Different Types of Carpet Cleaning Methods
When it comes to carpet cleaning, there are several different carpet cleaning methods that can be used. The method that will work best for your carpet depends on the level of soiling and how long it’s been since your last carpet cleaning. Here are some of the most popular methods of carpet cleaning and deep cleaning:
- Vacuum Cleaning – This is the most basic of the many carpet cleaning methods. It involves using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the surface of the carpet. This method is best for dirt particles that are on the carpet surface. This should be done once to twice weekly depending on whether you have pets or a large family which creates more foot traffic. Vacuum cleaning consistently will keep your carpets in better condition, and prevent you from having to deep clean your carpets as often.
- Dry cleaning – This carpet cleaning method is the most common dry carpet cleaning process and the most popular for high-traffic areas. It involves using a powdered carpet cleaner, like baking soda, and a carpet cleaning machine to agitate the carpet. The dry powder is applied to the carpet, and is brushed with high pressure. This lets the powder deeply penetrate the carpet fibers, and then the loose dirt and powder is vacuumed up. Since there is no drying time for dry carpet cleaning, it the best carpet cleaning method for offices and busy households.
- Steam cleaning – Steam cleaning involves using a special carpet cleaning machine to inject hot steam into the carpet pile, then immediately extracting the dirty water. Steam carpet cleaning not only removes the dirt and stains, but it also sanitizes the carpet. The hot steam will kill any bacteria, fleas, or dust mites that may be present. A disadvantage to this method is the long drying time which can cause mold growth if fabric is left to dry for too long.
- Encapsulation – Encapsulation carpet cleaning is a newer cleaning method that is becoming more popular because of its short drying time. It involves using a carpet cleaning machine and a special synthetic detergent that encapsulates the dirt, deep stains, and other allergens in a thick foam. When the foam dries it forms a protective barrier over the dirt, making the dirt easier to vacuum up.
- Bonnet cleaning – Bonnet carpet cleaning involves using a special carpet cleaning solution and a bonnet (a type of motorized spinning pad) to scrub the carpet. The solution is applied to the motorized bonnet and it is used to scrub the surface of the carpet. The dirt and other allergens are then absorbed by the bonnet. Bonnet cleaning won’t remove deep dirt from the carpet fibers, but it will surface clean your carpet extraordinarily well.
- Hot water extraction – Hot water extraction is a carpet cleaning technique that involves using extremely hot high-pressurized water and a special cleaning solution to agitate and clean the carpet. The pressurized water provides a deep cleaning that will lift dirt and debris making them easier to remove. This method can take your damp carpets 4 hours or longer to dry completely. The difference between this method and steam cleaning is that a steam cleaner uses much higher temperatures to sanitize carpet with steam rather than very hot water. Additionally, steam cleaning takes 4-5x longer to dry completely.
- Carpet shampooing – This cleaning method involves using a deep shampooing solution and a motorized brush to agitate the carpet. Once the cleaning solution is applied to the carpet it is then left to sit for a few minutes. After a few minutes have passed, dirt and other allergens are then vacuumed out of the carpet fiber. One drawback to carpet shampooing is that the cleaning agent can leave behind a chemical residue. Professional carpet cleaners will often follow this method with hot water extraction to remove the chemical residue left behind.
As you can see, different cleaning methods are best suited for different types of dirt and stains. Choose the best method based on the type of stain or dirt you need to remove. Carpet shampooing is best for light stains, dry cleaning is best for deep-rooted dirt and grime, steam cleaning is best for sanitizing carpets, and encapsulation is best for short dry times. Bonnet cleaning and hot water extraction are also effective methods for cleaning carpets. Carpet shampooing leaves behind a sticky residue, so it’s not the best choice for high-traffic areas. Carpet bonneting is best for light stains and dirt on the surface of the carpet.