What is the Best Carpet Cleaning Method?
Why Carpet Cleaning Is Important?
A spotless carpet can improve the look and feel of your home. Regular carpet cleaning also helps in eliminating an unpleasant odour that you don’t even notice but can be highly noticeable to visitors or anyone else who enters the room for the first time. This phenomenon is known as ‘Olfactory Fatigue’ which means getting too used to the smell that you no longer smell it. Additionally, you should keep a routine for your carpet cleaning because your carpets are an investment and are expensive. If your carpets are not frequently cleaned, you can be missing out on a comfortable and healthy environment.
What Is the Best Type of Carpet Cleaning Method?
Each carpet cleaning method comes with its pros and cons. Depending on the kind of dirt and carpet you’re dealing with, different cleaning methods will produce different results. The most common carpet cleaning methods utilized by carpet cleaning businesses are listed below. To choose the best approach for your carpets, be sure to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
1. Hot Water Extraction Cleaning
To agitate the carpet fiber and dissolve dirt in the carpet, this form of carpet cleaning uses hot, high-pressure water. This carpet cleaning method, often referred to as hot water extraction, typically requires applying a cleaning solution to the contaminated area, brushing the carpet to agitate it, and then washing it. After applying the cleaning solution to the carpet for a brief period of time, the carpet will be thoroughly rinsed with carpet cleaning equipment before being allowed to air dry at room temperature. For people who are allergic to soap or shampoo or have other sensitivities, hot water extraction is a fantastic alternative. Additionally, it is useful for removing irritants, mold, bacteria, and germs in steam. However, it can be a little difficult to completely remove all traces of water after steam cleaning a carpet, so after a few hours of cleaning, the carpet might not be suitable for walking on.
2. Encapsulation
Encapsulation can occasionally be mistaken for a dry carpet cleaning technique, however, the main difference is that it makes use of encapsulating chemicals. Encapsulating chemicals are foam-like substances that crystallize before being vacuumed up. The foam traps dirt and debris and brings it up to the carpet’s surface. This cleaning method has surpassed carpet shampooing technology since it uses less water during washing, which further reduces the amount of time the carpet needs to dry. Because there is minimal residue left behind after carpet cleaning, this method is liked by individuals who promote the use of environment-friendly techniques for carpet cleaning. Additionally, the treatments must be performed numerous times to achieve the desired results because this technology cannot reach deep enough to eliminate the dirt layer.
3. Carpet Steam Cleaning
The carpet is cleaned using steam under this procedure. Hot water extraction is also known as steam cleaning but they both are completely different procedures. In the steam cleaning process, actual steam is released onto the carpet, which helps in the loosening of dirt. This steam cleaning technique can be applied to specific carpets because it performs better on hard surfaces. This procedure works best if the carpet is soiled. However, as this procedure just removes surface dust, it is not appropriate for thorough cleaning. If you are paying for a full hot water extraction cleaning procedure, avoid getting little steam instead.
4. Carpet Shampooing
Shampooing is one of the common and oldest techniques, which is frequently used to clean carpets by industries like hospitals, that continue to use it commercially. Since hospitals must constantly appear clean and there is a lot of foot traffic, they find that this procedure works well for cleaning their carpets. Using a rotary floor machine, a shampoo-like liquid is brushed into the carpet along with water to clean it. The equipment rotates the foam into the carpet using hard bristles which helps in loosening up dirt and debris. However, this method is not considered as gentle as steam cleaning equipment and may not be suitable for delicate carpet cleaning. This method is suitable to get rid of difficult strains but requires careful and proper extraction. Additionally, the only drawback of this method is that it will trap and lock even more dust along the carpet’s surface due to the sticky detergent residues that are left over after shampooing.
5. Bonnet Cleaning
Bonnet cleaning refers to cleaning the carpet with the help of a bonnet-cleaning machine. The machine has a revolving towel-like head known as the bonnet. This procedure is similar to carpet shampooing but it only focuses on the surface of the carpet. Bonnet cleaning involves using a rotating brush or pad soaked in a cleaning solution to scrub the surface of the carpet. This method is primarily used for light surface cleaning and is often used for commercial cleaning. It may not be as effective in deep cleaning or removing below-the-surface dirt. This technique is frequently used in places like hotels where it is necessary to maintain cleanliness without disturbing customers’ comfort. As a result, this carpet cleaning approach may be appropriate for high foot traffic settings like offices because of its advantage of drying up quickly.
6. Dry Powder Cleaning
Dry powder cleaning is also referred to as dry extraction cleaning or dry carpet cleaning. Dry powder cleaning involves spreading a dry cleaning compound or powder onto the carpet and working it into the fibres. The powder absorbs dirt and is then vacuumed away. This method is ideal for individuals who do not want the carpet to get damp after cleaning. This is because a very small amount of water is used in this process which allows the carpet to dry very quickly. The dry powder cleaning method will not be considered deep cleaning but it is perfect for quick clean-ups and maintenance. This method can be effective for lightly soiled carpets, but it may not be suitable for heavy stains or deep cleaning. Additionally, the drawback of this method is that the powder substance may accumulate on the carpet over time, which can cause allergies and leave an odour. As a result, it is viewed as a less eco-friendly option.
What Is The Best Carpet Cleaning Method?
So, it would be a good option to consider both regular carpet maintenance and deep cleaning of the carpet such as hot water extraction and steam cleaning once in a while. Additionally, it is recommended to hire a professional carpet cleaner for your carpets every 12-18 months for proper cleaning of your carpets. Professional cleaning once a year will further make it easier for you to maintain your carpet clean through regular clean-ups.
Some Tips for Keep Your Carpets Clean
1. Regular vacuuming removes dirt and dust from the carpets so, try investing in a powerful vacuum cleaner and use it regularly to keep your carpet in good condition.
2. Power wash the external surfaces of your home regularly. The accumulated dust, grime, and other debris from the exterior of the house may become airborne and enter the house where they may settle on carpets.
3. You should also inspect your home’s window and door screens. To prevent airborne dust and other particles out of the house, get screens with smaller mesh if your screens’ holes and the mesh is very wide.
4. Trim your pet’s nails and claws to prevent pulling on carpet threads and fibres as well as to lessen the quantity of dirt they might bring to the carpet. Trimming your nails helps make your indoor carpeting cleaner since these threads allow more dirt and debris to be trapped.
5. Replace the furnace filter at least once a year, and have the home’s ductwork professionally cleaned as well. Dirt and dust settle inside ducts and are subsequently blown over carpeting, and an old and clogged furnace filter will not catch as much airborne dust and debris, causing it to settle on the floors.