Advanced Carpet Cleaning Methods
These strategies involve much more than the mere sopping up of stains and spots, rather getting down to the nitty gritty of cleaning carpets.
Most of these methods require specialized equipment, some of which can be rented or purchased.
In order to get carpets thoroughly cleaned, vacuuming and spot cleaning will not cut it.
One way to get all of the stains out is to bonnet clean, also referred to as absorbent pad cleaning.
It is similar to spot cleaning, but on a much larger scale.
By using this method, a large pad is put down over the entire room's carpet and the dirt is absorbed up into the pad.
This is not the most effective way to clean, but it a popular method.
There is no rinsing of the carpet and therefore is not as thorough as some other processes.
There are a couple advanced carpet cleaning techniques that do not require water.
One way is to put down an absorbent powder that attracts the dirt into the granules.
Then the powder is vacuumed along with the dirt.
Depending on the condition of the carpet, this may be an effective way to get it clean.
Another dry cleaning strategy is to spray foam cleaner down onto the surface.
The foam is allowed to seep down and work on the stains.
This is also vacuumed away after being allowed to sit for a period of time.
There is no rinsing process involved in either of these dry cleaning systems.
They are not restorative and therefore not the best way to get the carpets completely cleaned.
The most popular advanced carpet cleaning method is known as steam cleaning, also called hot water extraction.
Steam is not really used, hot water is.
Steam could actually damage the carpet and even cause it to shrink.
Hot water extraction uses hot water and mixes it with a solution that is then applied to the carpet using a sprayer.
Unlike the dry cleaning methods, this thoroughly washes and then rinses the carpet, backing and padding underneath.
Powerful vacuums then suck up the water and the dirt.
Bleach, hair dye, drain cleaner, some insecticides and certain other household items will most likely cause permanent color changes in the carpet that cannot be reversed with any cleaning methods.
By trying to spot clean those stains as soon as possible, there is a chance to possibly reduce the extent of the damage.
All carpet manufacturers recommend steam cleaning because it is the most thorough way to get the job done.
Advanced carpet cleaning techniques usually require some specialized products and utensils.
Many grocery stores rent the cleaning equipment and solution.
For some people, that is enough.
Others need the help of a professional carpet cleaning company.