The major difference between professional cleaning of carpets and DIY carpet cleaning is the technique involved, as well as the materials used for the cleaning. For most people that carry out their carpet cleaning themselves, they simply use a vacuum cleaner and cleaning solution, meanwhile, professional cleaning goes beyond that.
There are different techniques involved in carpet cleaning, and these different techniques apply to different types of carpets and the type of stain involved. One of the most common techniques employed by professional cleaners is steam cleaning.
Although these techniques are used by professionals, you can employ them yourself. In this post, we will be looking at 5 of these techniques employed by professional cleaners and when they can be used.
Why so many techniques in carpet cleaning?
The answer is simple, there are lots of carpets, and they are all made from different types of materials, fibre, and textiles. As such, different materials and fabrics require a different method of cleaning to avoid damage to the fibres of the carpet.
Every professional carpet cleaning service is aware of this fact and utilises this information to clean various carpets, upholstery, and rugs. On that note, the five common techniques used by professional cleaners include the following:
- Steam cleaning or extraction using hot water
- Encapsulation
- Dry cleaning or the use of an absorbent compound
- Carpet shampooing
- Bonnet cleaning
- Steam cleaning
Also referred to as the extraction method, this is perhaps the most popular form of professional cleaning. As the name implies, it uses steam or hot water to penetrate the carpet’s fibres at high pressure. This action breaks down the dust, bacteria and dirt locked up deep in the fibres of the carpet. Afterwards, the steam is extracted through a vacuum, leading to the other name of this technique, ‘extraction method’.
For this method of cleaning, it all begins with a cleaning solution or agent being applied to the targeted area on the carpet. It is further spread all over the area with a brush to break up the dirt. Note that the hot water is extracted after the cleaning has been done and when the cleaning solution has done its work.
This method of cleaning takes around one hour to be completed for home carpets, but for office carpets, it can take longer periods, and drying of the carpet takes much longer than that. This is why it is better to carry out this cleaning method in the later hours of the day as it will give the carpets enough time to dry over the night.
- Encapsulation
This method of cleaning may sound like something fancy, but it simply involves the use of foam detergents to work them into the carpets with the use of a brush machine. The foam then crystallises and turns into a powder, and as this happens, it traps the dirt in the carpet. Afterwards, the powder is sucked up with a vacuum along with the dirt.
Although this method is effective, it is not applicable in all circumstances. For example, it is not used by professionals on carpets that are heavily soiled as it will not clean up effectively. Nonetheless, it is a preferred option over some other methods of cleaning like carpet shampooing because it does not leave any residue behind, and neither does it use much water.
- Dry cleaning
This is also referred to as cleaning with an absorbent compound because it utilises a compound that is absorbent to bind the dirt and grime in the carpet.
A brush is sometimes used to spread the absorbent compound mechanically into the carpets and to break up dirty fibres. Afterwards, the absorbent compound is allowed to work by giving it time to remove the fibres from the dirt, after which it is sucked up by a professional vacuum cleaner.
Not all situations require this method, however, it is perfect for people who want a deep cleaning of their carpets. Furthermore, it does not use water in any way, thus, there would be no drying time required.
- Carpet shampooing
This is perhaps the oldest method of professional cleaning of carpetsto date. This is the method used when heavy-duty cleaning is required. Ever since it was introduced, it has been modified; however, the modifications only apply to the techniques and equipment used.
Presently, carpet shampooing deals with the application of foaming substance, after which it is worked very well into the fibres of the carpet using a machine or brush. The foaming substance acts as a shampoo, and it is then vacuumed when wet to get rid of the dirt and the shampoo simultaneously.
Although this method means the carpet will require a lot of drying time, it is a very effective method of cleaning, and it does not leave any residue behind.
- Bonnet cleaning
This type of cleaning is only focused on the surface of the carpet and not deep into the fibres. This method involves the use of bonnet machines that are fully equipped with a pad that spins and is soaked with a cleaning solution. The pad works by polishing the carpet surface, thereby getting rid of surface stains and dirt.
This method of cleaning is mostly applicable for people who want a quick clean, such as hotels or businesses in need of quick cleaning. Although it is the fastest form of professional cleaning, it still makes a significant difference in the appearance of the carpet.
Finally, you would have to carry out a deeper form of treatment sooner after this to get rid of the deep-seated stains and to get rid of the chemical residue left behind after the bonnet cleaning. It is important to know the method of cleaning suited for your carpet types to avoid wear and tear and premature ageing of the carpet. Get in touch with Ryan Carpet Cleaning if you want to use the best carpet cleaning service in London.
