Which is the best carpet cleaning method?
There are a number of different effective carpet cleaning methods and every method has its own advantages.
A better question would be, “which method should be used on my specific carpet”. There are professional cleaners who can recommend the best method for your business or home. The most important thing is that you need to know what kind of material your carpet is made from. Then you will need to determine whether anyone in your house has allergies.
A quick way to locate carpet cleaning companies in the San Francisco area, for example, would be to simply type in, carpet cleaning SF, on Google search.
Here are the basic methods of carpet cleaning and are most commonly used:
1. Steam cleaning or hot water extraction
A hot water cleaning solution is directly sprayed by a high-pressure cleaning machine onto the carpet. A truck-mounted or portable vacuum is then used to suck the solution up that has absorbed the dirt and water. The most common method that is used by professionals is steam cleaning and it works on most types of carpets.
2. Shampooing
A shampoo is sprayed onto the carpet and then worked into the fibers by a circular brush machine. The brush’s rotary action creates a foam that traps bacteria, dirt, and soil. A vacuum is used, like with the hot water extraction method, to suck the foam up that contains the dirt.
3. Absorbent dry compound cleaning
Powder (absorbent cleaning agent) is sprinkled onto the carpet. Then a cleaning machine is used for spreading the compound into the fibers of the carpet. The soil is detached from the carpet fibers and is absorbed in the compound. Then the carpet is vacuumed in order to get rid of any absorbed dirt and the compound.
4. Bonnet Cleaning
Chemicals and heat are used by a bonnet machine (a type of cleaning machine) to break down residue and oily dirt that has accumulated within the carpet fiber. To remove dirt and soil from the carpet, absorbent pads rotate at a high speed. A good dry clean or bonnet cleaning service will include a thorough pre-cleaning vacuum, stain and spot treatment, treating the carpet with the right solvent-based cleaning solution and a dry-cleaning process. Dry carpet cleaning should also include having a conditioning or neutralizing rinse applied, along with deodorizing and sanitizing.
Can all types of stains be eliminated?
Although it might be possible to eliminate around 90% of all carpet stains, some stains are permanent and cannot be removed. Only a carpet cleaning professional should tackle them. Artificial coloring like ink, blood, and pet urine are practically impossible to get rid of. One of the most highly effective tools to remove tough carpet stains is to use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner that will suck up spills quickly and repeatedly flush the area with water in order to absorb the mess. That is more efficient than blotting using a cloth and less likely to damage the carpet.
How frequently should you clean your carpet?
How frequently carpet needs to be clean will vary from one household to the next, depending on the traffic levels to each room and how many occupants the home has. Professionals recommend that your carpets should be cleaned twice per year at least. Remember, that the more frequently you vacuum, the longer your carpet will last and the better it will look. Vacuuming prevents soil from building up, which can wear out your carpet much faster compared to barefoot traffic. Whenever soil in a carpet gets pressed into the fibers, it destroys the carpet’s appeal and texture. Removing soil and dirt as frequently as possible prevents that from occurring and maintains your carpet for many years.
Why is it so important to clean your carpets?
Carpet plays a very important role. It collects and traps pollutants to filter the air that you breathe. Carpets trap all kinds of airborne bacteria, food particles, soil, sand, oil deposits, grease deposits, allergens, pesticides, outdoor pollutants, dust mites, combustion products, volatile organic compounds, and all kinds of airborne bacteria.
Just like all filters, your carpet needs to be cleaned regularly; otherwise, it will quit filtering and contaminants will be pushed back in the air. Therefore, low-traffic areas should be vacuumed at least twice per week and high-traffic areas should be vacuumed every other day. Vacuuming properly also helps to improve your indoor air quality and ensures compliance with your carpet warranties guidelines. Keep in mind that you should have a thorough carpet cleaning done twice per year at least by a trained and experienced carpet care professional in order to rejuvenate fibers and fresh the carpet texture.
How can I help to maintain my carpet?
As previously mentioned, the best tool to keep your carpet looking at its finest is prevention. Identify and get rid of as many dirt sources as possible that infiltrate carpet fibers. Place floor mats in your home or office’s entranceways and exits to help to protect against the excessive build-up of dirt. Ask the visitors to your home to take their shoes off before they enter, particularly during the winter. Vacuuming is among the best methods to keep your carpet free of contaminants and clean. A good general rule is to vacuum once per week in areas with light traffic and twice per week in areas with heavy traffic. For optimal vacuuming, be sure that the vacuum filter is not clogged or full. As filters and bags become covered with dust, the vacuum’s efficiency is reduced. Each time you vacuum check the filter.
How does a hot water extraction system work?
The process involves a hot water and soap solution being sprayed onto the carpet under high pressure. Allergens, dirt, and residue are extracted b a powerful vacuum system from your carpets into a storage tank inside a portable cleaning machine. The reason why the hot water extraction process is recommended by most carpet manufacturers because it helps to improve air quality and extend the life of your carpets.
Will professional cleaning cause my carpets to wear out faster?
Definitely not! Your carpet is damaged by dirt much more than industrial cleaning given that it acts like abrasive whenever foot traffic rubs the dirt against carpet fiber, which causes wear and tear. Having professional cleaning done to your carpets on a regular basis keeps dirt from causing damage and protects your investment.
What are the differences between a stain and a spot?
A spot is a type of soluble substance that can stick to the outside of carpet fibers and can be removed easily using a regular cleaning process. On the other hand, a stain is a type of substance that penetrates inside of the carpet fiber and has changed the fabric. A majority of spots can be removed easily by cleaning using household products on a regular basis. Stains are tougher and might set in, which will require professional carpet cleaning.
Are hardwood floors healthier compared to carpets?
It is a very common misconception that carpet is less healthy than hardwood. In reality, it’s the exact opposite. Pollutants are filtered by carpets by trapping them deep within the fibers, which keeps them out of your lungs. On the other hand, hardwood floors cannot trap dirt or dust so that when you walk over them the particles are disturbed. This results in there being more dust within the breathing zone with hardwood floors compared to carpeted are. However, you need to ensure that your carpet stays clean so that its filtering capacity is maintained. Have your carpet professionally cleaned every six months so that you can breathe easier.
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