Best Carpet Cleaning Methods Explained: Which one is right for you?
- Fantastic Team
- Published: December 4, 2018
- 9min read
- Views: 5,667
Carpets are a serious investment that requires regular and, more importantly, adequate care. To ensure a longer life-span of your textile floor covering, you need to know which is the most effective (and safe) cleaning method for its needs.
So, if you:
Then read on!
In this article, we are going to discuss the different types of cleaning techniques, how they work, and of course, their pros and cons. This way, you can determine which maintenance solution is suitable for your type of flooring.
Generally, hot water extraction (or steam cleaning) is the best way to clean carpets that can handle it. For more delicate carpet types, dry cleaning is often the preferred method.
Of course, which cleaning method is right for you depends on the type of carpet you have. Plus, there are other options available out there, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Now, let’s cover each of the best and most popular carpet cleaning methods in more detail.
It is performed by specially trained technicians that use professional equipment to inject hot water in between the fibres of the dirty carpet. There is no need for harsh chemicals with this treatment because the warm water mixed with a gentle cleaning product alone can restore your rug’s original look. This type of carpet maintenance technique is perfect for removing any stubborn stains or spills.
Many professional cleaning companies out there tend to sell this solution as “steam cleaning”, which is incorrect and misleading. Yes, this sort of method really does produce an amount of steam, while it’s been executed, but that doesn’t help with the actual cleaning process in any way. To find what are the differences between the two methods, check out this blog post on the topic.
How hot water extraction works:
Pros:
Cons:
The dry carpet cleaning method requires a special type of machine that offers a no-moisture or “very low moisture” (VLM) cleaning solution. It’s an efficient method that removes dirt, grit, sand, stains, and allergens from more delicate or natural materials.
Dry carpet cleaning with powder
A powder mixture made from special cleaning agents and solvents is applied all over the carpet, then with the help of a machine, fitted with a counter-rotating brush, the product is gently worked into the fibres of the floor covering. The mixture’s purpose is to soak up all the soils from the rug’s fibres. After the powder has been left to set for around 10 to 15 minutes, it’s removed by a vacuum cleaner.
How dry carpet cleaning with powder works:
Pros:
Cons:
Dry carpet cleaning with foam
The process of this cleaning solution goes like this: A special cleaning product is distributed evenly across the surface of the carpet and whipped into a foam. Right after that, the foam is carefully worked inside the carpet’s fibres with a rotating brush attached to a special machine. This way, all sorts of dirt and debris are suspended from the floor covering. The foam is let to sit there for a short amount of time and removed with a vacuum cleaner. The dry foam contains about 90% air and 10% liquid, which means that it’s low in moisture.
How dry carpet cleaning with foam works:
Pros:
Cons:
Dry carpet cleaning with solvents
This carpet cleaning method is used for more expensive materials. You won’t find the special products for dry solvent cleaning in your corners market and they are also on the expensive side. The detergents clean really well and are gentle enough, so they don’t damage the material of the treated area.
How dry cleaning with solvents works:
Pros:
Cons:
Not sure whether hot water extraction or dry cleaning is the proper cleaning method for your needs? Read our comparison post on steam carpet cleaning vs dry carpet cleaning to learn more.
This is probably the most popular carpet cleaning solution out there. It only requires a carpet shampoo and a brush.
The idea is that the cleaning product is applied on the carpet and then, worked into its fibres with the use of a regular or motorized brush. This way, all stuck-on dirt and debris are lifted from the fibres and removed afterwards with a vacuum cleaner.
Pros:
Cons:
Wonder what are the differences between hot water extraction and shampooing? Check our post on steam carpet cleaning vs carpet shampooing to see a comparison between the methods.
People used to clean their carpets this way before the invention of vacuum cleaning machines. The process involves only a brush, water, and some kind of detergent. Basically, the rug is thoroughly scrubbed and left to sundry. The downside is that the traditional method doesn’t work for a wall-to-wall floor covering because you can’t place it outdoors to dry.
Pros:
Cons:
Interested in a comparison between professional service and DIY carpet cleaning? Check out our post on DIY carpet cleaning vs. professional carpet cleaning.
Our expert advice is…
The most effective carpet cleaning method nowadays is the hot water extraction one. It’s the only process known to get rid of more than 95% of dirt and bacteria found in carpets and rugs. Hot water extraction penetrates the lowest layer of the floor covering and removes all the dirt and debris from its fibres which makes it the best method for carpet cleaning. Another major benefit that comes with this type of treatment is that it’s very effective against stains. Compared to dry cleaning, hot water extraction is not as time-consuming and it’s easier on the wallet. Regarding the cleaning frequency, the majority of carpet manufacturers advise to have your carpets deep cleaned at least once a year.
The most effective carpet cleaning method nowadays is the hot water extraction one.
Of course, the best way to determine which carpet cleaning method is best for your rug highly depends on several factors, such as:
Before you pick your carpet cleaning treatment, you have to take these specifications under consideration, because some methods just don’t work with certain types of carpets. For example, hot water extraction isn’t suitable for more delicate materials, like velvet or expensive silk. If you have trouble choosing the right sort of carpet cleaning, we suggest that you seek advice from the company you want to book.
If you decide to go on your own, here is how to clean your carpet at home yourself.
Professional Carpet Cleaning by Fantastic Services
You can always spare yourself the hassle and elbow grease by hiring a professional to clean your rug for you. We, here at Fantastic Services, offer carpet cleaning solutions for every type of floor covering out there. No matter if it’s made from a natural, synthetic, or delicate fabric, we have all the necessary detergents and equipment to get your carpet looking as good as new.
Book now to enjoy fast, effective, and long lasting results!
No matter of the cleaning method, remember to always do a small spot test on a hidden part of your carpet. Depending on the size, nature, and age of the stain, some of them might be impossible to remove. We cannot take responsibility if any of the above-mentioned methods do not work on your carpets. Please read our full disclaimer here.
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Did you find this article useful? Which is your preferred carpet cleaning method? Share with us in the comments!
Images source: Depositphotos: snyfer / luckybusiness / vladislavgajic
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