving visible loose dirt on the floor can cause scratches when you run the cleaner over it. Most hardwood floor steam cleaners use water only. However, to clean extremely dirty floors, especially where there is soap scum or unsanitary residue commonly found on tile bathroom floors, you can add a medium pH cleansing solution. Using a steam cleaner on a floor with worn spots could result in moisture soaking into the wood and causing warping.

Step Two

Remove the machine's water canister and fill it with hot tap water. Reattach the canister and turn the machine on, heating the water until it begins to form mist. Before reattaching the canister, check the filter to make sure it's clean. If it's dirty, run it under hot water to rinse it off.

Step Three

Start on one side of the room and work your way across to the other, pushing forward to expel the steam vapors then pulling back so the cleaning pad can pick up the dirt loosened by the steam.