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There are several well accepted methods of carpet cleaning, including: steam (also known as hot water extraction, or HWE); shampoo; bonnet (which uses spin pads or absorbent pads); dry foam and dry compound. Each method brings something different to the table, which is important to know when choosing the method for a given carpet and situation.
Steam and shampoo are deep-cleaning methods, but also have the longest drying times. Bonnet, dry foam and dry compound are low-moisture methods, which offer drying times from almost immediate for dry compound to about an hour for bonnet and dry foam. -
Choosing the right method is more of an art than a science. Heavily-soiled carpets should be shampooed first, followed by a steam rinse. Moderately-soiled carpets will respond well to either steam and shampoo.
If drying time is a concern, then any of the low-moisture methods is a great choice. Low-moisture cleaning is also well suited to carpets which are lightly soiled or frequently cleaned. -
Carpets should be maintained regularly, about once per year. Carpets in commercial properties with high-traffic areas should be cleaned at least every six months; quarterly is a better choice to keep the carpets looking their best.
In very high-traffic properties, such as restaurants and hotel lobbies, carpets may need to be cleaned every three to five weeks. -
Start by removing any solids. Then, blot liquids using a clean, white terry cloth or microfiber towel. Avoid rubbing a spot, which may damage carpet fibers.
Apply a spot-cleaning solution, using a moistened towel to control the amount of cleaner reaching the carpet, rather than pour the solution directly onto the spot.
Dowsing a stain with cleaning solution can cause the spot to spread, causing a bigger mess. Too much cleaner may also cause a clean ring or brown water ring.
Work from the outside of a spot to the center. This keeps a stain contained and avoids spreading the stain.
