If it's time to get your carpet professionally cleaned again, then chances are you are browsing through the pages of various services relatively confused. While it's true that most companies boast their own methods and equipment, take note that the most efficient carpet cleaning techniques can be resumed at steam cleaning and dry cleaning. To help you make an educated decision, let's explore the advantages and setbacks each of these cleaning methods in details.

Dry cleaning

The technique involves the use of a specialized machine and a mix of safe chemicals to clean carpets. The chemical cleaning solution can also be sprayed onto the carpet and afterwards scrubbed in via a pad. While the dirt between the fibbers is transferred into the pad, vacuuming is usually necessary to ensure that the grime that has turned into crystal particles is removed.

Although it is generically known as dry cleaning, take note that the method demands some water, moisture that has the role of removing stains, dirt, debris and freshening up the appearance of the carpeting. As far as this aspect is concerned, you should know that the beautification is only superficial, meaning that only the upper layers are refreshed. In spite of this setback, dry cleaning presents numerous benefits, including:

• You can step on the carpeting immediately after cleaning
• The method is ideal for commercial carpet cleaning, as it creates as little disturbance to the operations as possible
• Little to no water is used in the process and hence, there's no risk of over-saturating the carpet
• Dry cleaning is usually the most affordable carpet cleaning service

Steam cleaning

Steam or wet carpet cleaning is a method that entails the application of hot moisture onto the carpet for the purpose of removing dirt and stains lodged deep between the fibbers. The mix of steam and optional chemicals is afterwards extracted from the carpeting via a suction machine. It is important to note that most reputable carpet cleaning companies have given up on chemicals altogether. The advantages of the method include:

• The method ensures an overall deeper cleaning of the carpet
• It's more efficient against stains
• By using a mix of mild chemicals, it can be used on oriental and hand-woven carpets
• Steam cleaning if environmentally friendly

The technique is often confused with hot water extraction; even though they are widely used as synonyms, take note that the difference between the two resides in the temperature of the water used. While hot water extraction actually uses hot water, steam cleaning utilizes steam, meaning the temperature of the moisture utilized exceeds 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

The obvious disadvantage of steam cleaning is the drying time, which depending on the level of cleaning you requested can take between 2 to 24 hours. Furthermore, if the carpet is not adequately dried, then the carpet could develop mildew.

Which one is right for your carpets and rugs?

Given the benefits and limitations of each of the aforementioned carpet cleaning methods, deciding which one is most suitable for your carpeting ultimately depends on the circumstances. If you have experienced water damage, then steam cleaning your carpet is called for. The hot water extraction will not only remove all dirt and debris stuck deep between the fibbers of your carpet, but it will also eliminate microorganisms.

On the other hand, if you're interested in having your carpeting routinely polished, then dry cleaning is definitely a good choice. Dry cleaning is not only more eco-friendly, but it is also capable of removing stubborn stains, spots and soils. Moreover, your carpet will be dry within minutes, so you can resume your daily routine.