Advantages of Hot Water Extraction – Steam Cleaning
Considering a pro carpet cleaning? Chances are, you should. According to The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, most households should have their carpets cleaned once or more every year. Homes that include pets or smokers should have their carpets professionally cleaned at least twice per year.
When the time rolls around to choose a professional carpet cleaner, you'll probably want to know more about the cleaning methods they use, including the safety, effectiveness and environmental impact of each. A fast search of the web will most likely yield a great number of local carpet cleaners, each offering their own spin on one of three basic carpet cleaning techniques – shampooing, “dry cleaning” ( using a dry cleaning solution or powder ), and hot water extraction sometimes called steam cleaning.
Of these techniques, steam cleaning is the hottest. But what's it? And why is it the right choice?
Sometimes incorrectly referred to as “steam cleaning” ( no steam is really used ), involves the use of a stream of highly heated water to force dust and soil out of the carpet while a vacuum whisks it away. First, excess soil is removed with a dry vacuum. Next, a pressurised, heated, water-based cleaning solution is injected into the carpet. As the injected solution pushes dirt to the outer layer of the carpet, it is removed by a wet vacuum.
So is hot water extraction the best choice for your carpet? Here's what you need to understand about this preferred carpet cleaning methodology.
Most major carpet manufacturers recommend it as the best way to clean their carpets. And for some kinds of carpet, hot water extraction is the only safe methodology. Unless you are sure that your carpet will not be damaged by alternate methods, go for hot water extraction – better safe than sorry!
Hot water extraction offers a much deeper clean than its alternatives, particularly shampooing and dry cleaning, which only provide a surface clean. Hot water extraction is also much more effective at removing stains and odors than surface cleaners.
Other carpet cleaning methods-those that involve the use of shampoo, a dry cleaning solution or powder-can leave behind large amounts of residue. When performed correctly, hot water extraction leaves your carpets virtually residue-free.
When performed using natural, non toxic cleaning solutions, hot water extraction can be an eco friendly approach to carpet cleaning. Many alternative cleaning methods rely on harsh chemicals that may pose health risks for folks and pets. Thanks to the power of highly-heated water, more gentle solutions are adequate to provide a satisfactory result.
When choosing a carpet company that uses the hot water extraction method, be certain that the company provides comprehensive coaching and that your technician is experienced. Though hot water extraction is intensely effective, it's a more tough technique to learn than some of the choices, and overwetting can happen if your technician hasn't been correctly trained. Poke around carpet cleaners' web sites – if their technician coaching wants are not mentioned, be certain to ask about them before booking your appointment.