Carpets need to be deep cleaned at least twice a year to remove the dirt, settled between the fibres.

While there are a lot of choices when it comes to selecting a rug cleaning company, it is essential to understand the different types of methods used by the companies for dealing with dirt and soil on home carpets. Knowing the how-tos of the 3 most recommended carpet cleaning techniques will help you choose the one that works best for your flooring.

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Hot Water Extraction

Widely known as steam carpet cleaning, hot water extraction uses high pressured water heated up to 99 degrees and specialised professional-grade cleaning detergent. The solution is injected into the fibres to dissolve the dirt settled deep into in the carpet. Simultaneously, a suction attachment extracts the liquid along with the soil and dust.
The hot water extraction is probably the most recommended rug cleaning method for 3 reasons. 1st, it can be used for most types of home carpet. 2nd, hot water extraction is the most effective treatment in killing bacteria in textile flooring. And 3rd, this procedure doesn’t leave the carpeting soaking wet, and the homeowners can start using the rug just a few hours after the treatment.

Check also: 3 Reasons Why Steam Cleaning is the Best Method for Your Rug

Encapsulation

Foam encapsulation uses synthetic detergents that are distributed evenly onto the rug to loosen the grime. The foam is left to dry, turning into a powder. Dirt particles in the carpet fibres are encapsulated into the dried detergent as soon as the applied cleaning product dries. After this step, the dried foam along with the trapped dirt is vacuumed or brushed. This method is preferred by homeowners because it doesn’t use a lot of water and doesn’t require additional drying time.
Although encapsulation rug cleaning is showing pretty good results in improving the appearance of the flooring, this cleaning method is insufficient when there is a need for thorough deep cleaning of heavy soiled carpet because of the procedure’s limitations.

Read also: How to Keep Your Home Carpet Clean?

Dry Carpet Cleaning

Compound cleaning, widely known as dry carpet cleaning is the 3rd most popular treatment, recommended for home rugs. It has gained increasing popularity among homeowners and the approval of carpet manufacturers because of its efficient cleaning performance, and convenience as the procedure does not require drying time.
The highlight of dry rug cleaning is the application of the cleaning compound onto the carpet. The powder is rubbed in the fibres using motorised counter-rotating brushes. This helps agitate the carpet fibre and allows the cleaning agent to settle. After this step, the powder is let to sit for a short period of time (depending on the different product) and to loosen the dirt. The last step of this rug cleaning method is extracting the powder along with the grime with a powerful vacuum.
Since the dry rug cleaning technology was introduced in the 1980s, many types of cleaning compounds or powders appeared on the market. As this method is considered relatively new compared to the rest of the conventional carpet cleaning treatments that have been used for decades, many companies and customers question the effectiveness of the procedure.

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All of the rug cleaning methods have their advantages and disadvantages. However, we at Keen Clean recommend hot water extraction for almost all types of flooring, excluding antique and oriental rugs, as this is the most effective way to refresh your carpets and deal with bacteria. If you have a water sensitive carpeting, made from all-natural fibres, we would suggest the dry cleaning method, as it can remove up to 95% of the dirt from your flooring. If you are not sure what procedure is more suitable for your flooring just give us a call and our rug cleaning specialists will assist your choice and give you a free estimate. choice and give you a free estimate.