Carpeting is a staple in most homes and offices, and regularly scheduled cleaning is essential for their upkeep. This includes vacuuming regularly and immediately handling spills with the proper stain remover.
However, there is much more to proper carpet cleaning than meets the eye.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is a vital part of cleaning carpets, and professional cleaners have potent machines that get the job done faster and more thoroughly than standard household vacuums. They also have access to tools that can spot stains and spots that aren’t even visible to the naked eye.
When you hire cleaning companies near me in Philadelphia, PA (or elsewhere) for the job, they will first pre-vacuum your carpet before starting the actual cleaning to remove the dirt and grit on the fibers’ surface. This allows them to focus on deeper dirt in the pile and get it up more effectively.
They may also agitate the carpet with a grooming rake or brush for thicker rugs or use a rotating pad for low-pile or looped carpets to help dislodge trapped particles and speed up the chemical reaction that cleans the carpet.
This step is crucial because it prevents the rug from becoming over-saturated with cleaning solution and cannot dry quickly. It also aids in preventing the growth of mildew and mold, both of which can produce disagreeable scents.
Hot Water Extraction
The hot water extraction cleaning method is a process that involves using high-temperature water and a strong carpet cleaner to agitate and loosen dirt particles from your carpet’s fibers. A powerful vacuum then sucks up the loosened debris and any remaining detergent residue.
This is the best option for removing stubborn stains and heavy-duty dirt from your carpet. It’s also the most effective way to prevent re-staining from spills and abrasions.
The experts use equipment that injects hot water and cleaning detergent directly into the carpet fibers. Then, the cleaning machine sucks up the water and dirt almost simultaneously, leaving your carpets completely dry and ready for immediate use.
Some people mistakenly think that steam cleaning is a suitable alternative to this. However, steam doesn’t do any of the work and can even cause stains. Some fabrics, like natural fibers and woolen rugs, cannot be cleaned with steam.
Pressure washing is a great way to protect the outside of your house and stop dirt, filth, mold, and algae from accumulating and damaging your siding.
Soft washing is a low-pressure power washing method that is less dangerous than conventional pressure washing.
Drying
One of the most crucial aspects of professional carpet cleaning is thorough drying. If your carpet doesn’t dry thoroughly, it can lead to mold, mildew growth, and musty odors. Proper drying also prevents wicking, which occurs when dirt is drawn up into the fibers of your carpet as it dries.
Many professional cleaners will use specialized fans and dehumidifiers to promote fast drying of your carpets. They may also use carpet protection sprays to help your carpets resist future stains.
The bonnet cleaning method is another way to speed up the drying process. This entails scrubbing the carpet with an industrial machine that looks like a floor buffer after putting a cleaning solution to it. The machine then rinses the carpet and extracts the solution, resulting in a short dry time. This method is recommended for high-traffic areas.
Stain Removal
Keeping your carpet clean is crucial to maintaining the condition of your house. Like tile or hardwood floors, your carpet needs periodic care to remove the dirt, grime, and allergens that gather underfoot.
If you notice your carpet looks dull, muted, and matted down, it’s time to schedule a professional clean. The same is true if you’ve noticed any lingering odors in your house.
A pro will walk through your home before getting a lay of the land, noting high-traffic areas and any troublesome stains that require extra attention. A pre-inspection can also help you determine whether or not your carpet would benefit from treatments like a protector or deodorizer.
Adding these treatments can help your carpet stay cleaner longer, making future cleanings faster and easier. Depending on your preference, some of these may incur an additional cost. But it’s worth it to keep your rugs in tip-top shape!
