It’s something you probably don’t think about, but your carpet is one of the biggest long-term investments you make for your home.
This is why it is important that when you do decide to have it cleaned, you’re armed with the information to make the best choice about what method is best for you.
The main difference between carpet dry cleaning and steam cleaning is the amount of water used in the process. At the end of the day, the results achieved depend mostly on the technician skill, chemicals used and the effectiveness of the equipment.
Here is a rundown of what you need to know.
CARPET DRY CLEANING
The Process:
To start, a carpet dry clean includes a pre-vacuum to target dry soil. This should also be done before a steam clean, so that the soil does not become wet prior to the extraction process.
A carpet dry clean treatment includes use of a special dry-cleaning solution, which is developed using a combination of dry-cleaning solvents carried in water. The solution breaks down oily residue in the carpet, which is the residue that creates those dark spots on your carpet. Once the solution breaks that oily residue down, soils and stains are easily removed.
The technician will submerge cotton absorbent pads in hot water, using a conditioning rinse. The pads are placed on a rotary machine, which rotates at high speed to release dirt from the carpet and onto the pads. The pads will be changed regularly throughout this process.
How Does It Work?
The dry-cleaning solutions are the important element of the carpet dry cleaning process. If the solution is effective, it will remove more stains than other cleaning processes.
E-Dry Carpet Dry Cleaning produces its own exclusive carpet dry cleaning solutions, which delivers amazing results. The system we use restores the chemical balance of your carpet, giving it back its showroom glow.
One of the most convenient aspects of carpet dry cleaning is that it leaves the carpet walk-on dry, meaning it will be totally dry in an about an hour.
CARPET STEAM CLEANING
The Process:
Steam cleaning may also be called hot water extraction cleaning.
The steam cleaning method involves injecting hot water into your carpet, which is then extracted out, along with the dirt.
A quality steam cleaning technician will pre-treat stains and use a pre-spray to break down surface tension in the carpet. This helps the water to penetrate deeper into the carpet, allowing for a more thorough clean.
How it works:
For it to be effective, the technician needs to use effective cleaning products, agitate the carpet and take the time to draw all of the water out of the carpet.
It can take up to 24 hours for the carpet to dry, potentially days in some cases.
Without effective pre-treatment, steam cleaning may not effectively remove oily stains. It can be frustrating to see a stain reappear following a steam clean; this may be because the oily residue has not been completely removed and the dirt is still sticking to the residue.
What About A Dual Clean?
We know that steam cleaning and dry cleaning have different benefits, so we offer customers a “dual clean” service, combining the methods. This service is for particularly dirty carpets, utilising the steam clean rinse and stain removal benefits for a superior result. Please note that a dual clean usually costs 80% more than a standard cleaning process.
Summary
Both systems can be effective, however steam cleaning will have a much longer drying time and may not be as effective at removing stains as dry cleaning. Carpet Dry Cleaning uses minimal moisture, meaning it will be totally dry in about an hour. Get in touch with us if you want to know more about carpet dry cleaning.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Sign up for email promotions, tips and special offers.