Is Hot or Cold Water for a Carpet Cleaning Machine Better?

How to Clean Vaseline From Carpet
Written By
Melissa Lewis
Melissa Lewis
Published: Sep 10, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Using Cold Water

Cold water also works better on protein stains like blood, milk and eggs, according to Ohio State University.

Using Hot Water

Hot water helps loosen dirt and works best for most stains and carpet types. Combine hot water with a carpet cleaning solution and you will clean your carpets without hiring a professional.

Bottom Line

Unless you’re cleaning a protein stain or have a cold water only extraction machine, use hot water to clean your carpets. According to the University of Missouri Extension, turn your hot water heater no hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to keep you and your family safe.

Photo Credits

carpet close up image by isatori from Fotolia.com

carpet close up image by isatori from Fotolia.com

Melissa Lewis

Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

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