subject: An Overview Of Carpet Cleaning Methods [print this page] A carpet that is clean can make any home more enjoyable. It will smell better, look nicer, and is more comfortable for bare feet. The whole room can look brighter when carpeting is clean. Most homeowners hire carpet cleaning services to professionally clean their carpets every six to twelve months. Three methods of carpet cleaning are the most commonly used types. These are steam, or hot water extraction, dry cleaning, and shampooing. Each offers benefits and drawbacks.
Shampooing carpets was the most commonly used method for years, but has fallen into disfavor in recent times. This method uses a rotary machine which works shampoo into the pile, then vacuumed while wet. Older solutions used coconut oil, resulting in a residual film that attracted dirt, making carpets quickly look soiled again. New solutions dry, becoming a powder which have to be vacuumed thoroughly within 24 hours.
Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, is one of the most popular methods used today. In this method, stains or traffic patterns are pretreated as needed. Then, a detergent is spread over the floor, and a tool is used to suction out water and dirt. This technique requires a lot of water, and it is important that it be extracted properly. If not, it can cause dirt to be drawn into the pile from the backing or padding, and stains can result.
If you need to be able to walk on your carpets quickly, you might prefer to have them dry cleaned. This is a low moisture process, so it is not actually a dry one. It is, however, fast. First, crystals or powders are spread over the carpeting, typically by a machine, and worked into the carpet pile. Immediate vacuuming follows, and the process is complete.
You can help keep carpets attractive by treating all spills or stains immediately. Always blot, and never rub, since this can work stains deeper into the carpet. Household carpet cleaners can be used, but follow instructions completely and check carpet first to make sure it is colorfast.
Using mats by entrances and runners across traffic areas can keep floors from developing unsightly stains. So can reducing dust in the home, since it can gather beside walls and leave a stain. Vacuum often and thoroughly, and always change the bag on your machine when it is needed. A full vacuum bag can not only reduce suction, but can actually force the machine to blow dirt back.
Often, carpet cleaning services give discounted rates to new customers. Some also offer one year contracts, where you pay in advance to have them clean your carpets a certain number of times, usually four, during that year. Rates can be reduced by half or more with a contract. If you use special offers like these, having a professional clean your carpet can be very economical, and can make your carpets last a lot longer.
