Not all carpets are created equal. Some are made of high-end merino wool while others are made of cheap, synthetic fibers like nylon. Regardless of which carpet you own, one thing is for certain; you have to clean it on a regular basis. Carpet cleaning does more than just keeping your textile flooring spotless. It eliminates any unpleasant odours and helps prolong the lifespan of the carpet.
Most homeowners simply use a vacuum cleaner to get the job done. While it’s effective at removing dust and debris, but for stains? Not so much. Depending on the type of carpet and its condition, you’ll have to rely on different cleaning methods to keep your textile flooring looking fresh and new.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the four main methods of carpet cleaning that professionals use to leave your carpets in mint condition.
- Host carpet cleaning
Host carpet cleaning (also known as absorbent compound cleaning) is a method in which an attractant is used to pull out stains from the carpet. First, the surface is vacuumed and then an absorbent compound like wet sawdust is applied. From there, a specialist machine buffs and agitates the compound to absorb the stains and then lifts it up with a vacuum.
This type of carpet cleaning requires little to no drying time and is a relatively inexpensive method of treating carpet stains. The only downside is that host carpet cleaning only cleans the surface of the carpet. This means that any deep-seated dirt may not be removed through this cleaning method. In addition to that, poor vacuuming can leave bits of sawdust on the surface and leave a scratchy feeling underfoot.
- Encapsulation carpet cleaning
The encapsulation method is a means of carpet cleaning applied to low-pile, commercial-grade carpets. First, the surface is pre-treated with an encapsulating cleaning solution and then a specialist machine is used to embed the solution onto the carpet fibers. While the solution dries up, it forms crystals that encapsulate dirt, debris, and stains which are then removed with a vacuum.
The solution continues to work long after the initial cleaning is finished. Any remaining solution will trap other contaminants and crystallize them for easy vacuuming. This is why encapsulation is perfect for commercial carpets because of the constant foot traffic the carpets receive. It delivers great value and provides excellent cleaning results.
Like the host carpet cleaning method, this type of carpet cleaning has a quick dry time which translates to less downtime for business operations.
- Dry cleaning
Dry cleaning (also known as bonnet cleaning or absorbent pad cleaning) is one of the most popular methods of carpet cleaning. Contrary to popular belief, dry cleaning uses a liquid cleaning solution to remove dirt and stains. The solution is sprayed onto the surface to break down stains and the carpet fibers are agitated with the use of a buffing machine.
The buffing machine uses a highly absorbent bonnet or pad on the bottom that soaks up the cleaning solution along with the dirt or stain. Once the pad has soaked up the majority of the stains, a new pad is used to absorb the remaining ones.
The advantages of dry cleaning is that very little water is used, allowing for a fast dry time like the aforementioned cleaning methods. However, dry cleaning may not work for heavily soiled areas or urine stains because of its limited extraction capabilities. In addition to that, the buffing can be quite aggressive on face fibers and cause premature wearing.
- Steam cleaning
Many people are familiar with steam cleaning or hot water extraction (HWE) as this method is the most recommended by carpet manufacturers. It’s the most effective way to deep-clean a carpet because not only does it remove stubborn stains, but it also eliminates microorganisms like dust mites and mould spores. This sanitizing effect is what makes steam cleaning a highly favourable cleaning method over any other types of carpet cleaning.
Steam cleaning is done by applying a cleaning solution to the carpet’s surface. This helps break down stain deposits and make them easier to remove. A high-pressure, hot water rinse is then applied to dislodge deep-seated dirt before being sucked up by a powerful wet vacuum. Most professionals use a truck-mounted steam cleaner that delivers more vacuum power and higher temperatures to clean both residential and commercial carpets.
Steam cleaning works great for almost all carpet types and does a great job of refreshing carpets. If you’re looking to deep-clean your textile flooring, you should definitely give it a god steam cleaning.
How to know which cleaning method works best for your carpet
The type of cleaning method that works best for your carpet will depend on a number of factors such as:
- The type of carpet
- Its condition
- The severity of the stains
A professional carpet cleaner will be able to recommend you the best cleaning method for your carpet upon inquiry. For residential carpets, regular vacuuming and steam cleaning are more than enough to remove the majority of stains. For commercial carpets, encapsulation and dry cleaning are the recommended options. Establishing a regular cleaning schedule will go a long way towards extending the lifespan of your carpet and maintaining its warm, cozy characteristics.
Make sure to give your textile flooring the TLC it deserves by contacting a Perth carpet cleaner and have them clean your carpet with these methods.