Dry Carpet Cleaning vs. Extraction Carpet Cleaning Systems
When it comes to carpet cleaning, different methods can be used. It all depends on the resources that are going into the processes, and the level of clean that will be obtained. With loads of grime buried deep within the carpet, not every system that is employed will be able to get rid of it. The machinery required for deep cleaning also means that it will need to be accompanied with high level of skill to achieve the delivered quality of results without damaging the carpet. Generally, the modes used can be broken down into dry carpet cleaning and extraction carpet cleaning. Here, we’ll take an in-depth look at both, and what makes them tick. That way you will be well versed with the various options that are available in the carpet cleaning industry. Dry Carpet Cleaning vs. Extraction Carpet Cleaning Systems
First, what are you up against? The carpet hoards loads of grime. It’s not just the surface soiling that you see. Every day, particles get trapped by the fibres, and are buried deeper in the material as people walk about. This includes the dirt that is tracked in under people’s shoes from the outside, dust particles floating around that are filtered out of the air by the carpet, all through to the skin flakes belong shed by the people in the building. The skin flakes are food for the millions of dust mites thriving in the carpet. As they gorge themselves, they leave behind faecal residue, which adds to the grime. The waste from dust mites is also an allergen, putting the persons on the premises at risk. Add to this allergens such as pollen particles that get wafted into the building by wind, all ending up in the carpet. The occasional food and drink spills soil the carpet, some causing permanent stains that ruin the blend of colours. Those food crumbs are a magnet for insects like cockroaches, and rodents too. They come out under the cover of darkness to feed on the particles, leaving behind their body waste in the carpet. Do you have pets? Fur and dander from cats and dogs will eventually wind up in the fibres as your furry friends roll and play around on the warm fibres. As all that organic matter begins to decay, odours start developing. In case there is a smoker in the building, you also have to worry about pollutants like cigarette smoke particles. Add chippings of wall paint to the mix. Ink blots, nail polish spills, mud that your pet brings in from the yard- it all winds up in the carpet. All this grime needs to be got rid of to protect the carpet itself, and enhance the health and hygiene standards for your family members at home, or the customers and staff in your commercial establishment. The systems used will determine how really clean the carpet gets. Dry Carpet Cleaning vs. Extraction Carpet Cleaning Systems
- Dry Carpet Cleaning Systems
Here, the emphasis is on speed. Take for instance dry carpet cleaning using an absorbent compound. A powder mixed with cleaning agents and specialised solvents is spread onto the carpet. It is then brushed into the fibres using machinery that has counter-rotating brushes. The purpose of the powder is to absorb the soiling that’s in the carpet. A dwell time of 10-15 minutes is allowed, and then it is vacuumed up. Alternatively, there is dry cleaning using foam or the rotary shampoo method. First, the cleaning agent gets applied onto the carpet, in order to suspend the soiling in the fibres. It then gets whipped into a foam by rotating brushes, which simultaneously works it into the yarn. Some dwell time is also allowed, after which the foam gets removed using a vacuum. Dry Carpet Cleaning vs. Extraction Carpet Cleaning Systems
Pros
1. It provides a fast clean.
2. The resources required for the process are inexpensive.
3. When using an absorbent compound, there is no special training required.
4. Very fast drying since there is minimal moisture content. The carpet can be ready to use in as little as 20 minutes when one decides to opt to use the absorbent compounds.
Cons
1. Powders used can remain trapped in the carpet’s fibres.
2. Deep cleaning is not achieved since it’s difficult to get below the surface of the carpet.
3. Residue increases the rate of resoiling 4. When using the dry foam/rotary shampoo method and one acquires malfunctioning equipment, it can lead to excessive wetting, which increases drying time.
In this case, the emphasis is on a deeper and more thorough clean. The cleaning crew first precondition the carpet with the suitable chemical reagents, to liquefy the soiling, emulsify greasy residue, and dissolve the stubborn stains. It is then agitated by using equipment like wands. Water that’s heated to close to boiling point is injected into the carpet at high pressure. This gets to the deep layers of the carpet, flushing out the soiling, and further loosening the grime from the fibres. The truck mounted units used by professional crew provide the power needed to propel the heated water into the carpet. After a waiting for around 15 minutes, a high powered vacuum is then used to suck out the contents from the carpet. Dry Carpet Cleaning vs. Extraction Carpet Cleaning Systems
Pros 1. The dirt and grime buried deep in the carpet is actually removed, leaving it truly clean and freshened up. This translate to less frequent cleaning sessions, and further prolongs the life of the carpet. 2. The combination of high temperature and pressure, plus the chemical concentrates that are used, produces quality results, since even the stubborn dirt spots and stains are removed 3. High temperatures destroy pathogens and breeding grounds for insects and other pests in the carpet’s fibres. 4. Enables you to retain your warranty with the carpet’s manufacturer, since a majority of them insist on the buyer using this method. 5. It’s the most widely used carpet cleaning process in the world, hence trusted and proven to work. Dry Carpet Cleaning vs. Extraction Carpet Cleaning Systems
Cons
1. Longer drying time compared to the dry carpet cleaning. However, this is mitigated when powerful vacuum systems are used during the extraction, which will remove the bulk of the moisture content. The carpet dries in 1-3 hours.
2. The equipment used is expensive for purchase or rent. Hence, for DIY, the costs can spiral out of control, which is why it is recommended to hire professional carpet cleaning crew who have invested in the industrial grade machinery required for maximum efficiency.
3. High skill levels are required to operate the equipment needed, another reason to turn to the professionals.
Dry Carpet Cleaning vs. Extraction Carpet Cleaning Systems
