Carpet Cleaning and the various methods used©

Author: Vartan Khazadian, owner of CleenCarpet®
7/15/2007

If you are like most people, you’re probably a bit confused about the different advertised carpet cleaning methods used today. This is understandable, for there are four common methods. However, it is nice to know that all these methods will result in a good carpet cleaning. However, as a homeowner, it is important to know which method is the best for your carpeting.

Rotary Shampoo Bonnet Method

This is the preferred method for tight, low pile carpeting. Similar looking to a floor polisher, this machine has a spinning bonnet that has carpet cleaning shampoo applied to the bonnet itself. Applied at low speeds, this ensures the carpet fibers are not pulled from the backing, and that all the topical soils are removed. Because low pile carpets don’t accumulate a large amount of embedded dirt, this method is perfect to remove the topical soiling.

Dry Extraction Method

Similar to dry cleaning, this method applies a dry chemical into the carpet fibers with a brush. After the compound is absorbed by the soil, it is then removed by vacuuming. This method is not used very often, for it is the least expensive, and least effective, method for carpet cleaning.

Dry Foam Extraction Method

This method is similar to the dry extraction method, with the major difference being that the “chemical” is a foam-like substance. This foam is then extracted using wet vacuuming. Dry vacuuming is then needed to pick up any left over dirt. This method is better than the dry extraction method, but still not preferred to bonnet or steam cleaning.

Hot Water Extraction Method “Steam Cleaning”

This method is sometimes called "steam cleaning," and is the best method available. Water is heated to roughly 200 degrees and injected deep down into the carpeting along with a cleaning agent. Allowed to sit and loosen the embedded dirt, the solution and soil are then sucked out of the carpeting. The result is the cleanest carpets you can get!

Now that you understand the four major carpet cleaning methods on the market today, you can make better informed decisions about your home and the care that is required. You are one step closer to becoming a more well-informed consumer.