Which Carpet Cleaning Method is Best?

With so many options flooding the market, you may not find it easy to identify the best carpet cleaning method. Doing some research is crucial to making sure you protect your investment and enjoy the plush, fresh results that professional carpet cleaning done right can provide. Below, we’re offering an overview of some of the carpet cleaning methods currently in use by professionals, as well as what makes Chem-Dry’s Hot Carbonating Extraction process the leading choice for a significant number of homeowners.

A Look at Popular Carpet Cleaning Methods

Over the years, there have been numerous carpet cleaning methods developed with the intention of removing dirt, grime, stains, and odors from carpets. Here are the ones that are conventionally used by professionals:

1. Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is probably one of the most well-known carpet cleaning methods. It is believed to provide thorough results thanks to its combination of hot water and cleaning agents. 
While steam cleaning offers a deeper clean than some of the other methods listed below, this technique comes with several drawbacks. One is that it floods carpets with water, leaving them saturated for hours. This means your carpet can take more than a day to dry. This not only makes steam cleaning inconvenient for busy families but also allows for the possibility of the spread of mold and mildew.

2. Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning makes use of cleaning powders, rather than liquid solutions, that are worked into carpets with a special machine. You may think that dry cleaning is a good choice because it won’t leave your carpets soaking wet, thus minimizing the risk of fungal growth. While this is true, dry cleaning does not effectively get rid of the dirt and grime that accumulate near the backing of carpets, meaning you’ll only get surface-level results with this method. You do need some moisture to emulsify all the dirt and grime in your carpet fibers so it can be extracted to get the most effective results.

3. Encapsulation

Encapsulation entails the application of a liquid or foam detergent to carpets that becomes a crystallized powder as it dries. The theory is that dust and soil are dislodged from carpet fibers during this process, and can then be vacuumed up along with the powder. This method is best in a commercial business setting as after Encapsulation is used, one needs to vacuum a few times for optimal results.

4. Shampooing

As its name suggests, shampooing involves a foaming detergent that is scrubbed into carpets with brush-like equipment. Much like when you shampoo your hair, carpet shampoo helps make it possible to lift up soil from where it has become stuck to carpet fibers, with the intention of washing it away.

Similarly to steam cleaning, this process causes carpets to become quite wet. Shampooing also often leaves behind a sticky residue that acts like a magnet for dirt and dust. As a result, carpets that are shampooed often need to be cleaned more quickly and frequently, which places more stress on their fibers and can shorten their lifespan.

What Makes Chem-Dry the Best Choice in Professional Carpet Cleaning?

At Chem-Dry, we have developed a unique process for carpet cleaning that does not have the same drawbacks as many other cleaning methods. We call this process Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) thanks to its use of a carbonated cleaning solution, referred to as The Natural®, along with powerful extraction equipment.

The benefits of carbonation in this process are numerous. The tiny bubbles do the work of lifting dirt and grime up and away from the carpet backing so we can then extract with our equipment which offers a deep clean and results in a luxuriously revitalized texture and color when dry.

Furthermore, this carbonated solution is not formulated with any soapy detergents, meaning it does not produce a dirt-attracting residue. As only minimal amounts of water are needed to complete this process, your carpets will dry in mere hours. HCE thus offers a more convenient method for deep carpet cleaning that doesn’t cut any corners.

Choose the best carpet cleaning method for your home by calling Chem-Dry by Kevin Jones. Reach out to us at 317-489-3854 today for details about setting up an appointment.