What method of carpet cleaning do you use?
Its so confusing to find a carpet cleaner these days! It seems that every company has their own “gimmick” or method of cleaning that is the “best”. What are we suppose to believe? The low moisture companies say that “steam cleaning” leaves your carpet too wet and can cause harmful bacteria and mold to grow. The “steam” cleaners claim that low moisture cleaners just “move the dirt around” and dont really clean. Some claim to use special “water” or cleaners that no one else can use that cleans better or leaves no residue. So who is telling the truth?!
At Exceptional Carpet Cleaning we have all methods of cleaning available to us and we use them all, depending on the situation. We have Hot Water Extraction, Dry Cleaning, Low Moisture Encapsulation and even Bonnet Cleaning. They all have their place and can be beneficial. So lets take a little deeper look at them.
Dry Cleaning- This method is used on special fibers that cant get wet, even damp without permanently staining the fibers. We use this method when cleaning hemp, jute, or grass type rugs. You apply a “sponge” lightly dampened with a solvent based dry cleaner and it is worked into the fiber with a counter rotating brush machine then vacuumed up. This method can be effective in cleaning lightly soiled rugs or fabric without risking changing the color or darkening areas of the item being cleaned.
Low Moisture and Bonnet Cleaning- We use this method when the business or homeowner requires dry times less than 4 hours. Many times carpets are dry in less than 2 hours using this method.This is beneficial in situations where you are concerned about slipping or if you are expecting company shortly after the cleaning. A low moisture cleaner is misted on the carpet and then worked in the carpet or upholstery with a counter rotating brush or an absorbent bonnet to remove the soil on the surface. We often use this method in businesses, churches and homes where an elderly person is concerned with falling. It can be an effective method of maintenance, particularly in light to moderately soiled environments without kids or pets.
Hot Water Extraction- This method is often referred to as “Steam Cleaning” due to the hot water and pressure creating water vapor from the end of the carpet cleaning wand. This method is recommended by the vast majority of carpet manufacturers for use in a residential setting. Some carpet cleaners have gotten a bad reputation when using this method with under powered “portable” extractors or truck mounted equipment with small engines. This is because they do not have the power to adequately remove the water they used to rinse the cleaner from the carpet or fabric. If using well maintained and adequately powered equipment, the carpet should be dry in 8-12 hours in most cases, no more than 24 hours unless a odor removal product was applied. If done properly, the carpet is left clean, fresh and residue free and dry in a day. This is best accomplished by applying the cleaner with a sprayer in advance then rinsing with fresh water and a rinsing aid to neutralize the cleaner and leave the fibers soft and squeaky clean. It is the only way to rinse pet urine from the carpet and remove issues such as vomit or blood that may be found in a home.
We all use washing machines, we all use dry cleaners from time to time. They both have their place, as does different methods of carpet and furniture cleaning. We are well educated and trained in all methods with the proper equipment to meet your needs, whichever appeals to you and your situation! We have the highest level of certification available in the industry and are committed to your complete satisfaction! Please give us a call if we can answer any of your questions about this subject or any other cleaning concerns.
