The Different Carpet Cleaning Methods

When you take your carpets or rugs for professional carpet services, you will likely come across different methods of professional carpet cleaning that can be selected for your needs. These methods have their own intrinsic differences and are picked based on the type or carpet or rug that you have, and the recommended care and cleaning procedures for them. Typically, carpet cleaning is one of the basic carpet services you can obtain professionally along with other care procedures to maintain the durability of your carpet or rug.

Hot water extraction

Also known as steam cleaning or wet cleaning, this type of carpet cleaning method involves pre-conditioning the area rug or carpet with a chemical agent in order to liquify any soil, dirt, and other stains that have stuck to the carpet fibers. Then, hot water is pressurized and injected into the carpet for about a 15-minute period, then extracted using a high-powered vacuum. This method is designed to flush out the stains, soil particles, and dirt that are deeply embedded in the fibers, and is the most popular method used by professional carpet cleaners. It is also the most recommended by carpet and rug manufacturers.

Absorbent pads

Another common carpet cleaning method offered along with other carpet services is bonnet cleaning, or cleaning with the use of absorbent pads. This method is usually recommended for light carpet cleaning and maintenance. In this procedure, the carpet is vacuumed, then hand or electric-sprayed with a chemical solution and allowed to soak for a moment. Then the bonnet or absorbent pad is attached to a rotary floor machine which spins over the carpet surface. Compared to steam cleaning, this procedure is faster and less expensive. However, it may not be as thorough especially with stubborn dirt and particles at the bottom of the carpet fibers.

Dry cleaning and absorbent powder

In this procedure, a special powder formulated with solvents and cleaning agents for carpet or rug cleaning is spread over the area and worked into the fibers using a machine with rotating brushes. This powder is designed to absorb soil particles and dirt as it is allowed to settle on the carpet for about 15 minnutes, and then vacuumed up. This process can often be done at home as well, and is very simple and quick to finish. However, there is also the tendency of causing dust build-up especially for more plush carpets and rugs. Also, it does not get deep down to the bottom of the carpet fibers.

Dry foam

A cleaning agent is spread over the carpet or rug area, with the purpose of suspending debris and dirt that have stuck to the carpet fibers. Then, a machine with rotating brushes is used to whip into foam the cleaning solution, then extracted with a vacuum. This method is quite fast and inexpensive, but is ineffective in getting to the particles embedded at the bottom of the rug or carpet. Among the various carpet services, hot water extraction or steam cleaning appears to be the most suggested.