Different Types of Carpet Cleaning - Hot Water Extraction

Commonly known as Steam Cleaning, hot water extraction cleaning uses Water, Agitation, Time, Chemistry and Heat in order to properly clean carpets.

In many cases, if one of these five elements is not present in the cleaning procedure, another element will need to be increased in order to make up for it. For instance, some cleaners use higher pressure and hotter water as a replacement for proper agitation. While that may work in terms of cleaning, it may also overwet the carpet and can also lead to wicking as well as extremely long dry times. Other cleaners using a portable system, may not have the ability to heat the water to an appropriate or recommended temperature. So they may use more agitation in order to make up for that.

Our procedure is to use a non toxic pre-spray along with appropriate dwell times, followed by a rinse & extraction process that also agitates as it goes. This way we cover all five elements and leave your carpet clean, healthy and definitely not overwet.

With Hot Water Extraction cleaning, it is also important to return the carpets to a neutral pH value. Carpets left in an Alkaline state tend to be from not properly rinsing out previous used chemistry, and allowing a residue to remain on the carpet fibers. This usually leaves the carpet feeling “crunchy” and makes it prone to faster recoiling as airborne dirt and dust settle back on the sticky carpet fibers.

Carpets left in a neutral or slightly acidic state will be healthier and feel softer. Having no residue on the fibers, will help it to not resoil quickly.

Of the five different types of carpet cleaning, Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) is the most popular and most recommended for residential carpets. Many carpet manufacturers will void your carpet warranty if you use a different method of cleaning your carpets. It is recommended that you have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year, and possibly more frequently depending upon foot traffic.