8 Best Carpet Cleaning Methods For A Brand New Look

Carpets bring warmth and character to homes, but they also get soiled very easily. You cannot go with the traditional scrubbing and rinsing method with carpets, as they are huge and heavy and have fibers that soak up water.

Cleaning carpets can be very bothersome as it is time-consuming, requires labor, and the wrong method can damage the carpet. Here are 8 carpet cleaning methods so that you can pick the one most suitable for your carpet.

8 Best Carpet Cleaning Methods

1. Shampooing

Modern cleaning methods have replaced this traditional method. However, people still shampoo their carpet when it is heavily soiled or for special occasions when it will have to be cleaned again after the event.

This method involves applying detergent directly to the carpet and agitating it with a cleaning machine. This results in the foaming of the detergent and the loosening of dirt and debris. You then need to use a vacuum cleaner to extricate the shampoo.

After the procedure, the carpet looks very clean and bright and smells nice. However, the method is not very efficient as it does not remove dirt that has caked deep down in the carpet.

As a result, the method does not meet health and wellness standards. Also, as vacuuming is the only extraction method and no other rinsing technique is used, the carpet will be left sticky after the procedure.

2. Hot Water Extraction Or Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is one of the most commonly used carpet cleaning methods for residential and commercial properties. It is the best method for people allergic to detergents and shampoos. Also, the high water temperature kills most bacteria, mildew, mold, and other irritants, giving you complete all-round cleaning.

This method applies a mixture of cleaning agents and hot water deep into the carpet at high pressure. A vacuum source immediately extracts the cleaning solution along with all the debris and dirt. The high temperature helps dissolve dirt particles, helping in their extraction.

However, on the downside, the method uses a lot of water. So, the carpet takes a long time to dry, and until then, there cannot be any foot traffic. Also, repeated use of hot water can damage the carpet.

3. Dry Carpet Cleaning

Dry carpet cleaning method is the go-to option for busy properties that cannot wait for the carpet to dry. It is one of the latest and most used methods as it gives quick results.

This method involves spreading a special chemical detergent or cleaning powder on the carpet and using a brush to agitate the carpet fibers to distribute the product evenly. You’ll then need to leave the powder on the carpet for around 15 to 30 minutes. After this, you can suction off the lumps and debris with a vacuum.

However, there are two drawbacks to the method. One, the smell of the cleaning agent is very pungent, and thus good ventilation is required. Second, the powder may remain in the carpet if you do not use a powerful vacuum. This can cause product build-up and create health issues, especially for people with breathing difficulties and allergies.

4. Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning

Dry foam carpet cleaning is a mix of shampooing and dry carpet cleaning methods. The method is best for tough carpets, as the procedure is rough and can damage delicate ones.

This method involves applying cleaning foam and very little water to the carpet, spreading it uniformly with a brush, and cleaning each fiber. The foam attracts dirt and other impurities as it dries. Next, you’ll need to vacuum to extract the foam.

The method only removes moderate levels of dirt, so you cannot use it on a heavily soiled carpet. Also, not vacuuming properly may leave product residue that may build up.

5. Bonnet Carpet Cleaning

Bonnet cleaning is not very effective as it does not offer deep cleaning. You may use it when a carpet only requires surface cleaning or for commercial properties that just want a fresh and clean-looking carpet.

This method involves applying a cleaning product to the carpet and working a rotary machine with a bonnet or thick towel across the carpet. The machine ruffles the carpet fibers, and the absorbing pad absorbs the dirt. The method is only suitable if your carpet is not heavily soiled and needs a clean surface.

6. Encapsulation

Encapsulation has replaced shampooing, as it uses less water than the shampoo cleaning method. It also leaves behind less chemical residue. It involves vacuuming the carpet before and after the procedure, making many label encapsulations as an interim cleaning method.

Next, you’ll need to spread crystalline polymers or synthetic detergent on the carpet. These polymers attract dirt, soil, and loose detergent and enclose them, forming a capsule. After some time, the particles become brittle, which you can collect through vacuuming.

It is an excellent method for deep cleaning. As it uses very little water, the carpet dries quickly as well.

7. Agitation

Agitation is a complementary method used along with other cleaning methods for more targeted stain removal. This method uses a mechanical brush to physically scrub the dust and dirt and remove them from the carpet. It also helps with properly distributing cleaning agents when using other methods.

The method offers thorough cleaning, but if used as a sole cleaning method, it is very time-consuming and tiring, especially when you have a big carpet. Also, too much agitation can damage the carpet, resulting in fuzzing, untwisting, and piling.

8. Vacuuming

This is the most common method used in day-to-day life. It involves using a vacuum to remove dry dust and dirt from the carpet. Many even consider vacuuming a prerequisite for other cleaning methods, while others consider it an important step after a cleaning procedure.