Carpet Cleaning Methods
A clean carpet can make a dramatic difference on the way it looks and smells. There are many ways in which to get a carpet clean. The method you choose will depend upon several variables. Understanding these variables will allow you to select the method that’s right for you.
Variables in Carpet Cleaning Methods
There are a few things to figure out before making a call to have a cleaner come to clean the carpets.
- What kind of carpet are you having cleaned?
- How much carpet is there?
- How deeply saturated are the stains?
- How quickly does the carpet need to be dry?
Answering these questions will ensure that you get the best possible carpet cleaning so that you are getting value for your money. Not all companies offer all options, so going to one that specializes in what you’re looking for will get you a better deal.
The kind of carpet you have will help the company to determine what kind of machine they are going to send out. If you have shag carpeting versus a Persian rug, the application may be very different. The same goes for how much carpet there is. If it’s a simple, localized stain that you are having removed, you may want to consider a retail product before hiring a company to come clean the entire carpeting. The type of stain will also determine what kind of chemicals they may need to use. Blood is treated much harsher than mud because of the way it soaks in and stains the fibers. Finally, if you need your carpet dried fast, they may recommend a dry cleaning method instead of a wet cleaning.
You’ll be given the choice of several different carpet cleaning methods including dry cleaning and steam cleaning. Each of these is very different in how the process is handled.
Dry Cleaning as a Carpet Cleaning Method
This method requires a dry compound, often a powder, to be applied to the carpet. The compound is ground into the carpet and attracts the dirt and grime. A specialized machine then goes over the carpet and uses a very low moisture system to remove the compound, thus the dirt and grime.
Steam Cleaning as a Carpet Cleaning Method
Steam cleaning is one of the most common methods for carpet cleaning. It is often referred to as wet-cleaning as well because a wet agent is applied to the carpet, brushed in by a machine and then extracted, using steam and a wet vacuum. Since liquid is applied to the carpet, it will require drying time, so depending upon the time frame you have, you may need to consider another option.
Carpet cleaning methods have varied over the years. It used to be that shampoo saturation was the way to go, however there was no rinse method, so the carpets would continue to attract dirt. Dry cleaning and steam cleaning can give an entirely new look to an otherwise old carpet. Whether it’s a high foot traffic area, kids, or pets, cleaning carpets occasionally will help keep the room looking fresh and smelling great.
