The Truth About Steam Cleaning Your Carpets

I worked in the carpet and upholstery cleaning, installation and repair business for about 15 years and during that time I had the opportunity to use some high power cleaners for removal of spots stains and general dirt. I have also used 3 different types of cleaning methods shampoo, dry cleaning and water extraction or steam cleaning. Today I would like to share my thoughts on each one.

Shampooing your carpet is probably the oldest method I know of to use. I am sure there have been others but then I am only 42. For some fabrics like wool and some moisture sensitive cottons shampoo provides a moist form of cleaning and can help minimize color bleeding and extreme shrinkage. A rotary machine with a soft brush is used. The shampoo is applied to the carpet through a sprayer and the rotary machine is run back and forth across the carpet.

Dry cleaning of carpet and upholstery really became all the rage in the 80's. The guy who created Chem Dry is said to have actually patented the chemical he created for carpet and upholstery dry cleaning. He then trained others to use the process and then sold them franchises with the rights to use the chemical. A rotary machine is also used, but with a cotton bonnet instead of a brush. The carbonated chemical is applied to the carpet through a sprayer, is allowed to sit for a few minutes then the rotary machine is moved back and forth across the carpet. The cotton pad usually dampened picks up the dirt that is loosened by carbonated chemical. The carpet usually dries in a couple of hours.

The method I used the most and liked the best was water extraction. Through a high pressure pump hot water mixed with the correct amount of cleaning chemicals is injected into the carpet to break down dirt embedded in the fabric. The water jet is attached to the head of a cleaning wand that the vacuum runs through. The chemicals, water and dirt are removed immediately with each pass of the tool. When the equipment is used properly the carpet can begin drying right away and usually will be completely dry in 4-5 hours.

Each of the methods I have outlined above have their positives and negatives.

I would like to leave you with one thought. If I put soap in my hair and I do not rinse it out what do you think will happen when it dries? The shampooing and the dry cleaning offer now way to completely remove the chemical they scrub down into your fabric. It is like washing your laundry and not rinsing the soap out. With water extraction the chemicals and dirt are flushed out with the vacuum and removed to a holding tank.

You can find this tip and many others at http://www.homemaintenance.getaliving.net The site for the home improvement do-it-yourselfer.



 

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