There are two primary methods of carpetcleaning: dry cleaning and hot water extraction. Consult with areputable carpet cleaning company to determine which is the best methodfor your type of carpet. Some brands of carpet may also recommend thebest or only method to be used. Carpet Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning utilizes chemical cleaning solutions to extract dirt. There are three dry-cleaning methods: Dry Foam: A shampoo is applied to your carpet, allowed to dry, then vacuumed up, bringing the dirt with it. Dry Chemical: Aftera cleaning solution is applied to the carpet, a machine spins a largebonnet from side to side to absorb dirt in the carpet. After the bonnetis saturated with dirt, it is replaced with a new, clean bonnet and theprocess continues. Dry Compound: An absorbentmixture resembling wet sawdust is spread over the carpet. A machinebrushes the mixture into the carpet to absorb the dirt. When themixture dries, it is vacuumed out, taking the dirt with it.
Hot Water Extraction This carpet-cleaning method is also known as steam cleaning. Hot waterextraction forces a hot water based cleaning solution into the carpetunder high pressure, then sucks it back out of the carpet along withthe dirt.
- Portable Extraction: Thecarpet is cleaned by a small machine using hot tap water and powered bythe electricity source in the house. Typically rented todo-it-yourselfers, some professionals also use portable units.
- Truck Mounted Extraction: Thisuses a large cleaning machine mounted on a truck or van. The water isheated to a higher temperature and is shot into the carpet at a highervelocity than is possible in portable machines.
Manycarpet-cleaning professionals believe this is the most effective way toclean mostly because the heat kills the bacteria and the extra powerseparates dirt. These powerful machines also pull most of the waterback out of carpets, leaving them damp but not wet, and able to drymuch quicker.
