During steam cleaning of carpets, also called hot water extraction, cleaning solution combined with hot water is sprayed onto the floor. This mixes with soil contained in carpet fibers and is then extracted using a wet vacuum. Either a truck-mounted or portable machine is used, depending on the extent of the project.
Carpet shampooing involves spraying cleaning solution on the carpet and then agitating it into the consistency of foam using a revolving cylindrical brush. This foam is combed through the pile of the carpet by the brush. A vacuum then extracts the foam from the carpet, removing the dirt with it. Bonnet cleaning is similar but uses a rotary floor machine with an absorbent round pad on the bottom. After detergent is sprayed onto the carpet, the machine is applied, with the pads rotating on the carpet and removing soil.
Carpet cleaning sometimes uses foam detergent that combines with dirt and is removed with an extraction vacuum. However, a wet solution is not always used. In dry or absorbent compound cleaning, an absorbent substance that is dry is sprinkled onto the carpet. A machine works this into the carpet pile and the compound is left on for 30 minutes or longer. This compound is then vacuumed off of the carpet, extracting the dirt.
Some of these methods used by cleaning services are also available for consumers to perform. Steam cleaning machines can be purchased online or in stores for as little as $100. Dry carpet cleaning powders are sold in most stores and come in various scents. Foam detergents applied by hand and either scrubbed or blotted from the carpet can also be found in stores.
For a small spot or stain, it may be more economical for a business to clean the area itself. Larger stains and dirty carpets resulting from regular foot traffic often require help from a commercial cleaning service. Professionals have cutting-edge equipment that restores carpets to like-new condition.
