The Best Way To Clean Carpet?

What is the absolute best way to clean carpet? Carpet manufacturers are almost unanimous. The best way is to use hot-water extraction, also called steam cleaning. Shaw Industries, for example, which is the world's largest carpet manufacturer, recommends only hot-water extraction.

It is also recommended that you use truck-mount units, since portable machines don't have as much suction power and heat. Hot-water extraction is not the only way, though. You can dry-clean your carpet as well. A discussion of both methods follows.

Dry Cleaning Carpet

There are several variations of dry cleaning. None of these, by the way, involves rinsing your carpet when finished. One method uses a foam that dries in your carpet and then is vacuumed up. It is doubtful that all the residue can be extracted.

Another method uses a cotton bonnet that spins. This is meant to absorb the dirt in your carpet. There are some questions as to how deeply this method can clean your carpet.

Finally, there's a dry-cleaning compound that looks like wet sawdust. This is brushed into your carpet, where the dirt adheres to it. When it's dry, it is vacuumed out.

Given their doubtful effectiveness, why are these methods used? The primary reason may be that the equipment costs less. In fact, it is thousands of dollars less than hot-water extraction equipment.

Steam Cleaning Carpet

It is actually hot-water extraction, but it steams a lot. It is also the best way to clean carpet. A good truck-mount hot-water extraction unit forces very hot water into the carpet under high pressure, and then sucks it (and the dirt) out thoroughly. "Steam cleaning," as it is commonly called, has the following advantages:

- The high heat kills bacteria, fungus, mold, and dust mites, making it the healthiest way to clean carpet.

- It doesn't leave residue, if it's done correctly. Detergent residues attract dirt, which can damage carpet.

- The high pressure cleans carpet more deeply.

- The strong vacuum also cleans carpet more deeply.

- Heat really helps! Above 118 degrees fahrenheit, every 18 degrees higher changes chemical reactivity by 100%. Hot water extraction cleaning is done between 150 and 200 degrees. Is that too technical? The bottom line is that it's just the best way to clean carpet.

Steve Gillman has worked in the carpet cleaning industry for years. For more carpet-care information, and specific stain-by-stain removal instructions, visit http://www.HowToRemoveCarpetStains.com

---

Hidden Causes of Water Damage in the Home

In addition to causing destruction, water damage also has an... Read More

Do You Have a Master Bedroom? You Shouldnt! Tips for Remodeling Your Bedroom

The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More

Feng Shui Tips For Your Home Office

Did you know that over 50% of women now run... Read More

Strongly Scented Candles: Use your mouth, nose and eyes to tell

Triple scented, heavily scented, strongly scented - these are all... Read More

Remedies for a Wet Basement

A wet basement can be just a nuisance or even... Read More

Save Money On Home Improvement Projects

Many of us avoid home improvement projects due to their... Read More

Choosing a Vinyl Replacement Window Contractor

Whenever I write an article, it's usually tailored to the... Read More

What is Injection Waterproofing?

Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks... Read More

Get New Floors And Save A Bundle When You Do It Yourself

After years of use, your floor will need to be... Read More

Aluminium Window Frames

When double glazing first became a popular window choice in... Read More

5 Reasons to Make Early Spring Firewood Time at Your Home

As the weather hints of warmth and the spring buds... Read More

What does it take to be an Interior Designer?

When trying to decide if Interior Design is right for... Read More

Removing Old Aluminum Windows

This week we are going to talk about the process... Read More

Gel Candle Safety: What You Should Know Before You Buy

A lot of attention has been focused on gel candle... Read More

Why Laminate Flooring is the Perfect Choice for Families

If you've ever had carpets or vinyl flooring you've probably... Read More

Keeping Stone Floors in Tip Top Condition

I had a customer call me to make a complaint... Read More

A Guide to Commercial Steel Buildings

Commercial steel buildings are prefabricated and custom-designed for use as... Read More

Make Your Home Secure

The following list offers some inexpensive ways to make your... Read More

11 Tips for Stripping Wallpaper: How to Get Rid of Ugly Wallpaper!

I broke my promise to myself and stripped wallpaper again.... Read More

Remodeling Your Home: How Much Is Too Much?

The classic way for homeowners to increase the value of... Read More

How House Plans Work

The Ins and Outs Of Choosing Online Custom Home Plans!... Read More

Art and Design

Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with... Read More

The Solar Energy Industry Grew 67% Last Year: Are You Making the Best Decision for Your Future?

Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water... Read More

Materials For Building Window Shutters

Shopping for window shutters can become confusing because of the... Read More

Basement Waterproofing Advice

Basements need to be waterproofed for many reasons. Cracks in... Read More

Wallpaper Doesnt Just Cover...It Defines The Room

Wallpaper is often overlooked as a key part of an... Read More

From Toss Out to Sensational Keeper - Lamp Re-Make

When the old lamp from my children's room was turning... Read More

An Overview of Aluminium, Plastic and Timber Conservatories

Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout... Read More

Why Not Add a Shower To Your Bathroom?

If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and redoing... Read More

Types of Table Saws

A table saw is one of the most popular pieces... Read More

Home Floor Plan Designing For Your Future Home

Designing Your Own Dream Home for the New Home Builder:... Read More

Successful Motor Protection Formulae

As we have discussed before, all overload relays have one... Read More

Home Remodeling Business

Need for home remodelingThe need for home remodeling is on... Read More