Regardless of how diligent you are in your carpet maintenance, over time dirt, grime, and stains are accumulated in it. This requires nothing less than professional cleaning. But here the question arises: what kind of carpet cleaning to choose? Steam carpet cleaning or dry carpet cleaning is better? Let’s consider them one by one to give a correct answer to these questions.
Steam Carpet Cleaning
Unlike many people think, steam carpet cleaning is not chemical free, unless the company uses eco-friendly cleaning products. This method is also called dry water extraction. It provides deep cleaning and rinses the carpet shampooer or cleaner used for cleaning. This method does not leave any residue behind, as the dirt mixed with the cleaning agent is extracted in a container.
Steam cleaning is the recommended way of carpet cleaning for all those who suffer from allergy or asthma or who have little kids or pets at home and are worried about their health. If you are one of these, opt for a cleaning company that uses hypo-allergenic and non-toxic cleaning solutions that are free of perfumes and dyes.
What about drying time?
If you hire a cleaning company, the carpet will be ready for use much faster than if you apply DIY carpet cleaning. Usually, it takes between 3 and 6 hours for the carpet to dry after professional steam carpet cleaning, while you will have to wait up to 24 hours if you do it on your own. The reason for this is in the quality and strength of the used machines.
Dry Carpet Cleaning
The other method you can choose is dry carpet cleaning that is performed by using dry cleaning solvents and chemicals. They are spread all over the carpet’s surface to start break down the soil in the carpet’s fibres.
Although it is called a dry cleaning method, in fact the carpet cleaning experts use some moisture in the process of cleaning. Probably, the only advantage that this method has over the steam carpet cleaning is the time of drying. The carpets can be used in about 1 to 2 hours after the cleaning is completed. However, this method may use harsh chemicals that may affect your health. Additionally, it doesn’t provide deep cleaning. It is a perfect solution for businesses, restaurants or hotels that require urgent refreshment and minimum drying time.
So what did we learn?
- Choosing to perform DIY steam carpet cleaning option is not preferable due to the long waiting period before the carpet can be used again. Additionally, you have to invest in a detergent and rented machine.
- Although some stubborn stains may be removed with the steam carpet cleaning, others may require multiple applications before they completely disappear from your carpet.
- There is almost no drying time in the dry carpet cleaning method, yet you have to deal with chemicals that might deteriorate your heath. Dry carpet cleaning is usually used as a surface cleaning method.
All things considered, we would recommend you to perform professional steam carpet cleaning.