Is it Better to Steam Clean or Dry Clean Carpet?

There is more than one way to clean a carpet.

Choosing the right carpet cleaning method depends on your specific needs, as each method of cleaning has its own set of pros and cons. The choice you make to clean the carpet after the family pet took care of his business will be different than that quick spruce up cleaning before your mother-in-law arrives.

Misconceptions About Steam Cleaning

Carpet steam cleaning is a misnomer for hot water extraction. Hot water extraction does not use actual steam to clean a carpet; instead it uses pressurized water at near boiling temperatures.

Misconceptions about Carpet Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning a carpet is a misnomer, as many so called "dry" systems use water. By definition, something is dry when there is an absence of water. Most "dry" systems are better defined as low moisture cleaning.

Benefits of Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is a deep cleaning method. Dirt, soil and impurities trapped deep in the carpet can be removed.

Benefits of Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning systems offer extremely fast drying times. Absorbent compound cleaning, which uses a moist powder to absorb dirt and stains, dries almost instantly. Bonnet and carbonated-cleaning methods, which use a minimal amount of water, dry in less than hour.

Expert Insight

The experts at Bane Clene say that when using absorbent powder cleaning to make sure that all the powder is vacuumed away. Otherwise, if the carpet is ever steam cleaned, a white, powdery residue may appear when the carpet is dry.

References

• Bane Clene Comparison of Carpet Cleaning Methods
• Allergy Consumer Review: Carpet Cleaning Methods
• JonDon: Carpet Cleaning Methods

Resources

• Marc1: Carpet Manual