If you want cleaner, safer and more hygienic carpets, professional carpet cleaning is the ideal choice. But there are several different methods professional companies may use to clean carpets, so which method is the most effective? The right choice of carpet cleaning methods for your carpet depends on a number of factors. These factors include things like the level of soilage of the carpet, who lives in your home, how quickly you need the carpet to be dry, and how deep you want the cleaning to be. Here we look at the different types of carpet cleaning methods, and what factors go into making a method most suitable for you.
Carpet Cleaning Methods
Carpet cleaning methods can be roughly divided into ‘wet’ cleaning methods and ‘dry’ cleaning methods. Steam cleaning and hot water extraction are ‘wet’ carpet cleaning methods. They can be used with a variety of different detergents and pre-cleaning methods to obtain different results.
The most popular ‘dry’ cleaning method is cleaning with an absorbent pad which is also known as bonnet cleaning. Dry carpet cleaning can also be achieved with an absorbent cleaning powder, or a dry foam or shampoo method.
In general, ‘wet’ carpet cleaning methods are more effective, reaching deeper into the carpet fibers to extract deeply ingrained dirt, dust, and odors. ‘Dry’ cleaning methods only reach the top one third of carpet fibers, making them more suitable for light cleaning jobs. ‘Dry’ carpet cleaning methods carry a greater chance of leaving behind cleaning chemicals and powders in your carpet, which can be potentially dangerous to young children and pets, or those with allergies and breathing sensitivities. On the other hand, ‘wet’ carpet cleaning methods require a longer time to dry. This means your carpet is out of service for longer. With ‘dry’ cleaning methods, your carpet is ready to be used again straight away.
Considering Your Needs
The right carpet cleaning method for you will depend specifically on your needs. If you require deeper and more thorough carpet cleaning, steam cleaning or hot water extraction are the best choice. These methods, also known as ‘wet’ methods, are effective for reaching deep down dirt and odors. Wet carpet cleaning methods are also preferable if you have children or pets at home. Wet methods remove the carpet cleaning chemicals and detergents more thoroughly for a safer clean with no residue. These cleaning methods are ideal if you have time to allow you carpet to dry after cleaning.
However, if what you really need to prioritize is fast cleaning time and low to no drying time, a dry carpet cleaning method could be the best choice for you.
Choosing The Best Carpet Cleaner
Choosing the right carpet cleaner can be the difference between an effective and safe clean for your carpets, or a poorly applied carpet clean that leaves the potential for more damage than benefit. A professional carpet cleaner can provide a deep carpet clean using hot water extraction or steam cleaning for greater safety and hygiene. They would then utilize technical high powered fans to rapidly dry the carpet.
For better carpet cleaning with both wet and dry methods, always choose a high quality carpet cleaner. Be sure to discuss with them the right technique and cleaning methods for your individual needs.
