Anyone used a steam cleaner?

[Impret-Sir]

I am thinking of buying one to clean my generally grubby and slightly stained lounge carpet. Has anyone used one of these things, and if so any advice or tips would be appreciated, plus reccomendations on types etc, (ie are the small hand held jobs any use?)

[thewillow]

The Penguin hand-held in useless. Don't waste your money.

[PaulSt]

I've just bought an Earlex one thru EBay (not hand held, I've read that they're not that good). I'm using it at the moment to clean tiling in my bathroom. I'm impressed with it so far. Try www.earlex.co.uk or just do an EBay search.

[Rainbow]

I bought one for about �100- a dirt devil, I have tried it on the carpet & it does work but its a very long process, I had to use the smallest attachment so the steam was concentrated but I can write words in my carpet with it!

[cheyenne]

there good for cleaning toilets, sinks,curtains.carpets forget it!the only way to clean carpets is purchase a profesional carpet cleaning machine(extraction)for about�500 .a numatic is one of the best.or hire one for about �20 a day , but dont buy the liquid ,get powder it goes further.

[Jilly]

I agree with Vinny. An alterntaive would be to have someone in to clean your carpets. I just had a guy in and he charged �50 to do 3 bedsroom, hall starir and landing and a playroom rug. With 3 boys and Dad they were all quite bad and now look like new. Plus he moved the furniture etc

[Impret-Sir]

Thanks for all the replies, PaulSt I have done what you suggested, my Earlex job should arrive next week!