Hi Mary,

Great question.

We had a similar problem for a while with our puppy (oh, Baily). From our experience the best approach is to deal with the mess straight away – blot as much as you can with paper towel. Then you can try the carpet cleaner recipe in our green cleaner article below (effectively vinegar and baking soda) spray on, let it sit for a while (it might bubble but that is okay), and blot again. For some older stains this might be a good starting point as well. Put the cleaner in a spray bottle and it will keep for a few months so you can have it ready to use.

https://groomwithstyle.com/detoxify-home-green-cleaning-trend/

For longer term stains the problem becomes that the dog mess seeps into the carpet padding and backing. So some stains and smells might be really stubborn. This is when you can think about using a special enzymatic cleaner (example one on Amazon -> https://geni.us/carpetcleanerdog). These are interesting products as the enzymes actually react with the molecules in the urine and feed on it – the smell might actually get worse to start with (read the instructions on the product you buy).

Having said all that it is then nice to finish off with a thorough clean, and this is where the steam cleaners can really shine. So yes, a home steam cleaner is then a handy tool to have in your arsenal to give you carpet a really deep clean.

Hope that helps.

Kind Regards,
Lisa

Pleasure, good luck!

Thanks so much for the information! I really appreciate it.

Hi Nancy,

Thanks for the question.

It’s difficult to compare the Desiderio Vapor Clean models to the steam cleaners on our list, primarily because they are made for residential use while Vapor Clean steam cleaners are commercial-grade equipment.

For example, our top-rated product, the McCulloch MC1275, operates at 45 psi and heats water to about 200 degrees for home steam cleaning.

The latest Desiderio model, the Vapor Clean Plus, operates at 75 psi and its continuous fill, 2.7-liter stainless steel boiler heats water to 318 degrees for steam, wet or dry vacuum, and water injection cleaning in commercial and heavy-duty residential settings.

The Desiderio is also much, much, much more expensive, but bear in mind we’re really talking about two very different types of equipment.

You’ll certainly be happy replacing your old Vapor Clean with the new Vapor Clean Plus, if you don’t mind spending over $1000 for it. If you’re primarily looking for a steam cleaner for a “normal” home, though, the models on our list are perfect for the job.

Hope that helps.

Kind Regards,
Lisa