Carpet Cleaning Methods
Hot Water Extraction - Shampooing - Bonnet - Dry Powder
Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning)
Hot Water Extraction is the most common cleaning method. It is classified as “Deep Cleaning” and other methods are considered “Light Surface Cleaning”. Mainly referred as “Steam Cleaning”. In fact this is a misapplied phrase because real steam is too dry and hot to clean carpet correctly.
Method:
In the “Hot Water Extraction” process, a pre-spray solution is applied to the carpet. Usually, The pre-spray is allowed to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before being removed. The pre-spray solution loosens soil residue. Then, the solution is extracted with a carpet wand, which sprays clean water and immediately vacuumed.
Advantages:
Most powerful method, effective on all soil levels, recommended by Shaw Industries, which is the largest carpet manufacturer.
Disadvantages:
Longer drying time, danger of over wetting the carpet.
Dry Time:
4 to 8 hours
Shampooing
The Shampooing method is the oldest way to clean carpets however it is debatable in the cleaning quality. This method is suggested for commercial and low-cut pile carpets. It is not suggested for residential carpets. Basically, it is similar to buffing a tile floor.
Method:
Shampooing uses a mechanical brush, which foaming solutions are applied to the carpet’s surface and scrubbed into the carpet. The shampoo is left to dry into the carpet where it will form a brittle crystal residue. Then, the residue with the absorbed soil is vacuumed.
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages:
Rapid re-soiling, danger of yellowing.
Dry Time:
between 1 to 3 hours. The shampoo may take up to 24 hours.
Bonnet (Dry Cleaning)
Bonnet Cleaning is referred to as “Dry Cleaning”, which is misleading, since water is used. This method uses very little amount of moisture. Basically, it cleans the surface; in addition, it doesn’t remove the heavier soil and sands that damages carpet over time. Dry cleaning is ideal for between more effective cleanings such as, the hot water extraction method.
Method:
Dry cleaning uses processes. The first process is spreading the solvent is sprayed onto the carpet. The next process is to run over the carpet with a circular rotating buffer with an absorbent pad. The last process is vacuuming the carpet once it is dry.
Advantages:
Quickly dries, small amounts of moisture.
Disadvantages:
Only cleans the surface, most manufactures recommend against this method, quick re-soiling, limited soil removal.
Dry Time:
1 to 2 hours
Dry Powder (Dry Cleaning)
Dry Powder cleaning is also referred to as “Dry Cleaning” since practically no water is used. If not vacuumed with a powerful commercial vacuum, large amounts of the cleaning solvent can remain.
Method:
Dry Powder method has Three-parts. The first part is spreading the dry solvent, which is a powder, over the carpet. This solvent should stay in for about 15 minutes. The second part is using a buffer, which has two rotating heads, over the cleaning area. This rotates the solution into the carpet. The third part would be removing the solvent with a high-powered commercial vacuum.
Advantages:
No drying time, common maintenance method.
Disadvantages:
Removing all the powder is impossible, not effective on heavy soiled carpets, “Light Surface Cleaning”.
Dry Time:
Usually within 15 minutes.
Carpet Care
Walk Off Mats
Use walk-off mats at all entrances to absorb soil and moisture.