When you ask them about the safest and most effective carpet cleaning method, most carpet manufacturers and, undoubtedly, professional carpet cleaning technicians will tell it’s none other than hot water extraction. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but it’s got the most benefits for your carpet with the least level of risk. Do you want to know why? You’re still reading, so I assume you do.
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How does hot water extraction work?
It’s a relatively simple procedure with two main phases. The first stage is the preliminary phase. The carpet is treated with alkaline agents and enough time is given for them to “do their thing” – get rid of some bacteria and germs and loosen some grime-based substances. This step is important and has to be executed efficiently and professionally. After the preliminary phase and adequate “sitting time” (“sitting time” is the time the agents are dwelling on the surface), the hot water extraction machine enters the scene. It’s an interesting device that has two main functions. The first one is to spray hot water (hot water, not steam) on the carpet. There is an acetic solution in order to neutralize the alkaline properties of the agents used in the preliminary phase.
The hot water mitigates the effects of those chemicals and causes all the dirt to deteriorate, while at the same time leaving your carpet intact. The second function of the machine is to extract the water from the carpet in order to avoid over-saturation. After that, the carpet dries out quickly and the process is complete. This is, of course, a rather simplistic representation of what is really going on but it would be enough to give you a basic understanding of why this method is so good.
If you’re too concerned about the use of chemicals, they can be avoided altogether, so you have nothing to worry about.
Why is it so recommended?
Hot water extraction is one of the most effective carpet cleaning methods on the market. It is also one of the safest due to the way it functions. There are no strong detergents or bleaches used that can damage the fibers of your carpet and it doesn’t use steam (as some people seem to think). If it did, it would pose a serious threat to your carpet. Effective and safe, there isn’t much more you can want from a carpet cleaning method and that’s why so many people recommend it.
Professional vs. DYI
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Most carpet manufacturers would recommend hiring professionals who know what they are doing. However, you can read the labels on your carpet and if you decide trying things out yourself, you can rent a hot water extractor but it won’t be nearly as good as pros can offer. Still, if you think you can handle it alone, why not save a few bucks? However, if your carpet is more expensive or you’re not really sure what you’re doing, it might not be a bad idea to go with the pros.
