Whether you have spilt red wine on the carpet or just want to get your carpet cleaned annually, it is important to know which method is right for your carpet. However, many people around the world cannot determine the right method of Carpet Cleaning.
It is extremely important to choose the cleaning method that is suitable for the fabric present in your carpet and know the situations where it should be dry cleaned or steam cleaned.
In this article, you will see the differences between dry and Steam Carpet Cleaning. You will also see various carpet care tips that will help you get the best of both methods.
However, you need to know these two methods first, which will help you identify their uses.
What is Dry Cleaning?
Dry carpet cleaning is a term used by people specializing in Carpet Cleaning Toronto that involves absorbent chemicals that sit on the carpet and pull up soil and dirt. Honestly, this method involves dry powder. This powder is super absorbent. It also contains a solvent and detergent.
In this method, dry powder is sprinkled all over the carpet, which is then allowed to sit on the carpet. The powder then dissolves and absorbs the soiling present on the carpet. After the powder dissolves and absorbs all the soiling and dirt, you can vacuum it up.
This method is a prominent cleaning method people use for carpets at home, as it is easy to use and pretty quick.
Why Many People Go For Dry Cleaning Method?
A lot of people use dry cleaning method as it allows them to use the carpet soon after the procedure. This procedure doesn’t involve the usage of water at all. Hence, you don’t need to worry about walking over it after it gets cleaned immediately.
The chances of damage due to this method is significantly low as there is no heat or water involved. Many dry powders are even available with a deodorizer which will leave your carpet smelling fresh and clean.
Negatives of Dry Cleaning Your Carpet
Although this method is a comparatively gentle and easy method, it also has some issues. First of all, it is very hard to pull up all the powder out of the carpet with the help of a vacuum. Leftover particles can go deep inside the carpet and rub against the fibres, which can cause damage over time.
Furthermore, these particles can also re-soil your carpet. This method also doesn’t penetrate your carpets deeply. That’s why only the soiling and dirt from the surface level come up. Sadly, this means that if the soiling is heavy and the stains are heavy, this method won’t be effective in cleaning. In addition to that, it is not necessary for all substances to respond to this method.
In a lot of cases, many people can also be allergic to this powder, which could build up over time and cause unwanted reaction to their health.
What is Steam Cleaning?
Also known as the hot water extraction method, steam cleaning is a wet carpet cleaning method that utilizes hot water and detergent spray. Just like washing clothes, this method blends cleaning solutions, hot water, and agitation to pull out dirt and grime first, followed by hot water.
The machines used for hot water extraction create a suction, just like a vacuum. However, instead of air, it circulates water. Professionals specializing in this method can use a microfibre pad or brush, depending upon the fabric of your carpet.
Advantages of Steam Cleaning a Carpet
This method is a deep cleaning technique as it uses a hot water extraction machine to pull up dirt and grime with a significant amount of power. It can remove even the dirt present very deep inside your carpet, reducing its chances of getting its fibres at the base worn off.
This process isn’t even that time consuming as people assume, only taking about 30 minutes in each room. It is also very effective in removing stains and spills that go deep inside the carpet, reducing its chances of getting re-soiled. Even other problems like dust mites, bacteria, and allergens are captured into the solution and removed with the utmost efficiency. All of this is possible thanks to high-temperature water instead of the usage of harsh chemicals.
How Can Steam Cleaning Be Detrimental To Your Carpet?
As it is the wet method to get your carpet cleaned, you will have to wait for a significant amount of time to get it dry. The carpet may also end up getting damaged if it becomes too wet. Both these issues can only kick up if you hire professionals who are either inexperienced or are poorly trained.
Dry Cleaning and Steam Carpet Cleaning: Which Method is Best For You?
| Type | Dry Carpet Cleaning | Steam Carpet Cleaning |
| Method | It involves the usage of cleaning solution that gets absorbed into carpet fibres and then extracted along with the dirt and grime. | It uses steam or hot water to loosen the grime and dirt, which is extracted afterwards. |
| Usage of Water | Water is either used at a minimal level or not at all. | A significant amount of water is used in this method. |
| Drying Time | In this method, the carpet doesn’t actually get wet, which often allows the owner to use it immediately. | It can take a few hours to dry the carpet. |
| Pros | Best for delicate carpets and quick or zero drying time. | It is useful for deep cleaning and is effective in eliminating stubborn stains and allergen. It is also eco-friendly. |
| Cons | It won’t be as effective for dirt that is deep inside the carpet or stubborn stains. It can also leave a residue. | Drying the carpet takes a lot of time. It is unsuitable for delicate carpet areas that are sensitive to moisture. |
Conclusion
It gets really confusing for many people to choose the right cleaning methods for their carpets. However, they can look at the above mentioned points that will help them understand the right method suitable for their carpets. Furthermore, carpets also come in different types of fabrics, which also makes it important to select the one that doesn’t end up damaging it. This way, you will be able to get your carpets clean and use them for a long.