by Usha Krishnan

Created on: June 14, 2008   Last Updated: June 18, 2008

When it comes to carpet care, the cleaning industry offers a number of options. All options may not be suitable for your carpet, and some may even damage your carpet's fibers. What you will eventually select is usually based on the carpet manufacturer or cleaning company's recommendation. However, knowing what's on offer can help you make a better informed decision.

CLEANING METHODS:

* Carpet Steam Cleaners: One of the most popular cleaning methods is Hot Water Extraction or Steam cleaning. In this method, truck mounted equipment is used to spray heated detergent into the carpet at high pressure. It's then immediately extracted and picks up soil and dirt particles with it. Rotary brushes may be used with a carpet steam cleaner to help dislodge any embedded particles. While employing a carpet steam cleaner, the important factors to be maintained are solution temperature, spray pressure and vacuum power. If done correctly, this
is one of the most effective methods to clean a carpet.

* Dry Cleaning: One of the three following methods may be used to dry clean a carpet:

- Dry Shampoo or Foam: In this method, a shampoo is applied to the carpet. Once completely dry, it's vacuumed and brings up the dirt and soil with it.

- Dry Chemical or Bonnet method: A solution is applied to the carpet and a machine is used to extract the dirt. The machine uses a reversible absorbent pad or bonnet attached to it. Once the bonnet is full, it's replaced and the process continues until no more dirt is left to be extracted.

- Dry Compound: Absorbent sawdust like mixture is machine brushed into the carpet. Once completely dry, it's vacuumed, pulling up the dirt with it.

Highly soiled carpets may require a combination of Carpet Steam Cleaning and Dry Cleaning, to get stains and odors out and to brighten colors. However, this may be an expensive process depending on the size of the carpet to be cleaned.

* In-Plant cleaning: Oriental rugs or expensive carpets can benefit from in-plant cleaning. What this means is that the rug or carpet is sent through a duster, which is a more effective method of removing any dirt or dust, without damage to the piece. In-plant cleaning is expensive, but worth it for valuable rugs or carpets.

* Do it yourself cleaning: While it is possible to rent equipment and clean a carpet by yourself, care should be taken to hire the equipment from a reliable source. When renting, one should look for power pressure and a strong vacuum capacity. Carefully following the equipment

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