Carpet Cleaning – Chemical Dry Cleaning Process
I just read an interesting article comparing carpet cleaning methods. I thought the author did a decent job of explaining the pros and cons. I also thought, “Wow, this stuff must really be confusing to a homeowner who just wants a clean carpet.” As a business owner providing carpet cleaning in Portland, Oregon, I understand why professional cleaners believe and advertise their particular method of cleaning as the best. I do the same. Having said all that, I want to give you as unbiased a view as I can.
All the methods of carpet cleaning have advantages and disadvantages. Much depends on what you want to accomplish. Let’s say you have a party tonight, and the carpet needs a few spots removed and a little brightening. You have limited time and money. In this case dry cleaning may be a good option with a good quality absorbent carpet cleaner. I have seen some good sawdust absorbent cleaners that remove surface spots, brighten the carpet, and leave a good smell in the room.
On the other hand, let’s say you have party coming up and you have two months to get ready.Your carpet has gone awhile without a deep cleaning. You suspect that your carpet protection has worn off because your last spill left a stain. The menu will include coffee and red wine. In this case I would recommend a deep cleaning followed by the reapplication of carpet protectors. The carpet will look great and more importantly will stand up to the klutz who spills.
Is one better than the other?It depends on what you want to accomplish. I use hot water extraction, also known as steam carpet cleaning. Hot water extraction is the recommended cleaning procedure by many top carpet manufacturers. But for now, lets talk about about Chemical Dry Carpet Cleaning and start with a couple examples. For example one I call a surface or light cleaning. Example two classifies as a deep cleaning. As long as you understand the purpose of the method you choose and apply it accordingly you can’t go wrong. However, when a homeowner or a commercial cleaner uses a particular method for the wrong purpose, then you have problems.
For instance, if you use a dry cleaning method designed to remove only surface dirt and then apply carpet protector on top, you have done yourself a disservice. You have sealed abrasive dirt into your carpet. Unfortunately, this particular procedure happens countless times a day. The homeowner rents a carpet cleaning machine at the department store that utilizes a foam method to clean the carpet. You apply the foam, it attracts dirt, it dries, and then you vacuum it. It’s not a bad method. However, foam machines come under the category of dry cleaning and as such only accomplish surface cleaning. You apply a protector over the top of dirty carpet, and wah lah, you have created carpet sandpaper.
I tell my customers. Know the various methods and apply them to the intended purpose.
Hope this information is helpful! Until next time….Sean