What is the Best Carpet Cleaning Method?

Do you know you want to keep your carpets clean but don’t know the best carpet cleaning method? This article is for you. We will delve into odor removal for carpets and eco-friendly carpet cleaning options to ensure you get the best deep clean that you can.

There are several methods you can use to clean your carpets! Some of them you can do yourself, and others that are best carried out by a professional. 

Some methods are good for basic cleanings throughout the year, but by far the best carpet cleaning method for a thorough deep cleaning is the hot water extraction method. 

In this article, we explore the most popular carpet cleaning methods and our professional opinion of all of them. 

Popular Carpet Cleaning Methods

Here are some commonly used carpet cleaning techniques and our take on what kind of cleanings they’re suitable for: 

Dry Carpet Cleaning

Dry cleaning involves applying a powder or foam detergent to the carpet, which absorbs dirt and debris. Once dry, the residue is vacuumed away. This method is good for homes needing a quick surface clean, but it is not the best carpet cleaning method for treating stains and embedded dirt. 

Carpet Shampooing

Carpet shampooing is a cleaning method that uses soap-based solutions to scrub carpets, followed by rinsing and drying. This is another cleaning method that is good for homeowners wanting to give their carpets a surface-level scrub or odor removal. However, it won’t remove deeply embedded dirt. It also has the added drawback of potentially leaving a residue on your carpet when not used properly. 

Rotary Cleaning

Rotary cleaning uses a machine with an attachment that is soaked in a cleaning solution and rotated over the carpet. This method is quick, and removes odor well, but its aggressive speed could damage thin or new carpets.

Why Hot Water Extraction is the Best Carpet Cleaning Method 

Hot water extraction is the industry standard for giving your carpet a deep, professional cleaning. That’s because it uses an effective combo of a cleaning solution, hot water, and high pressure to penetrate deep into your carpet fibers to eradicate grime. 

Other benefits of the hot water extraction method include: 

• Good for Your Health: The cleaning solution used for hot extraction cleaning is chemical-free! This makes it safe for humans and pets and as eco-friendly as you can get!

• Residue-Free Results: Hot water extraction leaves no residue behind, ensuring its an eco-friendly carpet cleaning and safe for your family, pets, and kids, as well as preventing rapid re-soiling and extending the lifespan of your carpet. 

• Quick Drying Times: Modern hot water extraction systems use efficient suction technology that extracts most of the moisture during cleaning. Carpets typically dry within a few hours, reducing risks of mold or mildew formation.

Because hot water extraction is a deep cleaning carpet method, you can turn to it sparingly. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends having a professional deep clean your carpets every 12-18 months for homeowners and 1-2 times annually for commercial customers whose carpets experience moderate traffic. 

Getting Your Carpets Professionally Cleaned

While there are decent at-home carpet cleaning methods, if your carpets are due for a deep clean and you need the best cleaning and odor removal for your carpet available,  you’ll want to try hot water extraction.

This method is best performed by a professional. The high heat and pressure levels, as well as expensive equipment it requires are dangerous if you aren’t careful. 

If you live in the Floyd Knobs, New Albany, or Lanesville area and want a professional carpet cleaner with experience and integrity, contact us at Windell’s Carpet Care.

We’ve been cleaning carpets since 1970, and we’re still family-owned and operated.