There are several various methods for carpet cleaning. Some of the most commonly used processes include hot water extraction, bonnet cleaning, dry cleaning, and encapsulation. Every method is different in pricing and cleaning approaches.

Hot water extraction which is often referred to as “steam cleaning”, is one of the most commonly used carpet cleaning methods. It deals with using a very high-pressure system that injects hot water and cleaning solution into the carpet. The hot the water temperature helps escalate the reaction time. Then, the high pressure vacuum will suck up the liquid from the carpet, and this process is repeated till the floor is thoroughly cleaned. Hot water extraction is more effective at moving strong odors and stains rather than surface cleaners, it offers a deeper clean. Hot water extraction also leaves fewer residues behind on carpets compared to alternative cleaning methods using shampoos or powders. Many leading carpet mills strongly back this cleaning method.

Bonnet cleaning is similar to buffing cleaning solution into the carpet fibers. A spinning brush with a bonnet pad pushes the cleaning solution into the carpet pads. The carpet can either be sprayed with the solution, or the pads can be dunked into the cleaning liquid. There are a few disadvantages to using the bonnet method. First, the spinning brush can easily fray and destroy certain cut pile carpet fibers.  Also, this method is not as effective with extracting dirt and debris since there really is no extraction process, and consequentially detergent can easily be left in a pile, then carpet is quickly re-soiled. Many leading carpet mills strongly suggest to not use this type of carpet cleaning method.

Dry cleaning uses carpet absorbent cleaners, and uses almost no water. The cleaning powder is sprinkled over the carpet and is then worked in with a machine brush. After the brush has worked over the carpet, the excess dirt and powder is vacuumed off the floor. The absorbent cleaner is supposed to catch and absorb debris and soil. Carpets will then need to be thoroughly vacuumed to make sure the entire powder residue is removed. Sometimes white marks will appear on dark apparel and shoes that rub over the carpet. An advantage for using the dry cleaning method is there is no waiting on drying time.

Encapsulation is a process that uses an encapsulation chemical solution that is sprayed onto the carpet, and then using a machine brush or a bonnet, the solution is worked into the carpet. The encapsulation surrounds the debris particle and crystallizes it so the soil can’t attach to more soil. Last, normal vacuuming is required to pick up the crystallized particles. The encapsulation method uses the crystal chemistry to keep carpet clean longer since the dirt attracting residue is removed. When low-grade encapsulation products are used, the cleaning is not scrubbed deep enough. This cleaning method is very difficult for grease filled carpets. Also, a thorough vacuum is required in order to fully obtain all the particles left in the carpet.