subject: How Do The Different Carpet Cleaning Methods Stack Up [print this page] A carpet is considered one of the most important things that one can find in a modern household. Carpets can make or break the look of the whole room. Aside from the aesthetic perspective, carpets are highly functional as well. Honestly, wouldn't you prefer walking around on a carpeted floor than a bare one?
However, with carpets comes the responsibility of cleaning them. Carpets attract dirt and even if someone tries to maintain hygiene by vacuuming them, there will always be a stain that stays behind. Hence, a dedicated carpet cleaning method is required to be applied.
A dirty carpet can destroy the look of the whole room. This is a good reason why one should always maintain the cleanliness of their carpets not just at times, but all the time. Besides, it is useful from the health perspective as well. Whether someone does this on their own or hires a professional to do so (usually recommended), they need to make sure that their carpets get the cleaning they deserve.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is by far the most preferred carpet cleaning method out there. Out of all the different methods, this is the most effective and common. It has been around for a long time and has even been proven to get the majority of stains out of the carpet. The only thing it can't get out of the carpet is something that has already dyed the carpet a different color.
The only drawback of this method is that it is a bit tough on carpets. It is considered the hardest on the material, out of all the carpet cleaning methods out there. So in order to get the best results from steam cleaning, one should hire carpet cleaning professionals to get the job done. Steam cleaning gives the best return for your buck compared to any carpet cleaning methods out there.
Dry Powder
This method does not use water, which is why it is called as dry powder cleaning or dry cleaning. The dry powder used in this process is an absorptive material made of detergent, solvent and very small amount of water. Rotating machines are used in order to sprinkle the powder over the carpet. The powder spreads on the carpet and is left there for about 15 minutes. After a while the powder is vacuumed out along with the accumulated dirt.
Carpet Shampoo
This is the most traditional and oldest method of carpet cleaning. Shampoo cleaning is the most economic carpet cleaning method out there. This involves a carpet cleaning shampoo or solution which is applied on the surface of the carpet to form foam. The ingredients of the foam attract the soil particles in the carpet. After this, the solution is left to dry. Once the drying stops the solution becomes brittle and separates itself from the carpet fibers. The remains are then vacuumed out. However, existing tears can cause damage on the carpet if this procedure is adopted.
Whichever method you choose to use, your choice should be always dictated by the carpet you intend to clean.
