The Advantages and Disadvantage of Different Methods of Carpet Cleaning

If you have a carpet at home, it is advisable to get a professional to clean the carpet at least once a year. It will get rid of embedded dirt, dust, allergens and other contaminants that regular vacuum cleaning does not remove. However, professional carpet cleaners use a variety of cleaning methods. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the pros and cons of different carpet cleaning methods will help you decide which cleaning method is the best for your home.

Typically, the carpet cleaning methods are categorized as wet cleaning and dry cleaning. Wet cleaning includes cleaning the carpet using an absorbent pad and hot water extraction. Dry cleaning includes application of powders and foams with the help of special machines and devices.

Hot Water Extraction
This method of cleaning carpets is also referred to as steam cleaning. In this cleaning method, the carpet cleaning company will first apply a chemical to loosen soil and oil-based contaminants adhering to the carpet fibers. Thereafter, water is heated to nearly its boiling point and under pressure injected into the carpet and 10 to 15 minutes later, the water is removed with the help of vacuum cleaner.

Advantages:
  • It helps to remove embedded debris, dirt and soil
  • Lets the cleaning agent stay long enough to loosen embedded dirt and soil
  • Lets the cleaning company use water at high temperature and pressure along with chemicals
  • It is the most commonly used carpet cleaning method and most professional cleaners recommend it

Disadvantages:
  • The carpet can take a long time to dry if the cleaning company does not have the right machine to extract the water completely
  • It is expensive method of cleaning
  • Requires the right equipment to ensure proper cleaning of the carpet

Using an Absorbent Pad
Also referred to as bonnet cleaning, this is used for routine maintenance of the carpet. However, it can be used for regular cleaning too. The carpet has to be vacuum cleaned first and then a chemical solution is sprayed on it using an electric sprayer or hand pump. After the chemical loosens the embedded dirt and soil, a rotary floor machine having an absorbent pad is spun over the carpet. The rotary action allows the pad to pick up the loosened dirt and soil.

Advantages:
  • It is quick, inexpensive and easy method of cleaning the carpet
  • It is great for carpets that are lightly soiled

Disadvantages:
  • It cleans the carpet superficially and does not penetrate into the deeper layers
  • The dirt and chemical tends to accumulate in the deeper layers of the carpet

Dry Cleaning Using an Absorbent Chemical
A powder containing cleaning agents and solvents is spread over the carpet. Then a machine with brushes is run over it to ensure penetration. After letting the powder sit for 10 to 15 minutes, it is removed with the help of a vacuum cleaner.

Advantages:
  • It is quick and simple method of cleaning the carpet
  • The carpet dries very quickly, normally in about 20 minutes, so there is minimal disturbance to your life and daily routine

Disadvantages:
  • If the powder is not removed completely, it can get trapped within the fibers of the carpet
  • It can result in dust build-up
  • It cannot deep clean the carpet

Dry Foam or Shampoo Cleaning
A cleaning agent is applied on the carpet to remove dirt and soil. Then a machine is used to fluff up the cleaning agent into foam, so that it works its way into the carpet fibers. After letting the foam stay for some time, it is removed using a vacuum cleaner.

Advantages:
  • It is inexpensive, quick and easy method of cleaning
  • The amount of moisture during the cleaning process is very little, so the carpet dries quickly

Disadvantages:
  • It cannot penetrate the deeper layers of the carpet to remove soil, debris and dirt
  • If the machine for whipping up foam malfunctions, it can result in excessive wetting of the carpet
  • High temperature cleaning is not possible with this carpet cleaning method

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