Is it Safe to Steam Clean Glued Indoor-Outdoor Carpet?

Spot Test

• Testing a small area of the carpet will allow you to understand the grade of the carpet and the adhesive used to install it. Test the carpet on a corner or edge. If the carpet adhesive does not tolerate the steam, a corner or edge will be easy to re-glue. Run the steam cleaner over the area you're testing. Allow the steam cleaner to penetrate the area for several seconds and allow it to dry. If the area does not lift or buckle, the adhesive is sturdy enough for steam cleaning.

How to Clean it

• Clean the indoor-outdoor carpet by thoroughly vacuuming it. The best time to clean the carpet is on a warm, sunny day. Use a wet/dry vacuum if the carpet is outdoors. Because the carpet will attract all types of dirt, only use an indoor vacuum cleaner if the carpet is dry and less soiled with outside dirt. Although a vacuum cleaner is sturdy, dirt, pebbles and other types of outdoor debris may damage it. After the carpet is vacuumed, spray heavily soiled areas with a carpet cleaning solution or white vinegar. Clean the carpet with the steam cleaner, starting in one section and running the wand slowly across the carpet to penetrate the fiber. Allow the area to dry.

Drying

• If the carpet is outside, it will dry within minutes on a warm, sunny day. In colder environments, the steam will not evaporate as quickly. Use a fan or portable heater to speed up the drying process.

Other Tools

• Some carpet fibers and textures may buckle because of the environment the indoor-outdoor carpet is in, or because of general wear and stretching over time. If the carpet is in a colder environment, the heat of the steam will cause the carpet fibers to loosen or buckle naturally. Renting a 50-pound carpet-roller from a home improvement store can flatten the carpet if this happens. If the carpet and its adhesive are old, purchase new adhesive for areas where the carpet lifts completely from its surface.