Tips on Carpet Cleaning

Carpet cleaning is a method that removes dirt or stains from your carpet. Carpet cleaning machines generally function on heated water or steam. Carpet cleaning might also involve the spraying of a protective barrier that is meant to repel dirt or soils in the future.

What is the right carpet cleaning method right for you? If you own a carpet, carpet cleaning will soon be an issue you have to address. The following tips will help you get the best results from hiring a professional carpet cleaning service provider:

* Show the cleaning specialist any trouble locations and spots or pet stains that require special attention

* You should not have to move your own furniture in the inital carpet cleaning visit.

Several dry carpet cleaning methods rely on specialized equipment; Dry carpet cleaning equipment consist of those manufactured by Brush and Clean, Host Dry, and Whittaker System. Dry carpet cleaning methods are mostly technically “very low moisture” (VLM) systems, relying on dry compounds complemented by application cleaning solutions, and are growing significantly in market share due in part to their extremely rapid drying time, an important factor for 24-hour commercial installations.

Dry carpet cleaning

Heavily soiled areas require the application of pretreatments, preconditioners, or “traffic-lane cleaners”, which are detergents or emulsifiers that break the binding of soils to carpet fibers over a short period of time, are commonly sprayed onto carpet prior to the primary use of the dry-cleaning system.

Hot Water Extraction

Hot Water EXTRACTION is often referred to as ‘Steam Cleaning’. In this method, hot cleaning solution is sprayed under pressure onto the carpet and is instantly extracted with a vacuum source. Because this process removes much more contaminants than the other carpet cleaning techniques, hot water extraction is favored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is the preferred technique of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). However, the hot water extraction technique uses much more water than other methods like bonnet or shampoo cleaning, correct post extraction is critical to prevent over saturation. When carpet is saturated there may be a risk that soils and residue from deep inside the carpet fiber and backing will wick up towards the surface resulting in browning.

Bonnet cleaning

Hot Water Extraction

Hot Water EXTRACTION is sometimes referred to as ‘Steam Cleaning’. In this procedure, hot cleaning solution is sprayed under pressure onto the carpet and is quickly extracted with a vacuum source. Since this technique removes much more contaminants than the other carpet cleaning methods, hot water extraction is favored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is the preferred procedure of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). However, the hot water extraction technique uses much more water than other methods like bonnet or shampoo cleaning, correct post extraction is critical to avoid over saturation. When carpet is saturated there may be a risk that soils and residue from deep inside the carpet fiber and backing will wick up towards the surface resulting in browning.

* Always deal with stains as quickly as possible for a greater chance of cleaning success.
* Never over-wet the carpet when cleaning, always keep the carpet as dry as possible.
* Never use inappropriate household detergents on carpets i.e. (washing up liquid, wash powders, bleach, disinfectants etc.)
* Never use the cleaning fluid directly onto the carpet, always apply to the absorbent spotting material i.e. cloth or sponge.
* Always test any detergent on an inconspicuous area of carpet prior to treating a stain.
* When making use of detergents always use the suggested dilution ratios.
* Always mop, scrape or blot up any excess prior to treatment.
* Never rub or scrub, always work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it.
* Try and encourage quick drying by leaving windows doors open etc.

For tips and advice on carpet cleaning and carpet shampooing, Visit the Cotton Care website.