The Pros and Cons between Carpet Cleaning Methods

Hot Water Extraction

Also called “steam cleaning”, although steam is not actually used, this cleaning process uses high pressured hot water to force soil and dirt out and the vacuum sucks the dirt up. The hot the water temperature helps escalate the reaction time. The carpet is thoroughly cleaned with some type of grooming brush, next the carpet is rinsed with a cleaning apparatus. The carpet must be given a sufficient drying time in order to avoid saturation.

Advantages of Hot Water Extraction

Many carpet manufacturers state this is an effective way to clean their carpets. Also hot water extraction is the only safe method to clean your carpets. 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.

Disadvantages of Hot Water Extraction

Even though hot water extraction is effective it is one of the more difficult carpet cleaning techniques. Make sure to hire from a professional and experienced company, over wetting make occur from technicians not properly trained.

Spin bonnet

The Spin bonnet cleaning method uses an oscillating brush that can have wet, damp or dry pads. There are two different ways, either the carpet s sprayed with a shampoo/solution, or the pads can be soaked in the cleaning solution before placing on the driver brush. The spin bonnet is supposed to lift the dirt and debris off of the carpet.

Advantages of Spin Bonnet

This method of carpet cleaning can remove only a certain amount of debris off of the carpet.

Disadvantages of Spin Bonnet

Many carpet manufacturers’ states this process causes fiber fraying, and damage. It offers a limited capability of cleaning since there is virtually no extraction. Also the detergent can be left in a pile, and re-soiling is common.

Dry Cleaning

Virtually no water is used in the dry cleaning process. In this method, a powder containing solvent, water, and cleaning solution is sprinkled vigorously over the carpet area, then worked in with a mechanical brush. The dry cleaning process is supposed to draw and absorb the debris and soil. After the brush has worked over the carpet, the excess dirt and powder is vacuumed off the floor.

Advantages of Dry Cleaning

Since very little water is used in this process, you do not have to wait on the carpet drying time.

Disadvantages of Dry Cleaning

Thorough vacuum cleaning is a must in order to eliminate all the powder and debris that is on the floor. Powder that is left on the floor can leave white residue behind, white powder may start to show on clothes, and dark colored shoes.

Encapsulation

This process 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.

Advantages of Encapsulation

The encapsulation method uses the crystal chemistry to keep carpet clean longer since the dirt attracting residue is removed.

Disadvantages of Encapsulation

When low-grade encapsulation products are used, the cleaning is not scrubbed deep enough. This 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.