Best Methods for Deep Cleaning Carpets

You know its time. Even though you have been religious about vacuuming your carpets, quickly attending to spots and spills, and varying traffic patterns to reduce soiling and wear, your carpets are ready for a freshening, and you have decided to hire a professional to give your carpets a deep cleaning. All carpets should be deep cleaned every twelve to eighteen months; a thorough cleaning not only revitalizes the look of your carpeting, it also reduces wear, extends its life and may be required in the terms of your warranty. But just how should your carpet be cleaned? There are five accepted methods for cleaning carpets, and one is right for you.

In most new carpets, your carpet manufacturer or retailer will recommend the best cleaning procedure for deep cleaning your carpets. Always follow these recommendations. If you are attempting the deep cleaning yourself, chose a carpet shampoo or cleaning and follow the directions for application and dilution to the letter. Never use soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent or other household cleaners intended for use on other flooring surfaces. For the best results, be certain to vacuum the carpet thoroughly before cleaning, and apply a preconditioning solution before the deep cleaning process. These pre-cleaning solutions are mild detergents that begin loosening soil before the actual cleaning begins.

There are several ways to find the best professional for your job. You may simply ask for referrals from friends, family or even carpet stores or you may use the Internet to do your own search. No matter which means you use, be aware of the five basic methods professionals use to clean carpets. Each has its advantages and disadvantages; discuss with a professional which is best for your carpets before you begin deep cleaning your carpets.

Dry extraction cleaning uses an absorbent compound containing special detergents and solvents that is infused in and around the carpet fibers with specially-designed machines and brushes. The compound acts as a tiny magnet, attracting dirt, oils and soil in the carpet fibers, and then both the soil and the compound are removed by vacuuming. This method is recommended for sturdy fibers, including most synthetics, and is especially appropriate for natural fibers like wool and cotton that should not be exposed to excessive moisture.

The dry foam extraction method applies a special detergent solution that has been fluffed into a foam, and then applied to the carpet. This foam, which is less dense and much drier than a wet solution, is worked into the carpet by specially designed machines, and then removed by wet vacuuming. Some dry foam machines have their own extraction capabilities, while others need a thorough vacuuming after the carpet is dry.

The hot water extraction method, or “steam cleaning,” as it is sometimes called, is the most common method for do-it-yourselfers and mobile professional cleaners. After preconditioning carpet areas that have experienced heavy use, the carpet cleaner uses hot water extraction equipment to infuse a pressurized cleaning solution into the carpet. Suspended soil and the cleaning solution are immediately extracted. Use caution with the hot water extraction system so that carpets do not become saturated, and accelerate drying in any way possible – using fans, air conditioners, dehumidifiers or additional drying strokes – to avoid possible damage and discoloration resulting from the moisture.

The rotary shampoo method is the classic home carpet cleaning technique. A machine with rotary brushes injects a cleaning solution into the carpet, and then removes the loosened soil and cleaning solution. And as with steam cleaning, be certain you carpet dries as quickly as possible. Never use a machine intended for hard surface flooring to shampoo your carpets – pile distortion and untwisting of fibers can occur, causing permanent damage to your carpet.

The absorbent pad method should be used only by a trained cleaning professional. In the absorbent pad method, a special machine similar to a floor buffer with an absorbent spin pad is used to remove the soil. The pad absorbs soil on the carpet, and the soil is then rinsed off of the pad. The pad must remain saturated with the cleaning solution or damage to the carpet pile may occur. And regularly change the pad to prevent returning the soil back to the carpet face.

When choosing a deep cleaning method for your carpets, always check the recommendations of the carpet manufacturer, the equipment manufacturer, and your carpet cleaning professional. The match between your carpet and the right deep cleaning method will give your carpets added years of beauty and wear.

Special Care for Special Carpet Fibers

Everyone knows that it is regular vacuuming and quick attention to the inevitable spots and stains that keep a carpet looking its best. But even with the most diligent attention to regular carpet care, all carpets will need a deep extraction cleaning every 12 to 18 months to remove stubborn and embedded soil, it may also be required for warranty purposes. These deep cleaning systems will keep carpets looking, feeling and smelling fresh and new. The cleaning – either by wet or dry extraction -- may be done by professional carpet cleaners, or do-it-yourselfers may tackle the job with purchased or rented equipment. Professional carpet cleaners may be found through referrals from friends and family members or even a carpet store. The do-it-yourselfers will be able to rent the correct equipment from any local rental store. The essential key to determining what is the best method for cleaning your carpeting is the construction of the carpet itself.

Most carpets manufactured today incorporate synthetic fibers, such as nylon, polyester, or olefin, and most deep cleaning methods are appropriate for them. In all cases, follow the manufacturers’ cleaning recommendations. Natural fibers, however, may require special care.

Wool carpets can withstand most cleaning methods. Caution should be taken with wool however, to avoid excessive agitation and excessive heat. Do not use cleaning equipment with heavy brushes or beaters on wool carpet. Wool is also easily damaged by bleaches and or detergents that are highly alkaline, so be sure to use a pH neutral cleaning solution on wool. Quick drying is important to avoid yellowing.

Silk carpets should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. The beautiful silks in antique and contemporary area rugs and room sized carpets can be damaged by high temperatures, sunlight, and high pH solutions, and the fibers will lose strength when wet. Except for light spot removal, deep cleaning of silk carpets should be assigned to carpet cleaning professionals.

Cotton and rayon, popular both as pure carpet fibers as well as blended with other fibers, are made of cellulose, a plant fiber, and can withstand cleaning by almost all methods. All plant fibers are subject to yellowing if they remain wet too long, and too much moisture may cause the fibers to shrink. Be careful not to over-saturate cotton and rayon carpets, and if they do become too wet, dry the carpet as quickly as possible. As with all but the sturdiest synthetic fibers, avoid heavy agitation by the cleaning equipment, which can weaken and damage the fibers.

Sisal, jute and other plant fibers, including coconut, ramie, and hemp, have characteristics very similar to cotton and rayon. Most cleaning methods are appropriate for these plant fibers, but dry extraction or dry foam methods are usually recommended. As with cotton, too much moisture may cause these natural fibers to shrink, and cause discoloration. To reduce the chance of color transfer, only use a mild detergent, and dry the carpet quickly. For these specialized carpets, it is probably best to use a professional carpet cleaner.


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