Why use a professional carpet cleaning company?
Maybe you’ve hired a carpet cleaner from your local shop and tried to clean them yourself, but weren’t satisfied with the results. So you’ve decided that renting a machine locally isn’t a good idea. Now you have to choose between several local businesses using the same cleaning methods and machines.
At Cleaner Carpets Ashford We don’t use high-pressure sales tactics, fancy gimmicks or hidden extras. And we won’t try and sell you something you don’t want. We offer a high-quality service at fair prices. Our business is built on repeat customers and referrals.
We’ll get your carpets beautifully clean, no matter how soiled. There are a number of methods to clean a carpet and we’ll select the most appropriate based on the type of carpet material and level of soiling. However, the most common method of carpet deep cleaning is the hot water extraction process, otherwise known as steam cleaning.
These are the steps we’ll usually take to give your carpet a thorough, sanitising clean:
Our hot water extraction process
Hot water extraction, is the best way to thoroughly clean carpets, regardless of how stained they are. Hot water extraction carpet cleaning is possible with either portable machines or even powerful, petrol-powered van-mounted versions! These provide consistent heat and suction.
It is important that the machine can generate sufficient heat, pressure and suction to extract as much moisture as possible and remove all soil particles.
This is our tried and tested method for cleaning a dirty carpet using hot water extraction:
Inspect the carpet before you start
It’s vital to always check the sort of carpet fibres and any stains that are present, before cleaning products are added to a carpet. Using the wrong chemicals will do more harm than good and may cause permanent damage.
Vacuum the carpet
Vacuum the entire house thoroughly to get rid of all dirt, hair, and other debris before you start. This will help you achieve a consistent result, and stop you spreading fresh dirt as you’re doing the job. There are many great domestic vacuums. However, professional carpet cleaners will use a stronger vacuum for a more thorough job.
Particular attention should be given to corners and skirting boards, where grime and dust gathers.
Pre-spray cleaning chemicals
To remove general traffic soiling and staining, we apply a high-quality, soil loosening spray to the carpet after vacuuming. Special stain-removal products may be required for any conspicuous individual stains. Oil, make-up and blood are some examples of these types of stains.
Carpet cleaning companies have many product options. It often comes down to personal preference as well as the knowledge of the technicians about the products. Sometimes, a little more experience in the field can make the difference between removing stubborn stains and not.
Massage the cleaning solution into the carpet (agitation)
After the carpet has been pre-sprayed with chemicals, it’s often necessary to let them sit for several minutes before being agitated and worked into its fibres. This will aid in the removal of ingrained soils.
Various pieces of equipment are available to perform the agitation process. The basic, but safest and often most effective carpet agitation tool is a simple brush that runs back-and-forth through the fibres.
Carpet cleaning companies might also use an electric agitation device. For larger carpet areas, a rotary machine with attached pad or brushes is useful. This machine is particularly helpful for commercial jobs and heavily soiled carpets, provided there is enough space.
Use the hot water extraction tool
The machine sprays heated water deep into the carpet. Cleaning products may be added to the water if necessary. The water is immediately sucked up by the tool, taking any dirt with it.
After-cleaning procedures
After the carpets are fully cleaned it’s important to inspect them for any stains. There may be stubborn stains that need additional treatment using a different chemical.
After the carpet cleaner has confirmed that all stains are gone, leave the the carpet fibers to air dry, or speed up the drying process using a brush or turbo dryer.
A steam cleaning job can take up to an hour for an average carpet, and two hours for the carpet to dry. It can take longer to clean offices and commercial properties that have suffered heavy traffic and soiling. Commercial cleaning can be done later in the day, as it allows carpets to dry overnight.
Other methods of cleaning carpets
Hot water extraction is great, but sometimes other methods of carpet care are appropriate. Such as:
Carpet Shampooing
Carpet shampooing is one the oldest methods of professional carpet cleaning that’s still being used today. For a long time, it was the preferred method of heavy-duty carpet cleaning. Although the process has changed over time, it remains the same in terms of technology.
Carpet shampooing today involves applying a foaming substance to the carpet and then working it into the carpet using a brush machine. To remove the shampoo and any dirt it may have attached, wet vacuuming is used.
Encapsulation cleaning sounds more fancy – but is a very similar process to shampooing. It uses synthetic foam detergents, which are applied to the carpet using a brush machine. The foam crystallizes and becomes a powder. It encapsulates any soil in the carpet as it crystallizes. The powder is then mixed with dirt and vacuumed up.
Carpet shampooing is more popular than encapsulation because it leaves no residue, takes less time drying, and uses less water.
Encapsulation cleaning isn’t the best solution for every situation. Carpet cleaning professionals don’t recommend encapsulation for heavily stained carpets. It’s simply not as efficient. Recognizing the best solution requires both education as well as experience.
Dry Extraction
Dry carpet cleaning is also known as absorbent compound cleaning. An absorbent compound is used to dry clean your carpet. It binds dirt and other substances.
A mechanical brush is most commonly used to distribute absorbent chemicals and disturb dirty fibres. It is allowed to dry for the compound to remove dirt from carpet fibres. Then, it is vacuumed up with a professional-strength dry vacuum.
Bonnet cleaning
Bonnet cleaning is a common practice in hotels and commercial establishments that need a facelift. This is one of the most efficient professional carpet cleaning methods. It can make a significant difference in the carpet’s appearance.
However – bonnet cleaning is a temporary solution that doesn’t last. The soil that is in the carpet’s lower layers eventually returns to the surface. Repeat treatment is often necessary sooner than deep cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean Your Carpet?
Carpets are subject to a lot of abuse from pets, spills and shoes. It is important to keep them clean and hygienic. Carpet life can be extended by frequent vacuuming, spot cleaning and deep cleaning. Carpet fibres that are left to collect dirt and soil particles can become dull and tarnished. Deep cleaning carpets removes heavy soil and restores buoyancy. It also brightens colours.
Regular vacuuming is essential for all types of carpeting, including wall-to-wall and area rugs. If you have children or pets, you should vacuum at least once a week. You should treat spills and stains as soon as possible. You might consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner or deep cleaning your own carpets at least twice per year.
You should vacuum more often if your carpet is used in hallways or other high-traffic areas. You can also consider replacing your carpet with a different type.