Which Carpet Cleaning Method Cleans Best?

 

With so many carpet cleaning methods to choose from, which one cleans best? We strongly recommend the hot water extraction method in almost all cases, but we think it’s important that you understand each process before deciding which method is best for you. Here is an explanation of different carpet cleaning methods today, and expected results:

Dry Foam

The carpet cleaner applies shampoo to the carpet, allows it to dry, and then – without rinsing – sucks the dried shampoo into a vacuum. Can you imagine applying shampoo to your hair, allowing it to dry and then removing the shampoo from your head with a vacuum? This method leaves dirty residue in your carpet, which is one reason why dry foam is not a very effective method of cleaning.

Absorbent Pad (Bonnet Cleaning)

This method is similar to dry foam, except a large cotton bonnet is set on your carpet while a buffer machine “buffs” the carpet. The rotating motion causes the bonnet to absorb dirt from your carpet. This method is also called “low moisture” or bonnet cleaning. Bonnet cleaning is like using a large cotton towel to rub the dirt out of your carpet. It’s not very effective.

Dry Absorbent Powder

The dry-compound method spreads a mist, absorbent powder throughout the carpet. The powder is allowed to dry, and then sucked into a vacuum. This method leaves dry sponge particles at the base of the carpet yarn. Because the carpet isn’t rinsed, this method is not very effective.

Hot Water Extraction

This is a fancy way of saying that a hot water cleaning solution under high pressure is forced into your carpet and then sucked out of your carpet. Some people refer to this as “steam cleaning”, but the water rinse solution used is hot, but not actually steam. In a recent Technical Bulletin, Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, “recommends the hot water extraction system, which research indicates provides the best capability for cleaning.” Hot water extraction, when performed properly, removes dust mites, pollens, bacteria, oils, spills, and soap residues. Your carpet stays cleaner longer (like when new) because all residues are removed.

You can choose from two different types: Truck-mount extraction, which is done with a large machine mounted in a truck or van -or-Portable extraction, which is done with a small, hand-held unit.

Which type to choose?

Shaw’s Technical Bulletin states “[cleaning] can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the facility with only the hose and wand brought inside, or where the truck-mounted unit cannot reach, by a portable, self-contained system brought into the facility.” As you can see, Shaw recommends the truck-mounted unit first. This isn’t surprising.

The truck-mounted unit cleans much better because it heats the water to a higher temperature and shoots the cleaning solution into the carpet with higher pressure. This breaks up the dirt, bacteria, chemicals and pollens in the carpet. At the same time, the machine produces an incredibly strong vacuum and draws the dirt and pollutants out of your carpet & home. There is no question that the most effective way to clean carpeting is with a truck mounted hot-water unit. It’s the most powerful cleaning machine on the market, and the only machine that cleans your carpet of dirt, harmful bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens, tobacco residue and dust mites.

Some people believe that hot water damages your carpet. This isn’t true. By washing and rinsing your carpet with hot water, carpet can be completely cleaned – in the same way that a person who showers and then rinses off the dirt and soap will be much cleaner that the person who only takes a sponge bath.

True North Cleaning Professionals utilize state of the art, most powerful, truck mounted hot water extraction cleaning in most cases.

If you are tired of looking at dingy, drab carpeting or if you are concerned about how unhealthy your carpeting is in its current state, now is the time to do something about it.

Contact True North Cleaning Professionals today to inquire about our carpet and upholstery cleaning pricing, and to set up cleaning throughout your home.

Learn more about our “Guaranteed Most Thorough” Carpet Cleaning Services