Keeping your carpet cleaned can seem like a never-ending battle. Thick carpet fibers trap dirt particles, dust, pet dander and other debris. Some debris can be removed with regular vacuuming, but the remaining particles that cannot be removed by your vacuum will accumulate. This means that your carpet will grow increasingly filthy over time even though you clean it regularly. Deep cleaning your carpet periodically is essential in order to maintain a healthy living environment for you and your family. However, you may not be certain which of the carpet cleaning methods is most well-suited for your needs. Before scheduling professional carpet cleaning services, a closer look at the differences between steam cleaning carpets vs shampooing.
What Is Carpet Steam Cleaning?
Steam cleaning carpets is preferred by many people because it only uses heat and pressurized water or steam to remove ground-in dirt and other particles. The professional will use a truck-mounted steam cleaner in most cases to propel heated water and steam into the carpet. This combination of high pressure and a high temperature effectively dislodges particles that have been cleaning to carpet fibers. Some commercial steam cleaners have an agitation feature to dislodge more particles. A powerful vacuum then extracts the moisture and the loosened particles.
The Pros and Cons of Getting Carpet Steam Cleaned
As you explore the best methods for cleaning carpets, the pros and cons of various steam cleaning methods should be reviewed. When professional cleaning services are used, steam cleaning is an effective way to remove ground-in dirt, and it is even effective at removing mold and mildew. Because the truck mounts generate substantial power from the commercial-grade carpet cleaning equipment, more water and dirt is extracted than what a consumer-grade carpet cleaner may be able to remove. Furthermore, the drying time is minimal, and related staining is not a concern if the carpet has adequate time to dry before you walk across it. Steam cleaning is an effective way to rejuvenate carpeting and to extend its life, but it is not effective at removing stubborn or deep stains.
What Is Carpet Shampooing?
Carpet shampooing is similar to steam cleaning in that high temperature and high pressure are combined to clean the floor, and this cleaning method adds the additional element of carpet shampoo. In many cases, this is a dry foam cleaning agent, but your professional may use an alternative shampoo method. These elements are combined to create a thick lather that effectively loosens dirt so that it can be extracted. The cleaning machine usually has rotating brushes that provide suitable agitation to loosen more dirt and even to scrub away deep stains that have been engrained in carpet fibers. Carpet shampooing includes the additional step of rinsing the carpet with fresh, hot water. This moisture must then be thoroughly extracted with a powerful vacuum.
The Pros and Cons of Shampooing Your Carpet
Before scheduling carpet shampooing service for your home, be aware of its benefits and drawbacks. Shampooing carpets may provide a deeper level of clean as well as deodorization benefits related to the use of the cleaning agent. Many stubborn stains that cannot be removed with steam cleaning may be removed with this cleaning method. However, shampooing carpets requires the use of more water, and not all of this moisture can be extracted by the vacuum. Drying time may be longer compared to steam cleaning carpets.
In addition, some professional cleaning agents may leave a residue behind on the carpet. This residue may result in more dirt clinging to the carpet in the months ahead. In some cases, this could make the carpet dirtier faster. Some professionals also use shampoos that may create a yellow tinge to the carpeting over time. The carpet cleaning company that you use will directly impact the benefits and drawbacks of shampooing.
Deciding Between Steam Cleaning Carpets vs Shampooing
Deciding which of these popular carpet cleaning solutions is most well-suited for your unique needs is challenging. Reputable carpet cleaning companies will provide a personalized recommendation about the method that is best for your home. In many cases, shampooing carpeting is necessary for floors that are stained or heavily soiled. Steam cleaning is preferable when the carpeting is generally filthy without major stains. A professional can examine your floors to determine if steaming will suffice or if shampooing is needed to produce desired results.
If your carpeting is saturated with accumulated particles or is speckled with stains, you may be embarrassed by the appearance of your home. In some cases, the carpeting may be causing an unpleasant odor. Regardless of your concerns, professional carpet cleaning is an effective way to breathe new life into your carpet and to create a cleaner home environment. Request an in-home consultation to learn more about the cleaning methods that may be right for your home as a first step.
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