What Does That Mean? A Look at Three Common Carpet-Cleaning Methods
When you're looking for someone to clean your carpets, it's important to know a bit about the different cleaning methods that are commonly used. This way, you can make sure you hire a company that offers the best type of cleaning for your unique needs. Here's a look at each of the three most popular carpet-cleaning methods.
Shampoo Method
Also known as the rotary method, this process involves spraying a cleaning agent onto the carpet. The cleaning agent is then scrubbed around using a rotary cleaning brush until a dense foam forms. The foam penetrates the carpet fibers, loosening dirt and grime. Then the foam (which takes on a dry consistency) is vacuumed up.
The upside to the shampooing method is that it uses only a small amount of moisture, so you don't have to wait more than a few hours for your carpet to dry. It's also good for removing stubborn stains due to the agitation. However, this method does little clean the deeper layers of your carpet and the padding, since these surfaces don't even end up wet. The agitation may fray Berber carpets and others with delicate fibers.
Hot-Water Extraction
During hot-water extraction, pressurized hot water (often with a cleaning agent added) is ejected into the carpet. The water penetrates all of the way down into the carpet padding. It's left in place for a few minutes, and it works to loosen dirt and grime. Then, the water is sucked back up with a powerful suction device.
The advantage of hot-water extraction is that it cleans the deepest layers of the carpet, and that makes this method a good choice if your carpet is harboring pet odors or other smells. It's a good choice for delicate carpets, since there's no friction involved. However, a lot of moisture is used, which means the carpet will take several days to dry. Hot-water extraction is not recommended for wool carpets, since the slow-drying process may cause them to shrink.
Dry Cleaning
If you choose to have your carpet dry cleaned, the technician will apply a special, powdered solvent to the carpet. The powder is allowed to sit for a few minutes. It absorbs the dirt and debris in the carpet, and then it is vacuumed up.
The advantage of dry cleaning is that it's safe for very delicate carpets. It does not expose them to moisture, so there's no risk of shrinking or of colors bleeding. However, dry cleaning is not as thorough as the other methods. A heavily soiled carpet may not see too much improvement with dry cleaning. The deeper layers of the carpet are also not cleaned effectively.
Talk to a company such as Spotless Carpet Cleaners & Janitorial Services Inc to get more personalized advice about what type of cleaning is right for your carpeting.