Commonly Used Carpet Cleaning Methods

There are many different types of carpet cleaning methods that are used in Scottsdale and North Scottsdale, Arizona but the three most common are Hot Water Extraction or Steam Cleaning, Encapsulation, and Shampoo. Below is a brief description of each type of method. Knowing how these methods work, will enable you to make an informed decision on who should be cleaning you carpets in Scottsdale AZ.

Shampoo

Picture of a rotarty carpet shampooing machine The Shampoo method typically uses an ordinary rotary floor machine, sprays shampoo onto the carpet from a dispensing tank, and a rotary brush whips the detergent to a foam. The agitation of the brush on the surface of the carpet creates a foam that pulls the soil from the carpet. Depending upon the detergent used, either a wet or dry vacuum extracts the soil. Most carpet mills and carpet fiber producers discourage the use of rotary brushes on carpet because of the potential damage that can occur.

Although, at first your carpets will appear to be cleaner, in the short term this will lead to a quicker re-soiling. Shampooing your carpet is like shampooing your hair without rinsing it out. Also if improperly done, this method well leave soapy residue and the carpet overly wet which can turn into a mold issue. In extreme cases this can turn a cheap carpet cleaning job into a major water damage job.

Encapsulation

Picture of commercial carpet cleaning encapsulation machine The encapsulation method, also referred to as "ENCAP", is a popular carpet cleaning technique for commercial carpet maintenance. It should be used as an interim maintenance method and should be followed periodically by a thorough hot water extraction cleaning. The encapsulating chemical is sprayed on and then brushed into the carpet using a cylindrical or rotary brush machine. The encapsulation chemistry surrounds each soil particle and crystallizes it so it can not attract other soils. The encapsulated soil particles release from the carpet fiber and are removed by normal vacuuming which will generally be done by the janitorial staff at regularly scheduled times. Since its a low moisture system, carpets can be put back into use promptly but can be a problem if frequent vacuuming is not performed. Encapsulation is designed for commercial maintenance only.

Hot Water Extraction or Steam Cleaning

Hot water extraction, also know as steam cleaning, is the most common type of cleaning process. Steam cleaning is also the only method approved by the major carpet manufacturers. This is the method employed by Stanley Steamer, Zerorez, and the many other carpet cleaning companies including us, Green Planet Carpet Care.

First a pre-conditioner or pre-spray is applied to the carpet through a hand help pump sprayer or an in-line sprayer. After the spray has loosened up the soil in the carpet, usually about ten minutes, it is flushed from the carpet along with the soil using hot water via an extraction wand. This process can be repeated several times depending on how heavily soiled the carpet may be. It is recommended that heavily soiled carpet may need several flushing passes, followed by overlapping extraction only passes.

There are two types of hot water extraction machines used by carpet cleaners, either portable or truck mount. The major differences between the two types of units are water temperature and suction power (CFM). The larger truck mount units can achieve temperatures greater than 250 degrees Fahrenheit and produce a vacuum of greater than 1000 CFM. Temperatures and suction not achievable by portable machines. The higher temperature water helps kill bacteria that can cause allergy problems. The greater suction extracts more water so your carpets will dry in far less time and more residue will be removed so your carpets are cleaner. The larger the extraction unit the better. This is why Green Planet Carpet Care uses the largest truck mount cleaning unit in the industry. "We simply have a lot more steam and suction than the other guys".

Green Planet Carpet Care
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Our Competitors
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Schedule a Scottsdale, Arizona carpet cleaning appointment with Green Planet Carpet Care today and see the difference!

Call 602-748-9822