DIY Carpet Cleaning Methods

The key to maintaining the beauty of your carpet is to clean it regularly before it becomes excessively soiled. Today’s soil and stain-resistant technologies make carpets easy to clean. Carpet cleaning consists of three primary aspects: regular vacuuming, periodic deep cleaning, and prompt spot or stain removal, most of which can be done by yourself. 

There are four principal methods for home carpet cleaning. The method you select depends in part on the type and degree of carpet soil, time available for cleaning, your physical ability and strength as well as the amount of money available for the project. The cleaning methods include the dry powder type, dry foam, shampoo, and hot water extraction. Most cleaning methods work when directions are followed, but cleaning does require time and physical effort.

Dry Powder

In the dry powder method, absorbent granules containing dry cleaning solvent are sprinkled over a section of the carpet and worked into the pile by mechanical or hand brush. The dry cleaning solution dissolves oils and greasy soil that are then absorbed by the granules. After drying, the carpet must be vacuumed. It is effective for spot cleaning but might not be the best choice to treat heavy soil or water-based soil.

Foam Spraying

Foam spraying is a convenient cleaning method that dries fast, needs no special equipment, and the products are widely available in most grocery and hardware stores. However, it is recommended only for light soiled carpets that do not require deep cleaning. 

In contrast, liquid shampoos are good for cleaning moderate to heavily soiled carpets. The shampooing method consists of applying a detergent solution to the carpet surface and agitating, usually with a brush, to generate foam that captures soil particles as they are released from the carpet. When dried, the foam produces a friable residue that is vacuumed to remove it from the carpet. The cleaning must be done with care since liquid shampoos could easily overwet the carpet and need longer drying time. Liquid shampoos are generally sold in a concentrated form and need to be diluted. Select a shampoo that produces a rich foam and dries to a crystalline powder rather than a sticky residue.

Extraction Method

Finally, there is the hot water extraction method, often called carpet cleaning in Charlotte, NC although no steam is used in the process. Many scientific studies suggest that professional cleaning with this method is the most effective process in reducing contaminant levels of bio-pollutants and particles in carpets. 

In steam cleaning, a hot water and detergent solution is sprayed onto the carpet under pressure to flush out the dirt and soil. This solution is immediately extracted by the vacuum action of the machine. Hot water extraction is excellent for cleaning moderate to heavily soiled carpet and carpets dry faster than with the shampoo method. However, the equipment required is heavy and bulky.

The most common problems when self-cleaning your carpets are over wetting and excessive use of detergents. After cleaning, it is important to ensure that the carpet is dried within twelve hours, otherwise, mold or mildew may grow on it. Also, exercise care with detergents as increasing quantities beyond the recommended solution levels will not enhance cleaning effectiveness and may leave excess residues in the carpet which will lead to a rapid resoiling. Maintain and clean your carpets as set out in the guidelines provided by the supplier or manufacturer.

Currently, do-it-yourself carpet cleaning machines are available for rent or purchase. While these machines are effective at cleaning spots and spills, and provide interim cleaning, they should not be substituted for periodic deep cleaning by a professional on steam cleaning in Charlotte, NC. 

No carpet cleaning method satisfies all consumer needs. Before selecting the cleaning method consider the amount of soil in the carpet, time and energy available to clean the carpet, drying time, product cost, and any machine rental fees.