What system is best for cleaning carpets – Steam or Dry Cleaning?
We get asked this question many times, and because we are a carpet cleaning company using a steam cleaning (hot water extraction) system, you will probably think we are prejudice in our response that steam cleaning is the better option.
While we would never bag dry carpet cleaning businesses, as they do have a role in the industry, we chose the steam cleaning method as this is the preferred system recommended by carpet manufacturers.
It also is backed up by this independent report from Choice https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/laundry-and-cleaning/carpet-cleaning/buying-guides/carpet-cleaning-options, who advises the following :
“Steam cleaning (hot water extraction)
Steam cleaning is suitable for most carpets. It’s done with a truck-mounted or portable machine. The truck-mounted option is more powerful and will do a more thorough job.
Carpet manufacturers recommend hot water extraction as the preferred method of carpet cleaning to invigorate and prolong the life of the carpet. In the process:
- the carpet is vacuumed
- a chemical is sprayed on and left to bond with the soil
- water is injected into the carpet with a high-pressure jet spray
- and finally, the water is vacuumed out.
Dry cleaning
Dry cleaning (some water is used though less than in steam cleaning), is what the standard refers to as a “surface cleaning”. It’s handy for areas that receive a lot of traffic and need a fast drying time. Dry cleaning can be used as a maintenance clean, but steam cleaning is best as your full clean.”
We hope this helps to clarify the differences between Dry and Steam Cleaning, so you can make your own decision on which method of carpet cleaning you want for your carpets.
BLOGGER: Paul Mitchell, Owner/Operator of Alpine Carpet & Tile Cleaning, Perth.
