When it comes to cleaning the rugs and carpets in your home, you have options. While there are many options, carpet cleaning falls into two categories – dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get the best clean for your rugs and carpets.
Do It Yourself (DIY)
If you’ve looked into cleaning your rugs, you’ve probably seen the large, red carpet cleaning machine you can rent from home improvement stores. While these machines can do an okay job, they’re never going to be as thorough and robust as using professional equipment. DIY carpet cleaning machines use water from your tap, which usually only reaches around 120 degrees F, and never stays that hot. This lower water temperature prevents you from being able to sanitize your carpets.
There’s also the risk of damage to your oriental rugs and carpets if the job is not done correctly. Frequently we see DIYers use one product to clean AND remove all stains or smells. There is no magic bullet. Each stain and odor needs a specific chemical and technique to remove it properly without damage. The other risk, DIY machines use way too much water, which prolongs the drying process and can even cause mold to grow.
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- Unsanitary
- Poor results
- Can damage your carpets or rugs
- Heavy and hard to use
- Carpets and rugs take a long time to dry
Dry Methods
Dry carpet cleaning is 100% chemical-based. Dry clean methods pretreat rugs and carpets using a chemical agent and then either brush or buff these compounds into the material’s fibers to clean the rug or carpet. While dry cleaning methods are usually cheaper, they can void the warranty on your carpets in addition to leaving behind stain residue and bacteria.
Pros
- Cheap
- Fast
Cons
- Unsanitary
- Poor results
- Can void the carpet warranty
Wet Methods
When you’re looking for the best (and safest) way to clean your rugs and carpets, a wet method is best. Specifically, one that includes hot water extraction. This process includes pretreating the stain, then using a machine that shoots a mixture of hot water and cleaning solutions into the carpet, and then finally removing the soap using a powerful vacuum. This process loosens even the deepest unseen dirt and grime build-up within your carpets and removes it safely without damaging your rugs.
Pros
- Sanitized carpets
- Safe for rugs and carpets
Cons
- More expensive
Leave it to Us
At Clean as Snow, our trucks heat and house water that remains at 300 degrees F throughout the cleaning process, leaving rugs clean and sanitized. We are certified master cleaners, which means we understand the chemical compounds of certain stains and odors and can tailor the chemicals and processes needed to treat each stain effectively without creating damage.
Whether you’re looking for a deep clean for your carpets or a delicate clean for your oriental rugs, our hot water extraction process and tailored approach is the best choice.
Request a free carpet cleaning estimate today.