Carpet Cleaning Methods You Can Handle

Carpet cleaning can be a chore, but there are some methods that are easier than others. Along with the variety of methods comes a variety of machines too. Many machines don’t have to be purchased, renting one for an hour or so is also an option. The information included in this article should be helpful in choosing which method is best for you.

Foam Process – Machines for this process bear a likeness to a buffer. The base of the machine has brushes attached to it, which work foam into the carpet. These small amounts of foam are rubbed in then allowed to dry. This drying time is about two hours before it is complete.

Shampooing Method – Shampooing carpets was the first method used when people began to clean carpets. The foam method and this one are very similar. The machine is almost the same, but this one has hosed attached to suck the water through. There is a container attached to the shampooer that has a tank for water and one for shampoo solution.

The shampoo is usually added to one part of the machine and water added to another part. When the trigger on the handle is pressed, shampoo and water are squirted onto the carpet as the bristles work it in. Usually multiple applications are needed to get spots really clean.

Bonnet – This process is achieved with a machine similar to a buffer. There is a bonnet placed on the end of the buffer and the carpet is cleaned with this bonnet in a circular motion. The bonnet is dipped in a cleaning solution before placing it on the base of the buffer. After the bonnet has been ran over the carpet, it will start to get dirty. Once it is too dirty to continue, rinse it out, dip in solution again and continue. The drying time for this process is about 30 minutes.

Dry Formula – There are many professionals who use this dry formula method. It saves from having to wait for the carpet to dry before setting the furniture back. This method takes place in three parts. There is a solvent sprinkled onto the carpet first, this must be left on for around 15 minutes. Next, a machine with dual-rotating heads is used to grind the powder into the carpet. The final step to this dry formula cleaning is to vacuum the powder out of the carpet.

Steam – Professionals also use this process. This is the preferred method for deep cleaning a carpet. There isn’t actually steam involved, but there is extremely hot water used.

Some steam machines have clear hoses, so the water being taken off the carpet can be viewed. Seeing clear water running through the hose is a good indicator that the dirt has been successfully removed from the carpet. Many machines today have such strong suction that the drying time is very short.Vacuuming before beginning the whole bonnet, dry, foam, or other carpet cleaning process is an excellent idea. It is also easier to remove all furniture before starting this venture, whether doing it on one’s own or hiring a professional.