How to Clean Carpet: 4 Methods Explained

Whether you want to clean the carpets in your home or for a commercial business, this task is essential and should be a top priority. It keeps your floors sanitary and clean and will also help to extend your carpet's life. There are four major methods for cleaning carpets. The best method for your residence or business building will depend on what types of carpet you have, how much and type of traffic your floors get, and the condition of your carpets.

The absorbent compound method is one way to clean carpet. The method is also called the dry cleaning method because there is not much water used in this method. The first step is to vacuum your carpets thoroughly. Next, distribute a dry absorbent compound over your carpets and then work it in with a carpet cleaning machine. The absorbent compound consists of a solvent, detergent and small amount of water. Once the carpet is completely dry, vacuum again and make sure that any remaining compound is vacuumed up out of the carpet. Carpets dry very fast using the absorbent compound method, usually only taking about 30 to 60 minutes.

The bonnet cleaning method is another way of cleaning carpets. Once again the first step is to thoroughly vacuum the carpets. Then a detergent cleaning solution is applied to the bonnet and carpet. Next the cleaning solution is removed from the carpet by using the bonnet or an absorbent pad. The bonnet or pad is attached to the pad drive on a rotary floor machine. The agitation motion from the floor machine helps to loosen soil from the carpets and becomes absorbed through the bonnet. Once you have finished going over the carpet with the bonnet, a neutralizer is applied to the carpet with a pump sprayer. Bonnet cleaning is also a fast carpet drying method, usually taking about 30 to 45 minutes for the carpet to dry.

The hot water extraction method is another way to clean carpets. After the carpet has been vacuumed, a detergent solution is applied to the carpets using a pump sprayer. The solution is then removed by spraying the carpets with hot water using a portable extraction or truck-mounted machine. Once the extraction process is complete, a neutralizer is misted onto the carpet. To rinse all of the soil and detergent out of the carpet completely, the extraction process may have to be repeated several times. Dry time for cleaning carpets with the hot water extraction method takes about one to three hours.

The dry foam cleaning method is a fourth carpet cleaning method. This method also does not use a lot of water or moisture. Once the carpets have been vacuumed, a dense foam is applied to the carpets with a mechanical brush. Once the foam has completely settled into the carpets, a carpet extractor is used to remove soil and excess foam. Once the carpets are thoroughly dry, a vacuum is used to remove any detergent residue. Carpet drying time using the dry foam cleaning method is about one to three hours.

Vacuuming on a regular basis and pre-conditioning your carpets needs to be used along with one of the four carpet cleaning methods in order to keep your carpets clean and well maintained. Different kinds of carpet may required different types of cleaning methods and care. Clean, well maintained carpets are necessary for any home or business to keep the floors sanitized, clean and looking good.