If you have carpet flooring, you probably already know how susceptible it is to dirt.
While the carpets will provide many aesthetic and comfort benefits, in terms of easy cleaning, hardwood floors beat them by a long shot.
You can try your best to upkeep the appearance of your carpeting, but at some point a professional should be called in.
There are a number of methods used for carpet cleaning and knowing the benefits of each can help you pick the right carpet cleaning service.
The shampoo method is probably one of the most ancient methods for cleaning carpets.
Essentially, a thick foamy lather is scrubbed deep into your carpet with a cylindrical or rotary machine.
The goal is to have the dirt cling to the foam, and when dry, be vacuumed up.
The number one problem with this method is the efficiency.
In theory, this is a very effective method, but it will usually turn out to be a temporary fix.
Optical brighteners in the shampoos can cause a temporary brightening which can then cause a yellowing hue and a poor vacuuming job can leave residue that increases re-soiling.
Carbonated carpet cleaning, also known as the Bonnet method, is another method used by carpet cleaning services.
The cleansing carbonate solution is infused into the carpet using an oscillating brush.
The carbonate will trap the dirt, bubble to the surface, will be vacuumed away.
Similar to the shampoo method, this method would be more effective if it is executed properly.
The problem with this method is that not all companies have the proper equipment to do a sufficient job and they can damage the carpet.
Because of this, many carpet manufacturers discourage this method.
The most recommended method for carpet cleaning is known as hot water extraction or steam cleaning.
A truck-mounted or portable device is used to inject a high pressure spray of water and cleaning solution into the carpet, pushing deep recessed dirt to the surface.
The dirt, along with the water, is immediately removed by a powerful vacuum on the front part of the machine.
Truck mounted machines provide powerful extraction with no released fumes, so portable devices are used mainly in apartment or office buildings, where a truck mounted machine is impractical.
Now, you will have an easier time looking for a carpet cleaning service.
You can understand the benefits and disadvantages of each cleaning method that may be offered.
This way, you will never feel like you have to use the first company recommended by a friend or discovered on the internet.
There are more than enough carpet cleaners out there, and now you can make an educated decision on process to use.