Carpet Cleaning Methods-Do You Know The Right Method To Use?

Maintaining a clean nice looking carpet is the delight of everyone that uses carpet flooring but once the ugly stains, dull appearance and dustiness begin to show, the question becomes-Which of the carpet cleaning methods do I use to get back my bright, nice looking carpet?

Again leaving the carpet dirty also causes damage due to the abrasive effect of the dust, sand and other soiling materials. Therefore carpet cleaning is important both for aesthetic purpose and durability. Now let us examine the common carpet cleaning methods available.

Common Carpet Cleaning Methods:
There are no 100% best carpet cleaning methods. Each method of carpet cleaning has its own pros and cons.

The popularity of a method determines the availability of its cleaning materials.

a. Steam Carpet Cleaning (Deep Extraction Method):
This is the most popular among all the carpet cleaning methods. This is because it does a near to natural cleaning. A deep down cleaning is obtained using this method. Liquid detergent is sprayed thoroughly, and then followed by a controlled injecting of hot water (of about 150 degrees). The solution is force down the carpet pile, which dissolves the dirt and soil(organic and inorganic material that stick to the carpet fiber) and then extracted with a strong vacuum machine.

This is the carpet cleaning method recommended by almost all carpet manufacturers but critics point out to the fact that there is always the problem of overwetting which can damage the carpet fibers , carpet backing and cause mildew . In as much this is a point, it can still be averted by using a professional carpet cleaning company for the exercise at least for first time/or being extra careful incase you decide do it yourself.

Another criticism of this method of carpet cleaning is that you will need to used it in conjunction with other cleaning method to get a good result in places where there is heavy traffic and the carpet is really soiled thereby requiring some form of scrubbing . (Learn more about Steam Carpet Cleaning)

b. Rotary Method:

In this carpet cleaning method, carpet cleaner is sprayed from a tank and then worked into the carpet with rotary nylon brush. This brush scrubs the carpet and then a wet vacuum is used to extract the dirty solution. You may have to use an a strong extracting machine to effect perfect vacuuming of the solution. The brush can damage the delicate carpet fiber.

c. Foam Method:

Here, very dense and thick foam is applied on the carpet surface and then worked into the carpet by a revolving brush. This loosen the soil and dirt and subsequently extracted using a vacuum. The carpet dries fast. Defoamer is added to the vacuum system to break up the thick foam .

The use of foam reduces the amount of wetting of the fiber but the brush can damage delicate carpet fibers. This method works for removing dirt at the surface and does not get deep down the carpet pile.

d. Bonnet Method:

Liquid cleaner is thoroughly sprayed on the carpet. The floor machine is used to spins the absorbent bonnet (somewhat like giant towel made of cotton or rayon pad) on the carpet . The bonnet scrubs, cleans and absorbs the dirty solution.

Overwetting is very remote but the carpet cleaning method is superficial and not effective if the carpet is really dirt and the spinning of the bonnet can damage carpet fiber.

e. Dry Carpet Cleaning:

Here absorbent dry powder is applied to the carpet then gently worked into the carpet fiber using a cleaning towel or machine and then vacuumed. It is near impossible to completely vacuum all the powder. Remnants of the chemical cleaner causes fast resoiling . This method is perceived as being unnatural for a cleaning exercise.

Learn more about Dry Carpet Cleaning

What I Suggest You Do:

The method you choose among the available carpet cleaning methods will depend on the level of soiling of your carpet and availability of the cleaning materials.

In case of heavy soiling settle for steam cleaning . This will get the work done for you but be careful not to overwet the carpet . Sometimes the steam method have to be used in conjunction with one other carpet cleaning method in cases the carpet is highly stained due to heavy traffic . In such situation the rotary method can be used to affect some scrubbing of the carpet.

If you have a relatively new carpet with light to average soiling then there is really no need using steam cleaning . In such case , use lighter cleaning methods like foam or bonnet method. I personally do not recommend dry cleaning(dry chemical cleaning) for the whole carpet. It is best used for highly localized situations where you may want to clean a highly trafficked , soiled area of the carpet . Learn more about Dry Chemical Cleaning Method.

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Before You Use Carpet Cleaning Chemicals On Your Carpet

Carpet cleaning chemicals have become an issue of some sort for various reasons ranging from safety , effectiveness and others.

Carpet cleaning chemicals are not altogether something to be overly apprehensive about. You may just need to understand it better, the issue around it, how best to apply it and get to know the best of the products for residential and commercial places.

What are Carpet Cleaning Chemicals?
Carpet is the most common floor covering type. And can really be beautifying and comfortable to use. With usage, the inevitable happens, that is, it gets dirty and needs cleaning.. The carpet cleaning chemicals are compound mixtures used to clean carpets. They are mainly used for dry carpet cleaning (chemical carpet cleaning). Some common ingredients contained in chemical carpet cleaners include lye, formaldehyde, disinfectants, acids and artificial fragrance. Some which are claimed to be trade secret may not be listed on the labels.
Carpet cleaning chemicals come in different groups such as, green cleaning /micro –splitters, deodorizers, spot & stain removers, protectors, problem solver additives, extracting agents, Carpet pre-sprays.

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Chemicals
This brings us to issues of safety and effectiveness. As I said earlier the cleaning chemicals are grouped. Therefore your choice will depend on what you want to achieve. To achieve maximum success, purchase the type meant for a particular job. As with many chemical products, they have contents that may be toxic and not healthy for consumption especially by children and pets. Sometimes some of their contents are not listed on the label, making the users unaware of a possible harmful substance. Though the manufacturers will be expected to place health warnings.
With that said, it does not mean that all chemicals for carpet cleaning are harmful, it simply means that you should apply some caution in dealing with these cleaning products. Check the label list first for any blacklisted (prohibited) chemical such as tributyl tin, tetrachlororthylene , hydrofluoric acid etc. There are also Eco-friendly (green) carpet cleaning solution available as alternative. They are primarily plant based. Brand names like Bi-O-Kleen, Capture , NatureClean are some green cleaning solution names.

Are Carpet Cleaning Chemicals Safe for use
The safety depends on the chemical content. During the application of the chemicals, apply safety measures like use of hand gloves, protective gears and goggles. Do not smell the chemicals. Ensure sufficient flow of air in the room to reduce inhaling toxic fumes. Try limiting the usage of carpet cleaning chemicals to “quick-fix” cleaning of very dirt highly trafficked parts of the carpet as against using it for the whole carpet. Vacuum thoroughly to reduce the chances of residual remnants to barest minimum.

Enjoy Your Carpet

I think the underlying interest is having a satisfactory clean carpet using a process you are comfortable with issues around it. There is a place for carpet cleaning chemicals but the milder the better . Try as much as possible to use green carpet cleaning solutions as alternatives where possible . Then use steam cleaning to do major carpet cleaning . It is still the process that most people and most carpet manufacturers can relate to comfortably.

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Important Facts about Dry Carpet Cleaning

Sometimes people wonder if, when, where to use dry carpet cleaning. They are apprehensive about the effectiveness and safety of dry cleaning. This article will discuss on issues relating to effectiveness, proper usage and safety of dry carpet cleaning. I hope it will help you make up your mind about dry cleaning.

Dry carpet cleaning Method

By its name, this stands for a method of cleaning that doesn’t require water. The main ingredient consists of a dry carpet cleaning compound containing moisture, absorbent, detergent and solvent. The cleaning powder is sprinkled on the carpet, and then the moisture dissolves the soil which then mixes with the solvent and detergent. The mixture is attracted and absorbed by the absorbent which is then vacuumed.

There are other cleaning methods sometimes referred to as dry cleaning. But in strict sense they can’t really be called dry cleaning since water is used. Dry carpet cleaning can be used on all carpet fiber depending on the chemical content of the absorbent cleaner (find out from a local carpet cleaning professional which will be okay for your carpet). It is mostly recommended for silk, wool and color-bleeding carpets.

Do It Yourself

The carpet should be vacuumed first. The cleaning mixture is poured on the carpet. Then worked into the carpet with a brush or vibrating machine (which you can rent). It is left to stay for sometime depending on how dirty the carpet is. The moisturized cleaner mixes with the dirt and soil and then vacuumed with a vacuum cleaner.

In case of stains, you should use stain treatment first. Be sure to verify that the cleaning mixture will be right for your carpet before using it. You can test it on a scrap carpet or a small area of the carpet that won’t be noticed.

Should I Use This Method On My Carpet?

The main case against dry carpet cleaning is on its inability to do a satisfactory cleaning. No matter how much you vacuum the carpet, there is always residual reminants in the carpet. This process can be likened to pouring cleaning powder on your hair then using hair brush or towel to rub it into the hair then vacuum off. How really clean is your hair?

There is also the problem of re-soiling due to soap and detergent residue. It can really be cumbersome getting loads of cleaning powder for a whole carpet cleaning.

I don’t know about you, but I am uncomfortable with the possibility of children and pets getting to this residue no matter how safe the manufacturers claim the compound is.

I still think there are places and situations dry carpet cleaning method can be used. As I said earlier, it can be recommended for silk and wool carpets where constant use of steam cleaning can damage and over stretch the carpet.Then use other cleaning options when it is real dirty.

It is also recommended for carpets that run color. Dry carpet cleaning can serve as a "quick fix" for highly trafficked areas of the carpet before any major cleaning can be done.

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Steam Carpet Cleaner:Best Option for Carpet Cleaning

Using steam carpet cleaner can get you a better cleaning job than other types of carpet cleaners. Steam cleaning is a very effective way to ensure that you obtain a real clean carpet.

There are basically four(4) methods used for carpet cleaning:

• Dry Shampooing.


• Carpet powder method(Dry Cleaning).


• Bonnet cleaning.


• External extraction(also called warm water extraction , 'hot water extraction" or steam
  cleaning")

For this article we are concentrating on steam cleaning which is the method approved by almost all carpet manufactures. Steam carpet cleaners can penetrate deep into the carpet fiber and ensure that there is a deep cleaning and then immediately vacuum off the dirty water to prevent leaving any residual liquid. The spraying of warm water ensures that there no over wetting.

I will advise you use the service of professional carpet cleaners if this is your first time but if can't spare the cash then go on and do it yourself. Most steam carpet cleaners come with instructions which you can follow .

In cleaning the carpet, first of all, remove everything in the room that will be an obstruction. Vacuum the carpet to remove cobwebs, dust . In case of stubborn stains , you can spray spot removals first and then wait some minutes . Move the steam carpet cleaner slowly using overlapping strokes when depositing the detergent. Then go over the wet area slowly in cycles with overlapping strokes . Some carpet steam cleaners have see-through covering , so that you can see the water as it is vacuumed into the machine .

You can repeat the process of depositing detergent and moving in cycles if you think you need to clean the carpet more. Continue vacuuming untill no more dirty water is entering the machine. This is particularily important to so that the carpet will dry fast. Don't walk over wet carpet because any collected dirt will set on the carpet.

In purchasing a steam carpet cleaners, you have to consider:

• Tank type/size/design: The tank type could be upright or canister. Uprights are heavier and used for large areas. Canisters hold more water than uprights but gets
  cold faster. Find out if the steam cleaner has different reservoirs for the cleaning solution and the vacuumed dirty water.


• Rotating brushes: The number of brushes . The more the better.


• Tool/attachments: Find out if the steam carpet cleaner have attachment for other cleaning
  such as upholstery and stairs cleaning.


• Water heater: Find out if you have to be adding hot water or if it offers water heater
  option .

Some popular steam carpet cleaners are hoover steam carpet cleaner and bissell steam carpet
cleaners.

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