OUR METHOD: Truck Mounted, Hot water extraction
This method is often called "Steam Cleaning" and is the cleaning method nearly all carpet manufacturers and carpet fiber producers recommend. All the others are considered "light surface cleaning" because they are incapable of removing soil deep in the pile. Also, all other methods leave large amounts of cleaning agent in the carpet after cleaning. T
he maintenance brochure published by the world's largest carpet manufacturer, Shaw Industries, recommends this method, because its own research indicates that it provides the best capability for cleaning. This method is frequently called "steam" cleaning due to the fine spray of super-heated water over 200 degrees F. used to force dirt out of the carpet which is sucked up by the vacuum slot immediately in front of the spray. Seldom is real live steam used, however. This process consists of spraying a solution of water and detergent into the carpet pile and recovering the water and soil with a powerful vacuum into a holding tank. This is done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and floor tool brought inside. From a health standpoint, the truck-mounted system is preferred because the dirty air and humidity are exhausted outside rather than recirculated around the house. Additionally, truck-mounted systems usually are more powerful than portable units and do a much better cleaning job and get the carpet dry more quickly. The choice of the proper cleaning system is extremely important. Some systems leave residues which promote re-soiling and defeat the whole purpose of cleaning. Some methods actually damage the carpet fibers and shorten the life of the carpet. Check with the carpet manufacturer for recommendations. Carpet Cleaning Frequency:
If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful. Allowing the carpet to become overly soiled may result in irreversible damage. It is a common myth that cleaning the carpet before it is absolutely necessary will cause it to get dirty faster. This goes back to the days when the shampoo methods were the most common. Carpet in a typical household should be professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months depending upon the number of residents, amount and type of activity, and whether the carpet is light or dark color. Professional Carpet Cleaning versus “Do-It-Yourself” Cleaning:
The maintenance brochure published by the world's largest carpet manufacturer, Shaw Industries, recommends professional carpet cleaning over “Do-It-Yourself” because of the potential problems that can occur from using rental equipment - such as yellowing, overwetting, fiber tip damage, severe resoiling, overuse of detergents, etc. References
Shaw Floors
http://www.shawfloors.com
Carpet Buyers Handbook
http://www.carpetbuyershandbook.com
TLC Home
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/carpet-cleaning-tips.htm
