Carpet Cleaning 101: Which Carpet Cleaners NOT To Use

Typically, when people are looking for a carpet cleaning company they are ignorant of the fact that there are many different “styles” to carpet cleaning.

“Host, Encapsulation, Steam, Hot Carbonation; I just want my carpets cleaned!”

I’m sure most people feel this way when doing research for a local carpet cleaner. Like anything else we feel that education always leads to the best decision so we have created this blog post to show you the pros and cons for each method and let you be the judge. Here we go!

Host Cleaning

Also known as an Absorbent Compound or Host Cleaning, these types of carpet cleaning uses an attractant to pull soil from the surface of your carpet. First, the carpet is vacuumed. Next, a wet absorbent compound (often resembling a wet sawdust) is applied to the carpet. Then a special machine is used to buff and agitate the compound. The soil from the carpet is absorbed into the compound, then vacuumed up.

Encapsulation Cleaning

This method of cleaning is mainly used for low pile, commercial grade carpet. First, the carpet is pre-treated with an encapsulating cleaning solution. Then a special machine is used to agitate the cleaning solution into the carpet fibers. As the cleaning solution dries, it forms a crystal that encapsulates (or traps) the soil deposits, which are then removed with regular vacuuming. This product may continue to work following the initial cleaning. Any remaining cleaning solution will continue to trap soil. This type of carpet cleaning is best for commercial carpet, which should be vacuumed on a regular and frequent basis.

Steam Cleaning

The technical name for this cleaning is a hot water extraction or HWE. Most carpet manufactures recommend this type of carpet cleaning. In fact, one of the largest carpet manufactures state that any other cleaning method may void your warranty. First, the carpet is pre-treated with a cleaning solution that helps break down the soil deposits. Then the soil and the solution is thoroughly rinsed from the carpet with a pressurized, hot water rinse. At the same time, a powerful wet vacuum is being used to remove the steam, soil, and cleaning solution. The dirty water is deposited into a waste tank. Most professionals use a truck mounted unit which offers higher temperature water and stronger vacuum power. There are also portable steam cleaning units that operate with the same principles. The downfall of portable steam cleaning units are reduced heat, water pressure, and vacuum resulting in inferior cleaning.

Bonnet Cleaning

Dry carpet cleaning is also referred to as a bonnet cleaning or an absorbent pad cleaning.   Contrary to their name, these types of carpet cleaning are not dry.  First, a liquid cleaning solution is sprayed onto the surface of the carpet to attract soil.  The cleaning solution breaks down the soil deposits then a buffing machine is moved across the surface of the carpet.  The buffing machine has a removable, highly absorbent pad or bonnet on the bottom.  This absorbent pad soaks up the cleaning solution and removes the soil deposits in the process.  When the pad is soiled, it is exchanged for a fresh one.  This process continues until the surface of the carpet appears clean.

Hot Carbonation Extraction Cleaning (HCE)

Chem-Dry’s process is different from any other Carpet Cleaning Process. Instead of soaking your carpets with water (such as Steam Cleaning), our process employs millions of microscopic bubbles to explode dirt from deep in your carpet fibers, so therefore we only need to use a fraction of the water that typical steam cleaning uses, almost 80% less in fact. After the carbonation releases and lifts the dirt, our high powered equipment extracts the dirt and moisture from the carpet.

So while wet cleaners (host, steam cleaners) use excessive amounts of water that can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, Chem-Dry’s low-moisture process doesn’t carry the same risk and offers a safer and more convenient carpet cleaning solution. Last but not least, Hot Carbonation Extraction cleaning is safe for family and pets our carpets dry in just a few hours, not 1-2 days like with typical steam cleaning, and your carpet stays cleaner longer because there is no soapy residue left behind.

As you can see Hot Carbonation Extraction is where our heart lies in the predicament. But, if you are still needing more proof as why we support this cleaning method so much just look at the facts.

Hot Carbonation Extraction Cleaning Removes 98% of INDOOR ALLERGENS!

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Carpet Cleaning 101: Which Carpet Cleaners NOT To Use Near Me