Carpet: Cleaning & Restoration

The incorrect cleaning method may damage carpet fibers.

Keeping carpets clean is the best way to prevent carpets from appearing worn. There are several methods of deep cleaning carpets. The best method for your home will vary depending on the type of carpet in the home, as different materials respond better to different cleaning methods. Additionally, if you're eco-conscious, consider making a homemade cleaning solution as an alternative to chemical laden carpet cleaning solutions.

Common Carpet Materials

Essentially there are four main groups of carpet fibers. The main types of carpet material include wool, cotton and rayon, silk and sisal or other plant fibers. Each type of carpet fiber contains its own unique properties. Understanding the properties of the carpet's fibers allows you to choose the best carpet cleaning method for their home. Failure to learn about how different cleaning methods affect the various carpet fibers contributes to carpets becoming damaged during the cleaning process.

Cleaning Methods

There are four major types of deep cleaning carpet methods including carpet shampoo, dry powder method, bonnet cleaning, and external extraction. Carpet shampoo involves using a carpet shampooer with works foam into the carpet fibers. The foam is then vacuumed out of the carpet. Dry powder cleaning methods involve sprinkling a dry formula, containing water, detergent and solvents, over the carpet. The powder attracts dirt and grime and is then vacuumed away. Bonnet cleaning involves using a process similar to a buffing method used on hard-surface floors. The bonnet cleaning machine uses a rotary motion to work cleaning solution into the carpet. External extraction cleaning involves using a machine that sprays a stream of water deep into the carpet. The water forces dirt free and into the vacuum portion of the machine.

Green Cleaning Solution

If you're concerned with using a chemical laden shampoo or carpet solvent cleaner, consider a natural dry carpet cleaning recipe. Make a paste from equal parts salt, borax and vinegar. Rub the paste into the carpet, allow it to sit for three to four hours and then vacuum clean. Borax naturally helps deodorize and disinfect fibers. Vinegar helps remove stains, grease, mildew and odors from carpets. These natural ingredients combine for a healthy, natural, homemade carpet cleaner.

Recommendations

Before choosing a cleaning method for your home, it's important to know what your carpet is made of and the recommended cleaning method for the material. Wool, cotton and rayon carpets respond to all four main cleaning types. Silk comes clean best when using a dry cleaning powder. Sisal and other plant fiber rugs respond best to dry powder or extraction cleaning.

Potential Problems

Each carpet cleaning method and material comes with its own potential problems. Educate yourself about potential problems before beginning a carpet cleaning process. Carpet shampooers don't always reach deep dirt and often contain brighteners which cover up stains, rather than removing them. Dry powder cleaners may leave behind residue and require several vacuuming treatments. Bonnet cleaners features constant motion, which may be damaging to some carpet fibers. Extraction cleaning uses a significant amount of hot water, which may leave some carpets wet after cleaning. Wool carpets are prone to yellowing if excessive heat, water or agitation is used. Neural pH cleaners work best on wool, says the Carpet Buyer's Handbook. Cotton and rayon fabric may shrink if the carpets become too wet and alkaline cleaners may cause fibers to turn brown. Silk fibers are also damaged by high temperatures and excessive moisture. Sisal and other plant materials may loose color when cleaned with a high pH cleaner.

References

• BaneClene: Comparison of Cleaning Methods
• The Carpet Buyer's Handbook: Carpet Cleaning Methods
• Earth Easy.com: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning