subject: Heated Vs Non-heated Carpet Cleaners [print this page] Carpet cleaners are advanced cleaning machines designed to deep clean carpets and eliminate foul odors. These cleaning machines are efficient in removing the toughest dirt, stubborn stains, and greasy deposits from carpeted and upholstered surfaces, when the right tool is used. However, when it comes to selecting a carpet cleaning machines - selecting between heated and non-heated systems can be difficult. As such, it is important to know what sets the configurations apart.
Cold Water or Hot Water
Heated versions of carpet cleaning equipment are more powerful than their non-heated counterparts. While non-heated versions use cold water for cleaning, heated versions eject very hot water to more readily dissolve stubborn deposits and stains within carpet fibers. Cold water based models are adequate for lighter cleaning tasks. However, to deep clean carpets that are quite dirty or feature tough stains, it is best to choose heated configurations.
Despite the enhanced power afforded by heated carpet cleaning equipment, there are applications for which a non-heated system would be preferred. For example, high hot water temperatures can damage delicate carpets. In this case, a cold water or non-heated machine would be best. If you possess heavy-duty and delicate carpets, it would be a good idea to purchase an advanced model that enables users to control the temperature settings. This way, you will be able to adjust the right temperature for each carpet.
Beyond Temperature Options
Compact, light-weight, and portable models of carpet cleaning systems designed for light-duty carpet cleaning jobs are available in both heated and non-heated configurations. Though, generally, non-heated models are less expensive and lighter than their heated counterparts.
If you decide a heated carpet shampooer is right for you, there are further decisions to make. For example, single tank and dual inline heating element configurations are available. Inline heating elements tend to be more efficient, with faster heating times.
Pressure levels are another aspect you must note before using a carpet shampooer on your carpet. For light carpet cleaning applications or upholstery maintenance, choose carpet cleaning equipment featuring pressure levels in the range 50 psi to 100 psi. However, for the most demanding carpet cleaning applications, systems with pressure levels as high as 500 psi are available.
What to Do with Your Machine
Now that you know the advantages of the different types of carpet cleaners, let us move on to the correct method of deep cleaning carpets. Your first step must be to pre-treat the carpet by spraying it with cleaning solutions, preferably green carpet cleaning chemicals. Allow the chemical to remain on the carpet for about 15 minutes to dissolve the caked dirt deposits.
Now you can use the carpet extractor. The latest versions of carpet cleaning machines inject water and more solution (if desired) into the carpet and efficiently extract the dirty water and solution containing the dissolved dirt and stain particles.
In all carpet cleaning applications, low moisture technology as key, as it effectively reduces drying times drastically. Carpets cleaned by low moisture carpet cleaners dry in as little as 1 hour, where as traditional systems require up to 24 hours. To ensure the machine you select offers low-flow technology and optimum power and durability, consult a reputable supplier.