You have definitely heard the term “steam cleaning” for your carpets. Have you heard the terminology “hot water extraction cleaning”? Most carpet manufacturers highly recommend professional hot water extraction as the most effective carpet cleaning method on the market.
What is hot water extraction?
Hot Water Extraction (HWE) is a method of carpet cleaning. It involves a combination of hot water and cleaning agents being injected into the fibers of a carpet at high pressure and all lifted soil being removed by a powerful vacuum.
HomeAdvisor.com states that “the term “steam cleaning” is really a misnomer when it comes to describing how hot water extraction works. In truth, there is little or no steam involved as a primary cleaning material. Instead, hot water and cleaning agents are propelled into your carpet pile at high pressure, where they loosen up dirt, soil, and grime. In almost the same motion a high-powered vacuum removes the hot water, and all the dirt and stains in your carpet along with it. Just look to the carpet industry itself for clues as to which method is the best for your carpets and upholstery. There is a reason that almost every major carpet manufacturer recommends (and more increasingly requires for warranty reasons) that you use hot water extraction to maintain the cleanliness of your home carpeting. And there is also a reason that almost every major carpet cleaning company chooses hot water extraction as their method of choice”.
Steam cleaning can remove tough stains on synthetic carpets but hot water extraction is better for carpets that are made out of natural fibers. Steam cleaning can cause the carpet fibers to shrink. However, this is less likely to happen if hot water is used.
DIY vs the professionals
“As you shop around for steam cleaners to clean your carpet, keep in mind that there are a variety of systems available to you as a homeowner to choose from. Portable household units are popular and can be rented at most grocery or hardware stores. They do a decent job of cleaning your carpets, and are cheaper than hiring a professional, but aren’t as efficient as more powerful truck mounted units.
Truck-mounted units inject the water and cleaning agents into your carpet at a much higher pressure, meaning they clean deeper than other systems. And their vacuum systems for removing the water and dirt are equally superior, doing a better job of removing both moisture and cleaning agents from your carpet pile. All this adds up to cleaner carpets and less frequent cleanings when you’re all said and done,” according to HomeAdvisor.
Truck-powered equipment = better results
Professional cleaners have truck-mounted equipment that is more powerful when it comes to delivering the necessary cleaning agents that are mixed with hot water. This high-powered system means that these cleaning substances can reach more deeply into your carpets to remove dirt and stains that have saturated the carpet fibers. Along the same vein are the vacuum systems that professionals use to remove the moisture, cleaning agents, stains, and dirt from your carpets.
Call the professionals
Unfortunately, many homeowners wait too long until their carpets become too worn, stained and dirty before they call the professionals to come out and clean them. In order to effectively make your carpets last longer, maintain your carpets, and keep them looking beautiful, it’s best to have them cleaned at least annually. Many homeowners also have their carpets professionally cleaned before a big event such as a party or the holidays. Spring cleaning is a popular time to have your carpets cleaned as part of an overarching cleaning process for the entire house.
Auburn Carpet takes great pride in our rug cleaning experience and results. Many area rugs, including “oriental” can be manufactured by hand and using very delicate materials, while some are machine made with synthetic materials. We will inspect your rugs and give you our recommendation of cleaning based on fiber content and construction.
If you are unsure, please give us a call and we are happy to come to your home to inspect and test if necessary. Some synthetic rugs can be cleaned on site, but we prefer to clean delicate items off site in a controlled environment to ensure proper care, cleaning and drying. In our typical “home” service area, we will pick up and deliver your rugs at no additional charge!
Auburn Carpet Specialists are the area’s premier carpet cleaning service company, family owned and operated, that has earned a solid reputation for premium quality service and customer satisfaction. With more than 20 years of experience, we can truly call ourselves ‘Auburn Carpet Specialists’. We are located in Auburn, Georgia. Contact us today for a FREE Inspection and Estimate or call at 770-867-7541.
