What are the different types of carpet cleaning?
Cleaning carpet is not a one-size-fits-all process.
The huge variety of carpet materials, types, and styles necessitates different methods of professional carpet cleaning to achieve the best results and accommodate them. There are different types of carpet fibers, so certain types of carpets will require different cleaning techniques. This is something many people do not understand. Likewise, some cleansers might damage certain carpet fibers, while they work wonders on others. Choosing a carpet cleaner without doing any preliminary research will result in the carpet being cleaned with whatever method they feel like using without giving a thought as to what is best for the carpet. There are 4 common types of professional carpet cleaning.
1. Carpet Shampooing
Carpets are shampooed by using special detergents and water, just like your hair! Scrubbing the carpeting with rotating brushes might loosen dirt and debris and scrub the shampoo into it. Extraction of the shampoo is done with clean water, until the carpet is clean and residue-free.
Pros: Carpet shampooing is an effective method of removing stubborn stains. The process is relatively fast and can cover a large area quickly. Despite using water as part of the cleaning agent, it usually dries within an hour.
Cons: Extraction must be thorough and accurate when shampooing. If sticky detergent residues remain after shampooing, they will trap and lock in additional dirt and dust. Rugs might appear dirty very soon after shampooing. The mechanical agitation can untwist delicate carpet fiber, causing texture damage. Felting or matting can be particularly noticeable on wool carpeting.
2. Hot Water Extraction or “Steam” Cleaning
Hot water is pushed via high-pressure wand intoto carpet fibers during hot water extraction cleaning . As a result of the hot water and pressure, the dirt, mud, dust, and other debris on the carpet can be easily extracted. During the “steaming” process, matted carpet fibers become fluffier, so your carpet feels softer under your feet.
Pros: Hot water extraction is an excellent choice for those with allergies or sensitivities to detergents and shampoos. Steam gives a deep clean by also killing bacteria, germs, mold, mildew, and other irritants, another benefit for those with sensitive sinuses! Suitable for nearly all carpet types, including wool. Very gentle on fibers.
Cons: However, it’s challenging to remove all traces of water after a carpet steam clean, so carpeting may not be ready for foot traffic for several hours after cleaning. The drying time is longer, typically between 2 and 6 hours. Leaving carpets over-wet in the hands of an inexperienced person can cause wrinkling and odor problems.
3. Carpet Dry Cleaning
With carpet dry cleaning, an absorbent powder detergent or similar chemical is applied to the carpet with very little water. A rotating brush forces the powder into the fibers, and then an extraction tool removes the detergent and dirt.
Pros : For offices and busy facilities with limited time, dry cleaning is preferred.
Cons : Because the detergents and chemicals used in dry cleaning carpets can be somewhat pungent, proper ventilation is important. This carpet cleaning method is not recommended for those who are allergic or have breathing difficulties.
4. Bonnet Carpet Cleaning
The bonnet method is similar to shampoo cleaning, but is applied with a rotary machine, using a brush or pad to mix the foam carpet cleaning solution with the soiling. Mostly used for heavily soiled commercial applications, this method is not recommended by carpet manufacturers. The original process doesn't include much extraction, so some solution remains in the carpet unless a subsequent extraction is done.
Pros : Easy and fast dry time. Useful for quick touch-ups in commercial applications.
Cons : Doesn’t remove residue or contaminants. Can push the soil into the carpet’s backing.
