Which Is Better, Steam Cleaning or Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning?

The tighter the fibers, the more difficult it is to remove soils.

When deciding whether to opt for steam cleaning or foam carpet cleaning, it is important to look at your individual needs to evaluate which option will work best. Because the two methods operate so differently, each one has its own benefits unique to certain situations.

Cleaning Depth

Foam cleaning affects only the surface of the carpet, and cannot reach the carpet pad below. Steam cleaning involves injecting hot water and detergent directly into the carpet, which will allows it to saturate the padding below. If you have pet stains or other deep-down problems, only steam cleaning will work.

Buildup

Because foam cleaning uses a foam detergent that is later vacuumed, there is always some residue left behind. After several cleanings, this residue will have to be cleaned up with a steam cleaner, which leaves no residue.

Dry Time

Steam cleaning is generally considered to be more effective, but can take between eight and 48 hours to dry. In high traffic areas, the lengthy dry time can be a major problem. For routine cleaning or busy locations such as hotel lobbies, foam cleaning may be preferable, as it takes only an hour to dry, and the process itself is much faster.

References

• Home Hints eNews: Comparison of Carpet Cleaning Methods
• Carpet Cleaning Methods: What Are the Best Carpet Cleaning Methods?
• A2Z Carpet: Carpet Cleaning Methods