Which Method of Carpet Cleaning is Best?

If you’ve ever rented a carpet cleaning machine from a local store, you’ll probably have been more than a little alarmed at how long it took for your carpets to dry…

It’s also the reason why many of our customers ask if we use a “dry” carpet cleaning method.

And yes, we do…along with other methods.

But, is dry cleaning the best method of cleaning a carpet? And is it the only way to achieve fast drying times?

Let’s dig a little deeper and investigate which method of carpet cleaning is best for your home or business.

Although there are several different variations of machines, techniques and products within dry and Hot Water Extraction (HWE) carpet and upholstery cleaning, essentially it comes down to two options…

Dry Carpet Cleaning or Hot Water Extraction?

The type of carpet and upholstery cleaning method you choose often depends on the company you hire and to some extent the type of carpet that is laid.

If we are cleaning carpets in an office with carpet tiles, we will almost certainly be using our rotary machine to carry out bonnet cleaning. But generally, this is one of the only times that we would choose a somewhat “dry” method over hot water extraction cleaning (sometimes referred to as steam cleaning).

You see, in our experience, dry carpet cleaning simply does not come close to achieving the same results as HWE.

The dry method removes soiling by absorption or transference. It can be a great method of working on typical commercial carpet tiles or carrying out maintenance cleans, but it needs a conscientious operator to ensure that pads are replaced before they are dirty and that products are completely removed from carpets.

And even the most diligent carpet cleaning operator will struggle to ensure that ALL traces of products and residue are removed from fibers and fabrics.

Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning

Hot water extraction sprays a hot water solution into the carpet – which has been pre-treated with a carpet cleaning product – and then quickly extracts the moisture along with the soil via a powerful vacuum system.

The effectiveness of this method depends on the power and quality of the machine being used by the carpet cleaning company. As with so many things, you truly get the results you pay for…

This method is recommended by all carpet manufacturers as being the best method of carpet and upholstery cleaning.

HWE will remove solutions and soiling from your carpet whilst simultaneously removing harming harmful allergens and bacteria.

And if the clean is performed using a modern, powerful machine, drying times are very fast and cause no inconvenience whatsoever.

It is the healthiest and most effective method of cleaning carpets and upholstery for homeowners, and as long as it is carried out with care by an experienced company (insist on insurance!) it will get you the results you desire.