subject: What You Should Know About Carpet Cleaning - Before You Start [print this page] Carpet cleaning can be either done by a professional cleaning company or you can do it yourself. The most popular ways for cleaning carpets are steam cleaning with water and cleaning solution, a steam only method, dry cleaning and foam cleaning. There is also a method known as the "bonnet" method.
If you are considering using a professional service, check out the company and the services each one offers. Ask what method will they use and compare prices. Find out if they move the furniture or will you be expected to have all the furniture out of the room that will be cleaned?
If someone in the family has allergies, steam is the only good choice. Steam will kill most allergens hidden in your carpet. It's not however recommended for wool carpets due to the high heat. The drying time is short, so you will be able to use the room in no time.
Popular steam cleaning machines that you can rent or purchase use cleaners, mixed with water, that are sprayed on the carpet. They are brushed as you go and the machine vacuums the dirty water up. Make several passes to vacuum up all the water that you can. Drying time will take several hours. Again, it's not for wool carpets because of the hot water.
Cleaning with foam, dry powders or crystals eliminate drying time. Distribute the powder, foam or crystals on the carpet, brush by hand or machine and then vacuum up dirt along with the cleaning agent. Great for wool fiber carpets as well as any other carpet fibers.
Short drying time is a plus with the bonnet method. The bonnet, which is made of cotton or a cotton blend looped material, is placed on a rotary machine and the sprayed on cleaner is absorbed by the bonnet as it rotates. It can take some time, as the bonnets have to be changed frequently, as they become wet and dirty.
Every method must start with a long slow vacuuming. Take your time; watch a TV program while you vacuum. Identify and treat spots and stains when they happen. Different kinds of stains have to be treated with different cleaning products. Is it a red wine stain from a recent party will use a different treatment from motor oil tracked in by your back-yard mechanic.
Carpet cleaning can be so rewarding, follow some rules and you will have a new looking and great smelling carpet in no time.
