Merle Reck founded Merle’s Steam Clean in 1967. Merle, who ran a gas station in Grand Forks, North Dakota, received his first portable carpet-cleaning machine from a gentleman who owed him money. This unexpected “trade” began three generations of carpet cleaners.

After Merle’s retirement in 1978, his son, Duane, took over the Merle’s Steam Clean business. Over the years, technology has changed from portable machines to truck mounted vans, which operate using hot water extraction. Duane and Phyllis also added Merle’s Air Duct Cleaning to their list of services.

In 2005, Duane’s son, Glenn bought the Grand Forks business and continues to own and operate it today. He has furthered his education through continuing ed seminars to keep himself updated with the highest cleaning standards.

In 1983, Kirk Saiger opened the doors of Merle’s Steam Clean of Bemidji, Minnesota. Kirk is a cousin of Merle Reck and decided to pay for his college tuition at Bemidji State University by cleaning carpets on nights and weekends. After college, Kirk worked in the engineering field, but wanted to get back to the family business of owning and operating his own carpet cleaning business. Making a bold decision in 1994, Kirk left his engineering job in Minneapolis and started Merle’s Steam Clean & Restoration, Inc. of Bemidji. Fully run and operated by Kirk.

Both Kirk and Glenn are certified technicians and take pride in what they do. Since we are an owner-operated company, our work is completely supervised to the highest standards. If you are looking for a company that cares about you and your home, Merle’s Steam Clean is your cleaning solution!