Does The Method Matter?
If you’re looking to get your rug cleaned, you’ve probably come across multiple methods of cleaning from multiple companies. Steam cleaning, spot cleaning, dry cleaning, rug washing, shampooing, do-it-yourself machining… But which method is the most effective, and does it really matter which one you choose? The short answer, yes!
It’s similar to why your laundry has specific needs. You wouldn’t very well use harsh chemicals on delicate fabrics, or you would ruin the items. And you wouldn’t use cold water on sturdy fabrics, or it just wouldn’t get clean. Similarly, different fiber types and weaves need to be treated accordingly. So, let’s go through the methods of carpet and rug cleaning:
Hot Water Extraction (OR Steam Cleaning):
Hot Water Extraction is a method used by professional cleaners by injecting hot water and cleaning agents into your carpet fibers, then extracting it out. This successfully kills contaminants and bacteria while removing the dirt and spots. That makes it the best method for your wall-to-wall carpet cleaning! Extraction is the key in order to assure that your carpet dries fully.
Some companies use the term Steam Cleaning for this as well. Others, however, use the term to describe a method that uses the steam to do the cleaning. The main difference between HWE & Steam Cleaning is the temperature of the water used during the cleaning. Most carpet cleaning professionals will know which method is best for your carpets.
Dry Cleaning:
Contrary to what you think this would be, Dry Cleaning does actually involve your carpet getting wet. This method begins by putting powders and cleaners onto the carpeting and then buffing it out. The idea is supposed to be that the soiling goes into the padding… but in reality it spreads the dirt around, leaving your carpet dull and still contaminated! I can’t even think of a good illustration to compare Dry Cleaning to HWE. I first thought of a sponge bath VS a shower. However, a sponge bath won’t create any problems, whereas Dry Cleaning can push the dirt deeper into the fibers, making it harder to clean later. Whether done by a professional, or at home, Dry Cleaning is almost never the answer for carpets or rugs (unless we are talking SISAL, then maybe we can talk about it).
Shampooing:
Shampooing is something that can be done DIY style or done by professionals. It typically involves more chemicals in order to break down the contaminants. It doesn’t remove allergens or kill bacteria, and it takes much longer to dry. Residue left on the carpet attracts dirt, making it dirtier faster. Basically, I see no benefit to carpet shampooing in comparison to other methods.
Rug Washing:
Rug Washing, in my humblest opinion, is the best method of cleaning if your rug fits the criteria. It is a professional method, and the reason this method works so well is because it cleans both sides of the rug
thoroughly and is gentler on the fibers than HWE or steam cleaning. This method soaks, cleans and rinses the rug repeatedly until the desired result is achieved. Most tools for Rug Washing allow you to visibly see the dirt being washed away during each rinse, which lets you know if you need another cycle, plus it is incredibly satisfying!
In order to know if this method will work, you will need to know 2 things about your rug: fiber type and weave type. The durability of the fiber makes a big impact on how your rug should be cleaned. If your rug is hand-woven, it can most likely be washed. Whereas tufted rugs usually should not be. You also may want to consider the size of your rug. You can’t use this method on a wall-to-wall carpet in-home because, well… there would be inevitable flooding of your entire home. Unless you want to pay someone up the wazoo for some flood extraction and fixing your soaked drywall, then, yeah, by all means. Besides, in-home carpeting is almost always tufted carpet, making it not a good candidate for rug washing anyways. (I crack myself up..!)
If you are having a difficult time determining which cleaning method is best for your carpet or rug, give me a call and I would be happy to help. I’ve also got other blog posts about carpet fibers that may be useful!