Top Techniques For Deep Carpet Cleaning – What The Pros Use

Carpets add warmth and comfort to your home, but they can also trap dirt and stains. Vacuuming regularly and treating stains as soon as they occur can help you avoid this, but some types of dirt need more advanced techniques to remove them.

These techniques improve the look and feel of your carpets while removing hidden pollutants that can cause a host of health problems. Here are some of the top Carpet Cleaning Orem methods professionals use:

Hot Water Extraction

When it comes to deep carpet cleaning, hot water extraction or steam cleaning is the go-to method used by professional cleaners. During this process, professionals use a specialized extractor that uses hot water, detergent, and a cleaning wand/tool to penetrate deep into carpet fibers to loosen and dissolve dirt particles. The specialized extractor then sucks up the loose dirt and the cleaning solution, leaving your carpet clean and dry.

In addition to removing ingrained dirt and staining, hot water extraction also helps remove microscopic dust mites that can cause respiratory problems for some family members. While vacuuming and some other carpet cleaning methods are effective at removing these microscopic pests, hot water extraction is an extremely powerful method that finds and kills them where they live in the deepest carpet fibers.

Before attempting a hot water extraction, Tarbox recommends pre-inspection and preparation of the carpet. This includes determining the type of fibers and identifying any existing stains. This will help ensure that the right detergent is used for your carpet, avoiding any unnecessary damage or staining.

During the hot water extraction process, the cleaning professional will apply a cleaning solution to the affected area of the carpet. Then, they will suck the carpet fibers clean, using the cleaning solution to break up and dissolve soil and stains. They will then spray and extract the carpet again, allowing the cleaning solution to flush away goopy dirt particles and leaving your carpets clean.

While there are steam cleaners and extractors available for homeowners to rent or buy, it’s best to leave these specialized machines to the professionals. Professionals follow a strict procedure that prevents leaving detergent residue behind that can attract more dirt and make your carpets dirty faster. Plus, their specialized equipment can quickly and thoroughly suck up the excess water that is left behind, eliminating the risk of mold or mildew. In many cases, this is the only way to keep your carpets looking and feeling like new.

Dry Powder Cleaning

Carpets are a luxurious addition to any home but they are also a magnet for dust, dirt, and other debris. Regular vacuuming helps to keep most of these contaminants at bay, but stains and embedded dirt require more specialized care. It is recommended that a deep clean of the carpet should be performed once or twice a year, especially if you have young children, or pets or frequently host visitors.

When used in conjunction with a hot water extraction machine, the dry powder cleaning method can help extend the life of your carpets and reduce re-soiling. The granules are sprinkled over the carpet and then agitated into the fibers by a counter-rotating brush machine. The granules then act as micro-sponges, dissolving and absorbing the dirt on contact before they are vacuumed up by the extraction machine. The process is very low-moisture, which means the carpet can be walked on immediately after and does not pose a risk to moisture-sensitive or water-glued carpets.

While it is a quick drying process, it may not be as effective as other deep cleaning methods at treating stubborn or ground-in stains. It is not recommended for use on wool or other high-priced carpets, as it can cause damage to the fibers and lead to yellowing of the material. This type of cleaning also does not address the underlying causes of many carpet stains such as mildew, fungus, or other odors, and is only suitable for surface cleaning.

The best way to prevent stains and maintain the condition of your carpet is to regularly vacuum and treat spills as they happen. Try to blot rather than rub, which will help the stain to absorb and avoid rubbing it further into the fabric fibers. You can further protect your carpet by placing doormats at entrances and reducing the amount of dirt that is brought into the house. A yearly or bi-yearly professional clean by a qualified carpet cleaner will also go a long way towards extending the life of your flooring investment and maintaining that beautiful appearance you paid so much for.

Shampooing

Carpets are a lovely part of a home, adding warmth and charm while offering comfort. Unfortunately, they are also a magnet for dirt, dust, air pollution residues, and pet dander that can cling to the fibers. Vacuuming gets rid of some of this, but it’s important to regularly schedule professional cleaning and maintenance.

Among the most popular methods for deep cleaning is shampooing, which uses hot water and a cleansing solution to break down dirt and oil deposits that have been trapped in carpet fibers. This method can also help neutralize allergens for allergy sufferers and provides an excellent surface clean that is suitable for most types of carpeting.

Unfortunately, this type of cleaning can damage your carpets if it is done improperly. For example, using too much shampoo or leaving it to dry before vacuuming can cause browning of the carpet and can also crush the fibers, as it does not allow them to move properly. This damage can be avoided when you work with a trained carpet cleaner who uses the proper techniques.

Another problem with shampooing is that it can leave behind shampoo residues, which not only trap dirt and dander but can make the stains harder to remove. The residues can also attract dust and other pollutants, making them even more difficult to remove from the carpet. This residue can also attract pet hair and other allergens, creating a toxic environment in your home for your family and pets.

When you do have a stain, blot it immediately instead of rubbing, and use a nontoxic cleaner to keep your carpet clean. These organic cleaners work well for most food, alcohol, and coffee stains.

In addition, always brush your carpets regularly (with a pet-safe brush) to reduce the amount of shedding and to promote better ventilation in your home. And, if you have pets, try to keep them outside as much as possible so they don’t shed their fur into your carpets. Regular professional carpet cleaning eliminates trapped pollutants, stains, and musty odors that can affect indoor air quality and can help your family enjoy the beauty of your flooring.

Bonnet Cleaning

A common alternative to shampooing and dry powder cleaning, bonnet cleaning involves a rotary floor machine equipped with a spinning pad that has been soaked in cleaner solution. The pads agitate and scrub the surface of the carpet, removing dirt and leaving the carpet looking clean. This method is often used in hotels and other businesses that need to quickly spruce up their carpets.

In addition to scrubbing, bonnet machines can also be used to blot up spills and spot treat stains that cannot be removed with the carpet extraction method. The low-moisture nature of this method makes it a quick and effective way to refresh the appearance of the carpet between extraction cleanings.

As with all professional carpet cleaning methods, it is important to pre-treat the carpet with a stain inhibitor before using this technique. This will help the carpet resist soiling and extend its life between deep cleans. Additionally, a professional stain inhibitor can prevent the penetration of oil-based spills into the carpet fibers, making them easier to remove.

Before the cleaning process begins, technicians will set up and cordon off a 10’ x 10’ area to avoid causing damage to furniture or other items in the room. They will then prepare the pad by dipping it in a solution mixed in a pump-up chemical sprayer. This is typically a mixture of a cleaning solution and optical brighteners. The cleaner is sprayed on the carpet and allowed to sit for a short period. Then the technician will begin scrubbing, working in sections, and re-dipping the pad as it becomes soiled.

A skilled professional knows how to use this technique to get the best results. It is important to avoid overuse of the rotary machine to minimize wear on the carpet, and it is imperative to use only as much cleaning solution as needed to effectively clean the rug. Also, the bonnets must be laundered regularly to ensure they don’t develop a mold or mildew problem and are ready for the next cleaning. This method is considered to be a light cleaning, not a deep cleaning, as the soil in the lower layers of the carpet eventually rises back to the surface and requires repeat treatment sooner than other types of cleaning.