Steam vs. Chemical: What’s
The Best Way To Clean Carpeting?
Several times a week we are asked " What is the best way to clean carpets"
Carpet cleaning – best way to clean
carpeting, steam or chemical, is an ongoing debate. There are many
proponents and critics of each method so the only way to make the right
choice for your home is to investigate both methods and find out what they
have to offer. Then you can make an informed decision as to the best way to
clean your carpets.
Steam cleaning is also known as deep
cleaning. That’s because it is the only carpet cleaning method known to
remove at least 97 percent of dirt and bacteria from carpeting. It is also
the only method that reaches all the way down to the lowest layer, or
“pile”, of your carpeting to clean it thoroughly. This makes it the best
method for dealing with ground in or difficult stains.
When it comes to carpet cleaning, the
ability to deep clean is just one consideration. Since steam cleaning uses
water heated to a very high temperature, it can take far longer for the
carpet to dry after treatment. Depending on how good the cleaner’s
extraction system is and how thick the carpet is, it can take 45 minutes to
several hours. In some cases we have seen where carpets were still damp the
next day. If you need access to your room quickly, then you might want to
consider using another method of cleaning.
As the name suggests, chemical cleaning
involves the use of a chemical solution to remove dirt from your carpet.
Some of these solutions are called “dry” shampoos, although that term is
used lightly. They are not, in fact, completely dry but they do use
significantly less water than steam cleaning. This means that carpets that
are chemically cleaned generally dry much faster as there is less moisture
to evaporate once cleaning is done.
As with steam cleaning, drying time is not
the only consideration to take into effect when considering the subject of
carpet cleaning. Because chemical solutions only work in the top layers of
carpet, they are almost completely ineffective for treating deep stains.
Also, there is a tendency for some chemical residue to be left behind in
your carpet, meaning you and your family can be exposed to these chemicals.
Make sure you fully understand what chemicals they are using.
For individuals who are concerned about
chemical exposure, steam cleaning may be a better option
The method you choose depends on your
particular needs and your concerns if any about using chemicals. Arguments
can be made for both sides, steam or chemical,. Cost can vary as well, so
that’s another factor you’ll need to take into consideration. Either way, if
you choose a reliable product or service you can be sure of getting good
results. Ask your friends and neighbors who they use. That is the best way
to find a carpet cleaner.
The carpet cleaner we use here at the
office uses a steam process and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions.
When he is done not only does the carpet look good he can tell you how much
water he used and how much he recovered. For light cleaning we will use the
Vapamore Steam Cleaner. Works well for small areas but don't recommend you
try to do a large carpeted area.
Your carpet can make a strong first
impression of your home or office, so make sure you treat it right and keep
it clean. Do your research and find out whether steam or chemical cleaning
is the right choice for you. In the end, you’ll be able to enjoy clean
carpets and that’s what good carpet cleaning is all about.
Wishing you the best of health
The Allergy Store
