Different Carpet Cleaning methods

There are a variety of different services when it comes to carpet cleaning. Most of them are well known by people who often request these services, but they’re not as obvious to people who never had an experience with cleaning companies. It is important to know the differences and quirks of each method, so that you can choose the best one for your own carpet.

Hot Water and Steam Extraction

The bread and butter, and by far, the most popular method for cleaning carpets is the extraction of dirt with hot water, or performing steam cleaning while hot water is applied to the carpet fibers at a high pressure. The combination of hot water and high pressure allows all the dirt and dust present in the rugs to be removed with ease. In addition, steam can help unravel the rug, making it softer and fresher.

Cleaning with detergent

The most common DIY method usually consists of detergents used with water and a brush to help spread it all across the whole carpet or rug, removing dirt and dust from it. Afterwards, the carpet or rug must be washed with clean water once again, until it is entirely clean and free from all dirt. This method, however, although more practical, is much more tiresome and less effective than steam cleaning, and depending on the fiber type, it may result in loss of color.

Dry Cleaning

Another method also well known by many is dry carpet cleaning, where you use a special type of detergent, powder detergent or similar chemical products (such as Sodium Bicarbonate). For this service, the owner must apply a small amount of water with the product or powder detergent, using a brush to spread the powder and specific tools to extract the detergent and dirt present on the carpet.

Foam Cleaning or Encapsulation

Most commonly known as Encapsulation, or the dirtiest and most debris-filled carpets, foam is used. It is a specific type of foam that is applied to the carpet, where it starts to bubble and expand the foam, retaining all the dirt and making it reach the carpet surface, allowing a quick extraction of foam and dirt by steam.

What is the best method for cleaning carpets?

While there is no better methodology for doing carpet cleaning, in order to choose the ideal cleaning for your carpet, it is important to check the dirt and stains present throughout the carpet, as well as the advantages and disadvantages offered by each method.

Therefore, you can choose the best cleaning alternative that is suitable for the dirt and residues present on your carpet.

For those who are allergic to detergents, hot water extraction / steam cleaning is a great alternative. In addition, steam can help to kill all the bacteria, mold and mildew present in carpets, thus making it the most viable alternative for those with nasal sensitivity. However, with this method, traces of water will persist for a considerable amount of time before drying, meaning it might take a few hours for the rug/carpet to be in good condition again.

For removing stubborn dirt from your carpet, washing carpets with detergent has a greater effectiveness. However, not only is it relatively tiresome, but it is necessary to have a proper and very thorough extraction. Detergent residues left behind after cleaning can remain on the carpet, accumulating even more dust and dirt on the surface if left unattended.

Dry cleaning is one of the methods best suited to offices and homes with lots of movement that cannot wait until the carpet finally dries. But, those chemicals and powder detergents used in dry carpet cleaning can be pungent. Therefore, a totally adequate ventilation must be used for this type of cleaning, besides being a disadvantage for those with allergies.

Cleaning the rug using the hood can only remove the dirt present on the surface of the rug, which is a disadvantage for those who want to get a deeper cleaning of the entire rug. However, it is a great option for those who want a quick and affordable service option, being especially recommended for carpets that do not have deep dirt or are extremely dirty.

Conclusion

It is highly recomended that those looking to clean their carpet get in touch with a professional cleaning company such as It's All Clean San Diego. In order to ensure your carpet/rug is cleaned properly, we offer a variety of services that can restore your carpet to its former glory!

For those who want to do their own carpet cleaning, they should avoid using too much pressure or scrubbing the carpet too hard, they can damage your entire carpet. During detergent removal, a complete extraction must be done without leaving traces of detergent, chemicals or foam.

When removing dirt from your carpet by steam, you must be very patient, and make sure that you are removing all the dirt and residues from the carpet. In addition, it is extremely important to avoid walking on carpets that are still damp as that can cause damage and wear it out, making its life expectancy much shorter.