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Steam cleaning is generally considered better than shampooing for deep cleaning carpets. Also known as hot water extraction, steam cleaning uses heat to penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, effectively removing dirt, allergens, and bacteria without leaving behind a sticky residue. This method also tends to cause less wear on your carpet over time and leaves the fibers feeling softer. While a steamer can be more expensive, the cost is often justified by the longevity of your carpet. Shampooing may be a suitable option for quickly fixing odors or cleaning minor surface stains. However, it can leave behind a soapy film that attracts more dirt, defeating the purpose of the cleaning. The best choice depends on your needs; for a thorough, deep clean, steam is the superior option, while shampooing can handle light, surface-level dirt.

Most carpet cleaning solutions are safe to use in the home. However, to avoid irritation and health issues you can look for a neutral, mild detergent, especially one that’s marked as nontoxic or eco friendly. When in doubt, always check out the ingredient list. Some cleaning options only use steam heat to clean with little or no detergent, which could be an option if you’re worried. 

To remove pet urine stains and odors from a microfiber couch, first blot the area to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, generously cover the spot with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the odor before vacuuming it up.

For cleaning the stain itself, you can use a commercial urine stain and odor removal spray—be sure to follow the product's instructions.

Alternatively, you can use a DIY solution based on your couch's cleaning code:

• For 'S' code couches: Lightly spritz the stain with rubbing alcohol and gently scrub with a microfiber cloth.

• For 'W' or 'S-W' code couches: Use a mixture of one cup of vinegar and one cup of rubbing alcohol, spritzing and scrubbing the area gently.

Steam cleaning a couch should get rid of most smells, but there are some more potent smells that require a bit more work than steam cleaning. For instance, steam cleaning won’t likely get the smell of pee out of a couch. To remove urine odor from a couch, you’ll most likely need to use an enzymatic cleaner, which targets the smell and stain.