Heated Spot Cleaners: Can I use hot water cleaning for every stain type?

When it comes to cleaning tough stains on carpets, rugs and upholstery, heated spot cleaners can be a game-changer, offering a powerful solution for various stain types. But not all stains benefit from hot water cleaning.  

Understanding which stains benefit from hot water and which require cold water can make a significant difference to your cleaning outcomes. 

Stains That Benefit from Hot Water Cleaning

Hot water is particularly effective on stains that are oil-based or require a deep clean to break down the bonding agents that hold the stain in place. Here are the types of stains that benefit most from hot water cleaning: 

Grease and Oil Stains: Hot water helps to break down oils, fats and grease, making it easier to lift these substances from fabrics or surfaces. 

Food and Drink Stains: Fruit juice, chocolate and greasy foods (like pizza or fried foods) leave behind complex stains. Heat helps to dissolve and lift these. 

Pet Stains: Pet urine can be particularly difficult to clean. Hot water helps to break down the organic matter, making it easier to remove the stain and odour. 

Stains That Are Better Handled with Cold Water

While hot water is a powerful tool, not all stains should be treated with heat. In fact, using hot water on the wrong types of stains can make them worse or even set them into fabrics. Here’s a list of stains that are better handled with cold water cleaning: 

Dye-Based Stains: For stains like those from tea, coffee, berries, red wine or grass, cold water is best. Cold water helps to lift the stain without causing it to “set.” 

Protein-Based Stains: While hot water can be effective for fresh protein-based stains, once egg, blood or sweat has dried, cold water is preferred to prevent the stain from bonding further with the fabric fibres. 

When using a heated spot cleaner, knowing which stains respond best to hot versus cold water is crucial for achieving optimal results. Hot water is incredibly effective for breaking down oils, greases and certain food stains. While cold water is better suited for protein and dye-based stains. By understanding these differences, you can ensure that your cleaning efforts are both effective and safe. 

The Vacmaster EasyClean Thermo includes dual temperature control, allowing you to switch between hot water and cold water cleaning to suit your cleaning application.