subject: Pros and Cons of Steam Carpet Cleaning [print this page] If your carpet needs a thorough, deep cleaning there is no better method than a good steam cleaning. In fact steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is the most recommended style of carpet cleaning by carpet manufacturers. This type of cleaning is known not only for its effectiveness but also for its gentleness on your carpet. What a great combination, an aggressive thorough cleaning that is safe on your carpet.
Not only is steam cleaning safe for your carpet it is safe for your home environment too. One of the advantages of steam cleaning, besides its thoroughness, is that is uses hot water to penetrate deep into your carpet fibers. The water can get up to 220 degrees and is very effective in killing a majority of the germs and bacteria, not to mention dust mites and other microscopic pests that reside in your carpet.
Steam cleaning uses high temperature water to break down dirt and soils that attach themselves to your carpet fibers. This process can be done with or without a detergent. Detergents are usually used when the carpet it a bit more dirty. The detergent is applied to the carpet and left to soak in for a little while. It then mixes with and traps the dirt and the soil and is then vacuumed up with the extraction wand.
Despite using water, and as a result having waste water, steam cleaning is surprisingly eco-friendly. The option to not use any detergent means that only steam from hot water is used and therefore no toxins are released into the air or onto the carpet.
Unfortunately with such a deep cleaning comes a few disadvantages. Other than the waste water from the cleaning there is also the drying time to consider. Depending on the amount of cleaning you may have to wait anywhere from 2-24 hours for your carpet to dry. Also, if the carpet is not dried correctly there is a chance for mold to develop or for some stains to return. But these are errors that can be avoided if you have a qualified professional do the cleaning for you.
The advantages of steam cleaning arguably outweigh the disadvantages. You simply will not find another cleaning method that is as thorough. If you don't mind waiting for the carpet to dry or having a trained professional handle the cleaning duties, there is no reason why steam cleaning wouldn't be your obvious choice. Find more carpet cleaning information atCarpet Cleaning Joliet andCarpet Cleaning Baltimore.
