Steam Vs. Chemical Dry Carpet Cleaning

Carpets can be clean with steam or a dry carpet cleaner.

At some point, homeowners and renters have to clean carpeted floors. Aside from regular cleaning with a vacuum, deep clean either by steam cleaning or with a chemical dry application. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option before choosing one.

Steam Cleaning Advantages

Steam cleaning does not require the use of harsh chemicals. Steam cleaning is the only method that is considered deep cleaning because it is able to penetrate deep into the carpet pile. Other carpet cleaning methods do not.

Chemical Dry Clean Advantages

Chemical cleaning works by applying a fine powder to the carpet surface, then it must be thoroughly vacuumed up. The chemical compound contains a small amount of water, which the carpet absorbed upon application. Because so little water is involved, chemical cleaning requires no drying time.

Disadvantages

Failure to thoroughly vacuum after a chemical dry cleaning may leave residue of the cleaner on the floor, and the particles may also reduce indoor air quality. Steam carpet cleaners may redistribute dirty air and humidity while cleaning and reduce indoor air quality; the carpet must dry for several hours after steam cleaning.

References

• Chem Dry: Chem-Dry vs. Steam Clean
• Bana-Clene: Comparison of Carpet Cleaning Methods