Carpet steam cleaning (hot-water extraction).
Truck-mount HWE penetrates below the fiber surface, lifting 97% of embedded dirt, dust mites, and allergens that regular vacuuming can’t reach. The deepest carpet clean available.
What steam cleaning actually is
Most people call it steam cleaning. Technically it’s hot-water extraction (HWE) — the same process, better name. Water heated to 200°F+ is sprayed into carpet fibers under pressure, then extracted with high-suction wands. Debris, allergens, and cleaning solution come out together, leaving fibers virtually residue-free. Regular steam cleaners at home don’t produce enough heat or suction to actually deep-clean; truck-mount systems do.
What comes out
Embedded soil and grit that vacuuming can’t reach. Dust mite waste and body parts (the primary indoor allergen for many people). Pet dander in fabrics. Food and drink residue. Coastal salt film in OC and Malibu homes. Even mild-to-moderate stains. What HWE can’t touch: permanent color changes from bleach, dye transfer from cheap rugs, damaged fiber tips, or urine damage that has reached the sub-pad.
Dry time reality
Walkable in 30 minutes with socks. Fully dry in 4–6 hours under normal airflow. We can bring air movers for 2–3 hour dry times on high-traffic homes. Slower dry times mean higher humidity — open windows or run the AC after we leave for the fastest turnaround.
Flat-rate, no surprises.
| Item | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Standard room (up to 250 sq ft) | From $60 |
| Master bedroom / large room | From $80 |
| Hallway | From $30 |
| Stairs (per flight) | From $50 |
| Whole-home (5+ rooms) | 15% bundle discount |
Minimum charge: $150 per visit. Bundling with other services saves 10-15%.
DIY vs. alternative vs. Connor’s.
Rental machines struggle with real steam. Here’s why professional truck-mount HWE outperforms every DIY option.
| Grocery-store product | Rental steam machine | Connor’s Cleaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suction / extraction | Weak home unit | Consumer-grade | Truck-mount, walkable in 30 min |
| Water temperature | ~150°F & drops fast | Cools during use | 200°F+ maintained throughout |
| Dust mite kill | Surface only | ~50% | ~97% deep extraction |
| Dry time | 24+ hours damp | 12–24 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Cost per whole home | $100+ equipment + your labor | $35/day + solutions + labor | From $250 flat, done in one visit |
If we don’t hit the standard — we come back, free.
72-hour re-clean guarantee on every service. If you’re not happy with any part of the job, tell us within 72 hours and we return — no fees, no arguments, no fine print.
What clients ask.
How is steam cleaning different from shampooing?
Shampooing uses a foam that gets worked in, then vacuumed out — but residue stays in the fibers and attracts new dirt fast. HWE flushes the fibers with heated water and extracts everything back out. Carpet stays cleaner longer.
Will hot water damage my carpet?
No, if the carpet is in good condition. HWE is manufacturer-recommended for most residential carpets (nylon, polyester, olefin). Wool and silk area rugs get a different, gentler process — see area rug cleaning.
How often should I steam clean carpets?
Once a year for most homes. Every 6 months for pet households or heavy traffic. Every 3–4 months for coastal homes with visible salt film buildup.
Related services
General carpet cleaning · Area rug cleaning · Pet stain & odor removal · All carpet services
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