Which Carpet Cleaning Method is Best?

Choosing the Right Way to Clean Your Carpets

Choosing the right carpet cleaning method for your home is important to keep your carpets looking their best and lasting a long time.

There are a few main types of carpet cleaning. The best way to clean carpets is typically with steam cleaning. This method uses hot water to loosen and lift up to 90% of the dirt and germs buried in carpeting.

Dry cleaning carpets also work well when you need carpets to dry fast so people can walk on them again quickly.

Read on to learn which is the best method of cleaning for your needs.

Hot Water Extraction Cleaning

Hot water extraction method, also sometimes called “carpet steam cleaning” or “wet cleaning”, is the preferred method recommended by many carpet manufacturers and professional cleaners. With this method, hot water or cleaning solution is sprayed into the carpet at high pressure, then immediately extracted along with the grime using powerful vacuums.

Here are its pros and cons:

Pros

• Penetrates deep into carpet fibres to remove the most allergens, and contaminants
• No dry time needed – carpets are immediately ready to use after extraction
• Less risk of mold or mildew growth because carpets dry faster
• Can be used on virtually all carpet and rugs

Cons

• More expensive equipment and training needed for proper cleaning
• Homeowners may not have access to commercial equipment
• Longer drying for thick or heavy carpeting

It is best for high-traffic areas and heavily-soiled carpets. The high-powered suction lifts up deep down filth for superior results. Most professional carpet cleaning services today use some form of steam extraction.

Dry Carpet Cleaning Method

Dry cleaning encompasses a variety of low moisture methods. They include:

• Dry compound – An absorbent mixture is brushed through the carpet then vacuumed up to absorb soil particles without any liquid chemicals.
• Foam – Foamy shampoos are worked into the carpet and vacuumed away once dry.
• Dry powder – A moist, sponge-like powder is sprinkled onto carpets, brushed in, allowed to dry, then vacuumed away.
• Encapsulation – Crystallising agents are applied then brushed into carpets where their crystals trap and encapsulate gunk. The residuals is then vacuumed away.

Here are the pros and cons:

Pros

• Allows carpets to dry significantly fast usually within 1-2 hours
• Less risk of mold growth
• Lighter equipment needed – vacuums versus extractors
• Ideal for commercial spaces that can’t close or stay wet for long

Cons

• Does not deep clean or remove staining
• May leave sticky detergent residue that reattracts dirt
• Encapsulation ruins effectiveness

It works best for maintenance and areas that can’t stay wet for long. They don’t provide the thorough, deep clean of water-based methods, but the quick dry makes them convenient options between deeper washing. Most of it also uses eco-friendly solutions with lower environmental impact.

DIY Carpet Cleaning

Many homeowners try tackling carpet cleaning themselves to save on costs. This typically involves renting equipment from a hardware store, moving one’s own furniture, and handling the cleaning process solo.

Here are the pros and cons of DIY carpet cleaning:

Pros

• More affordable than hiring professional companies
• Convenient for quick cleanups
• Allows you to work on your own schedule

Cons

• Rental machines are not as powerful or effective as pro equipment
• Risk of improper use causing water damage or mold
• Heavy lifting – DIYers must move all furniture themselves
• Limited knowledge of carpets and cleaning procedures

DIY is best for maintenance between deeper professional services. It can be an economical way to clean small carpeted areas or remove new, surface stains. However, DIYers risk extensive water damage if machines aren’t properly handled. Without the right chemicals, high heat, and powerful equipment, carpets won’t get fully deep cleaned.

If you decide to DIY, carefully read all equipment manuals and instructions. Move furniture systematically, apply even pressure across each pass, fully extract all moistness, and allow ample time before replacing items on carpeting. Improper drying lead to mold growth and permanent damage.

What are the Best Carpet Cleaning Methods?

Now that you know the ins and outs, which are actually the best? The short answer:

• Steam provides the deepest, most thorough cleaning for homes
• Dry provide quick yet light cleanups for commercial spaces
• DIY give adequate surface cleaning

Most carpets should be professionally deep cleaned using wet cleaning once every 12 to 18 months. This extracts all the way down to the base of carpets for a total refresh.

Dry compound can then be done as needed over the following months to keep carpets fresh between services.

Daily vacuuming also goes a long way towards extending the life of carpet. DIY can handle sudden spills when done properly. Ultimately utilising a balance of all three cleaning types will keep carpets in the optimal state.

How to Extend the Life of Your Carpet

Carpets represent a significant investment in your home. Properly maintaining them keeps them looking their best while increasing longevity – protecting your investment.

Here are pro tips for maximising the life of your carpet:

• Vacuum thoroughly once to twice weekly, particularly high-traffic areas
• Professionally deep rinse carpets every 12-18 months using steam cleaning method
• Spot clean spills immediately to prevent staining
• Place mats under furniture to distribute weight and prevent crushing
• Limit direct sunlight exposure through curtains and shades to minimise fading
• Cut pile loops on looped carpeting to prevent snags from taking hold
• Consider low wetness methods in interim months
• Get brown stains professionally removed before they set
• Turn or rotate area rugs periodically to evenly distribute wear

With regular vacuuming lifts dirt from carpets before it works its way deep into fibers. Hot water extracting routinely eliminates allergens, dust mites and contaminants that embed themselves for fresher indoor air quality. Spot cleaning messes as they occur prevents them from becoming permanent stains. And dry cleansing in between deep extracting helps maintain the clean.

Following these best practices keeps carpets looking almost like new for years and extends the time before replacement is ultimately needed.

Are Carpet Cleaning Chemicals Safe?

With solutions being applied then rinsed from carpets, it’s understandable to be concerned about harsh chemical residues being left behind, especially if you have small children or pets. Fortunately, solutions used by professional carpet cleaners are safe when allowed to fully dry and extracted properly.

The majority of solutions contain natural plant-based ingredients that pose no health threats once dried:

• Detergents – Lift dirt from fibres
• Builders – Soften water for increased cleaning power
• Solvents – Dissolve oily soils
• Alkalis – Help remove protein stains
• Soil retardants – Repel dirt after process
• Deodorisers – Eliminate odors trapped in carpets
• Brighteners – Perk up dingy looking carpet fibers

Any remains left by wet cleaning methods dry into microscopic crystals that become tightly bound to carpet fibers. This encapsulation makes them unable to spread. Dry compound residues are professionally vacuumed away as well once dried.

Look for “green certified” companies using non-toxic biodegradable solutions derived from plants and freshwater sources. These pose no harm, plus solutions work their way out of carpets within the first few months through hoovering, humidity, rain, and proper ventilation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about the best carpet cleaning approach for your home or business? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

What is bonnet cleaning and is it effective?

It refers to a dry compound cleaning where an absorbent pad or “bonnet” is attached to a rotary floor buffer then rotated across carpets. Detergents or shampoos are sprayed directly onto carpets. As the bonnet makes passes, it absorbs dirt into the pad.

While this method allows for quick drying time, it simply absorbs blemishes rather than fully removing it from carpets. It also doesn’t clean below the carpet surface or provide as thorough of a clean. However, it can be an interim solution for light, routine maintenance between deeper cleanings.

What is encapsulation cleaning and does it work well?

Encapsulation utilises special cleaning agents that are brushed into carpets then allowed to dry. The crystals that form trap loose dirt so it can then be vacuumed away after drying.

This allows carpets to stay drier than wet cleaning methods, making encapsulation convenient for commercial spaces. It also enables fast dry period of usually less than one hour.

However, encapsulation doesn’t provide the intensive power of hot water. Detergents also leave behind a residue that remains until the next service. For routine light maintenance, it keeps carpets fresher between cleanings. But for periodic heavy duty cleaning, water extraction remains the most thorough method.

The Bottom Line

While low moisture methods have their place for cleaning and quick drying, wet cleaning remains the carpet cleaning gold standard. Its high powered suction lifts deep down dirt for superior refreshment recommended by manufacturers for longevity.

Hoovering combined with periodic deep cleaning provides the one-two punch for prime results. This keeps carpets in optimal condition while extending their usable lifespan in your home.

For professional grade cleaning without the high costs, contact us today for your own custom quote. Our 10+ years of experience and 100% satisfaction guarantee ensure your carpets will look revived affordably. Call or schedule your appointment online today and breathe new life back into your carpets!

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