Top Carpet Cleaning Methods

There are many carpet cleaning companies you can turn to for your home or business cleaning. It is important to understand the various types of carpet cleaning methods different companies employ. Not all carpet cleaning methods will work for your wall-to-wall carpet. So, what are the top carpet cleaning methods?

This article will help you understand the various methods and why they are used so you can choose which is right for you.

Top Carpet Cleaning Methods
Top Carpet Cleaning Methods

Hot Water Extraction Cleaning

This method is popularly known as steam carpet cleaning. Steam carpet cleaning uses high-pressure hot water to rouse the carpet fiber and eliminate the dirt in the carpet. This method usually involves applying a cleaning agent on the dirty surface, scrubbing the carpet using a brush, and rinsing.

Once the cleaning agent makes its way into the carpet fiber after a short while, the carpet is washed by special cleaning equipment to remove the cleaning agent. Then the carpet is left to dry in air-conditioned or at room temperature.

It would take about 2 hours to clean an average 3000sq ft carpeted office and a minimum of 4 hours to dry it. Cleaning companies prefer to clean carpets late in the afternoon. This is so the carpet to can dry overnight on time for the resumption of regular office hours.

Carpet Shampooing

Carpet shampooing was popular until the 1970s, after the introduction of encapsulation technology. A heavily soiled carpet may benefit from carpet shampooing. However, this method leaves behind residues of wet foam in the carpet, which takes a long time to dry.

There is no rinsing when shampooing carpet. The residues make the carpet sticky after drying and make it easier for the carpet to get soiled again.

Encapsulation

The process of foam encapsulation uses synthetic cleaners as a base that turns into powder once dry. Once the applied cleaning detergent dries, dirt particles on the carpet fiber are enveloped into the powder and then brushed or vacuumed once the foam dries.

This technique has more benefits than the carpet shampooing method, as it uses less water during cleaning. As a result, it is the preferred quick-drying carpet cleaning method. This method also ensures there's less chemical residue left behind than shampooing the carpet. This is the method of choice for companies advocating for the use of environmentally friendly products.

This quick-drying carpet cleaning method has acceptable results. But, it still has limitations and isn't the best method for cleaning heavily soiled carpets.

Bonnet Cleaning

The bonnet cleaning method refers to cleaning the top part of the carpet fiber to achieve a clean surface. Dirt is absorbed from the carpet's surface using a motorized machine with a spinning pad soaked in a cleaning solution. Hotels use this method because it is fast and ensures that heavy traffic areas requiring cleaning dry quickly. This prevents disruptions to hotel guests.

Bonneting does not provide a deep-cleaning solution, so dirt found beneath the carpet fiber will always come up again and soil the carpet. It also leads to the build-up of chemical residue due to pressure from the spinning pad and the heavy-duty machine. They push the cleaning solution into the carpet and the dirt remaining below the carpet's surface.

Top Carpet Cleaning Methods
Top Carpet Cleaning Methods

Dry Carpet Cleaning

One of the latest carpet cleaning technologies in the market today is dry carpet cleaning. It is also known as compound cleaning. The method has become increasingly popular and is approved by leading wall-to-wall manufacturers due to its effective performance and convenience.

This method is the best quick-drying carpet cleaning method as it requires no time to dry the carpet after cleaning. Since the 1980s, after the invention of carpet cleaning technology, various types of cleaning powders and compounds have found their way into the market. Many people still haven't bought into this cleaning technology since it is still new, as opposed to other methods of carpet shampooing that have been used for decades.

The most significant benefit of this method is its use of a motorized counter rotating brush machine to apply carpet cleaner to the bottom part of a carpet. This allows the carpet fiber to open up and the cleaning compounds to settle in it, resulting in a thoroughly cleaned carpet.

Carpet cleaners are usually biodegradable and work like micro-sponges, effectively absorbing dirt from the carpet, which is released after the cleaning process. Manufacturers of carpet cleaning equipment set themselves apart by developing unique cleaning powders and compounds and customizing the design and function of their equipment.

This method of quick-drying carpet cleaning is approved for all carpet types. It is best for commercial offices that need to operate 24/7 since office operations do not get interrupted during the cleaning process.

Does Bleach Kill Dog Pee Smell?

Dog or cat urine sitting in your carpet is always a nightmare, and if you don’t know how to get rid of urine smell immediately, cleaning gets tougher. Imagine the buildup of bacteria and the soaked pad, making the urine seep into the wood floors and even in sub-floors or concrete. Have you ever wondered, does bleach kill dog pee smell? Here are things you need to know on how to remove urine smell.

Using the Right Products

Removing urine odor is just like getting rid of old juice stains from a carpet – it requires patience.

Ammonia

Ammonia is undoubtedly an effective cleaning agent but you shouldn’t use it when cleaning up dog or cat pee. Does bleach kill dog pee smell? Urine is known to have a strong odor of ammonia, and if you think that to bleach cat urine is the solution, then you are wrong. Bleach and dog urine together is a big no-no, and the same goes if you plan to bleach cat urine. Adding ammonia will worsen the smell, and it will most likely attract cats and trigger them to pee again in the same area.

Household Cleaning Agents

Bleach should never be used alongside ammonia since this combo is a deadly mix. Inhaling the fumes alone can be deadly. Neutralize ammonia smell of urine by using other cleaning substances. Cleaning agents found in the household such as vinegar, baking soda, peroxide, and dish detergent are safe to use but they can only do so much.

ning Cat Urine From Concrete Floor
Cleaning Cat Urine From Concrete Floor

Just like reappearing carpet stains, the stinky odor of urine is hard to get rid of and it requires a more potent cleaning agent. Sticking to the usual cleaning agents may be ineffective, and you may just end up cleaning the hard way by having the floors and sub-floors replaced to completely remove the odor.

Enzyme-based Cleaners

Neutralize ammonia odor by having an enzyme-based cleaner break down the bacteria in the urine. This product can be bought from online shops or pet stores and can be used more than once to treat the affected area.

Unlike dealing with infiltration in carpets, the carpet area must be saturated with the enzyme cleaner by blotting it and letting it air dry. This can be done twice before using an extracting carpet cleaner to shoot down the water deep into the carpet fibers before sucking it back up for cleaning. You can also have your carpet steam cleaned and learn how it can dry quickly.

Cleaning Pee in Concrete

Cleaning cat urine from concrete floor is a tough job. It is difficult to spot urine and it is more difficult to learn at once how to get urine smell out of concrete. You’ll only find out your pets have been littering in your garage or basement when you smell it. The odor is particularly strong during humid and warm days. Bleach doesn’t clean but it disinfects, and it is also toxic for your pets so avoid using it to clean concrete.

How to Get Urine Smell Out of Concrete
How to Get Urine Smell Out of Concrete

Before cleaning cat urine from concrete floor, scan the floors and lower walls by using a backlight before washing the spots with cleaning agents. Use a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar with two teaspoons of baking soda before treating the area with an enzymatic cleaner and covering it. The cleaner should soak the concrete or cement for about 24 hours before starting to clean it.

The odor of cat pee usually stays longer than dog urine because of its higher concentration so you need to learn how to get urine smell out of concrete effectively. Cleaning your carpet thoroughly must be done since pots under your carpet can linger even for years. Including it in your winter cleaning checklist can make sure that you clean it often.

Does bleach kill dog pee smell? It doesn’t, since bleach and dog urine are a bad combination. Now that you have learned how to remove urine smell from carpet and concrete, stick to using enzyme cleaners. If enzyme cleaners don’t do the job, then you can consider hiring the services of a professional cleaning expert who has mastered how to get rid of urine smell effectively.

What is Infiltration in Carpet?

Can you see those black spots on carpet as well as black carpet lines? These spots and lines are caused by soil filtration. What is infiltration in carpet and how can you avoid it?

Defining Soil Filtration

Soil infiltration is indirectly caused by the ventilation system, as the air that gets forced inside a room or space passes through gaps, causing pollutants to get trapped in the carpet. Aside from dust and fireplace ash, smoke coming from candles, cigarettes, and cooking oils worsen the black dust from air vents. Soiling in carpet occurs even in the cleanest household, so you don’t have to worry about failing to keep your house clean despite frequent housekeeping.

Black Spots on Carpet

Seeing black spots on carpet is a nightmare for many, as soiling causes discoloration that couldn’t be fixed even by repeatedly washing or removing stubborn stains. The pollutants are fine particles that get trapped in the inner fibers of a carpet. Bacteria build up in carpet can cause further soiling. This requires the help of a cleaning company’s professional services with typical cleaning solutions coupled with steam cleaning. This can take a lot of patience as a steamed carpet takes longer to dry. However, in some quite extreme cases, it couldn’t be possible to remove all soiling traces and carpet lines thoroughly.

Preventing Soil Filtration

Change Your HVAC Filters Often

Now that you know what is infiltration in carpet, it’s time to take measures to prevent it from happening and keep your carpet looking new. Keep those little black spots on carpet at bay by checking on your HVAC system closely. Frequently cleaning the air ducts and changing HVAC filters are effective precaution measures so black dust from air vents doesn’t get released from the HVAC system to your home.

Mind the Gaps

Gaps need to be eliminated since the air seeks a passage for escape. When interior doors are kept open, air moves freely along the openings so it doesn’t get forced to travel down into the carpet. The baseboard trim and carpet would normally have gaps, and these can be sealed off with the use of an expandable foam sealant. The gaps may be small or not, and you might find it helpful to first clear the area by pulling the carpet away from the wall. This is also to make sure that you don’t get the carpet stained. Once done, use a knee kicker or stretcher to reinstall the carpet over the tack strips.

Little Black Spots on Carpet

Make Some Changes

Making lifestyle changes is a huge help in reducing pollutants. Limit or if possible, avoid burning candles indoors as well as smoking. Dust your home every now and then and do frequent vacuuming to avoid seeing little black spots on carpet.

Now that you know what is infiltration in carpet as well as how you can avoid it, take the time to do a house check and include carpet cleaning in your winter cleaning checklist to avoid those nasty carpet lines. If you took all the precautions and the carpet stains keep coming back, then other issues may be at hand. Lastly, you can simply opt for a dark carpet color so you can be at peace.

Why Do Stains Reappear on Carpet? – Why Do They Keep Coming Back?

To avoid carpet stains, react quickly, and remove them as soon as possible. Timely carpet cleaning not only removes dust and dirt but also extends the life of the carpet. Traditional carpet cleaning is sometimes not completely reliable, as stains may return after a while. So, why do stains reappear on carpet?

Why Do Stains Reappear on Carpet?

Why Do Stains Reappear on Carpet
Why Do Stains Reappear on Carpet

There are two reasons why stains reappear after the traditional carpet cleaning: Stains that resurface as a result of wicking originate below the carpet fibers and stains that reappear due to debris in the carpet fibers. This article will go over how to remove stubborn stains from carpet and why these stains may reappear.

Stains That Reappear as a Result of Damage

The process of traditional carpet cleaning at home requires experience and care but can be successfully done. The materials and products used in carpet washing are very simple, and you have them in every household. For traditional cleaning, you need a bucket, a soft brush of natural fibers (whose length should not exceed three centimeters), soap, or a special acid-free carpet shampoo. One of the most common mistakes people make when doing traditional carpet cleaning is long-lasting rubbing. Damage to the carpet fibers will stain and damage the carpet. Try not to brush too much because this will seriously damage the carpet. If you have the same furniture layout on the rugs for too long, it may be difficult to restore the old look later because of the print. For this reason, it is best to change the furniture or rotate the carpet. It is recommended that the carpet be placed so that the furniture does not lean against it because the weights are cleaned, and the stains can be restored.

Stains That Reappear Due to Residual Shampoo or Other Cleansers

Never soak or immerse the carpet in the solution, as too much moisture can damage and cause the foundation to rot. It is not necessary to soak and clean the carpets, as this part is not exposed to dirt. After the washing process, the brush must carefully remove any remaining powder and dirt from the carpet. Thoroughly clean with lukewarm water and brush gently to prevent carpet damage. Then, if the weather permits, take the carpet outside to dry with the utmost care. The less moisture when cleaning, the better. If you have the conditions, bring out a rug and shake it well. Sunlight is best for drying if it is not too strong because the colors will fade. During traditional cleaning, if they are not completely removed, dirt residues turn to a solid, such as mud or sticky cement. This way, the carpet becomes firm and rugged, and there is a possibility that the stains will return. Allow the carpet to dry in natural conditions – you need dry and warm weather. After a few days, when you see the carpet is well dried, you can bring it into the house. You can also look into how long it takes for steam cleaned carpet to dry so that you can time everything out accordingly. 

Bottom Line 

So, why do stains reappear on carpet? You now have your answer. It is advisable to thoroughly vacuum and clean the carpet at least once a year as a part of your winter cleaning checklist. Carpet washing with baking soda helps to remove dirt and odor, but if the moisture is high, the soda can get stuck in the fibers and do more damage. Worst comes to worst, reach out to professionals for expert carpet stain removal if you can’t get them out yourself. 

How Do You Remove Stubborn Stains From Carpet – How do you get old juice stains out of carpet?

What are the ways to maintain your carpet? How do you remove stubborn stains from carpet? Your carpet is subjected to stains and major spills. If you have young kids and pets, you might experience this problem more often. You will have to address the stains fast to ensure easy and complete removal. Blot the area but avoid scrubbing as it can damage your carpet fibers. 

How Do You Remove Stubborn Stains From Carpet

How Do You Remove Stubborn Stains From Carpet
How Do You Remove Stubborn Stains From Carpet

Your winter cleaning checklist may include removing carpet stains. You will have to address the types of stains differently.

Some stains are easy to remove. Others might need some specific attention. In this article, we will discuss different types of stains and how to remove them if you have low pile carpet types or high.

Water-Soluble Stains

Water-soluble stains will include alcoholic beverages, excrement, mild, mud, berries, colas, jelly, ink, wet paint, gravy, ice cream, or similar type of stains. For these stains, you can prepare a cleaning solution with 32 ounces of water and ¼ teaspoon of the non bleach detergent. This solution is effective to clean all the water-soluble stains. 

Special Water-Soluble Stain

In this category, you can include chocolate, blood, tea, wine, coffee, vomit, and mustard stains. For these stains, you will need a solution with one cup of water and one tablespoon of ammonia.  You can also try five parts of water and one part of chlorine bleach. Check the manufacturer’s instructions as chlorine can damage some carpet material. 

Fat, Wax, & Oil 

For all these types of stains, you will need a paper towel and iron. Place the towel on the stain and then press the iron on it with a warm setting. All the fat, wax, and oil will come off and will stick to the paper towel. 

Cigarette Burn, Glue, Nail Polish & Gum 

How Do You Remove Stubborn Stains From Carpet
How Do You Remove Stubborn Stains From Carpet

You can remove the cigarette burns by using a dull knife.  For the glue, take a soft cloth and moisten it with alcohol and

then press it on the affected area. It will moisten the glue residue and then you can gently wipe it up. For the gum, you can use ice to freeze it and then use a blunt object to shatter it. Vacuum the dust and then use a white towel to blot the stain. For the nail polish stain, you can use a nail polish remover.  

Urine Stain 

You will have to address the urine stain as soon as you notice it. Take a white towel and absorb all the possible urine stains. Use a damp and cool cloth to blot the spot. Prepare a solution with an equal part of white vinegar and water. Spay it on the affected area and then make a solution with 32 ounces of water and ½ teaspoon of mild and clear non-bleach detergent. Apply the solution and then use a paper towel to blot the stain and rinse and dry it. You can also use a steam cleaner to remove pet urine stains, but you must let it dry appropriately. 

Final Words

How do you remove stubborn stains from carpet? Now, you know how to remove different types of stains from your carpet. Even if you do not experience any accident, you need to clean your carpet at least once every month to retain its original freshness and a new look for a long time.

How Long for Steam Cleaned Carpet to Dry – How can I make my carpet dry faster?

Steam cleaning your carpet on your own or having a professional do it for you will go a long way in ensuring your carpet is looking its best. Although a typical carpet will need only a couple of hours or overnight to dry, it can sometimes take much longer. There are several factors to bear in mind when determining how long for steam cleaned carpet to dry?

How Long for Steam Cleaned Carpet to Dry

Your winter cleaning checklist may include carpet cleaning. Although there are many cheap ways you can clean your

How Long for Steam Cleaned Carpet to Dry
How Long for Steam Cleaned Carpet to Dry

carpet, it is crucial to consider steam cleaning carpet.  In this post, we’ll discuss how long a carpet takes to dry after steam cleaning. We’ll also highlight the factors that affect the typical drying time.

Padding and Carpet Density

It goes without saying that a carpet that’s thicker and denser will take longer to dry. If you know your carpet better, you can always make special allowances for water that will remain in a dense carpet with heavier padding.

Room Ventilation

If you haven’t opened the windows or the room has no windows, to create cross ventilation, the level of evaporation is significantly reduced. Turning on the furnace blower or placing a fan in the room will dry the carpet faster by improving air circulation. You can also reduce drying times by turning on the air conditioner in warmer months.

Water Usage

Carpet cleaning pros say when extracting water from your carpet after the cleaning process, be sure to pass over the wet carpet several times with the vacuum/cleaner. Each pass you make extracts additional water from the carpet.

Weather Conditions

Carpets typically dry faster during warmer weather. While it’s well known that heat helps in evaporation, it’s also

How Long for Steam Cleaned Carpet to Dry
How Long for Steam Cleaned Carpet to Dry

important to consider the humidity levels. If the level of humidity is high, the carpet will take longer to dry as the air is saturated with moisture. If the humidity is low and the temperatures are high, drying times reduce.

Soiling

How soiled the carpet is before steam cleaning also influences how long it will take to dry because the carpet may require more water to be cleaned fully. This may not always be the case but it can have an impact on the drying time. Similarly, cleaning a heavily soiled carpet may require more agitation, pushing moisture deeper into the carpet fibers. As a result, more water may be required when applying the moisture before the extracting phase. All these will require more drying time due to additional moisture.

The Building

All things remaining constant, some homes or spaces just take longer than others to dry. It’s not clear why this may be the case but it could be related to how the structure retains heat or just plain ventilation.

Bottom Line

Whether you are cleaning your carpet by hand or steam cleaning, it is important to consider the time it takes your carpet to fully dry. So how long for steam cleaned carpet to dry? In general, it normally takes about two to six hours for a carpet to dry after it has been steam cleaned. However, the time it takes to dry is also influenced by the factors mentioned above. Under ideal circumstances, you want to stay off your carpet until it’s completely dry but sometimes that’s not practical.

Winter Cleaning Checklist 

With the winter coming soon, you can feel the chilly waves and wintry winds come in soon. It is now the time for the winter cleaning. The best time to do that is the time in-between the start of a new season. You have to take care of your home and make sure it is clean, tidy and properly maintained. If you want to clean the home before the winter, then you will need a proper winter cleaning checklist that can help you to do the work efficiently. Also, the holidays are coming and you will want your house to be ready for the festive time where family and friends will be visiting.

Winter Cleaning Checklist

Winter Cleaning Checklist
Winter Cleaning Checklist

If you are looking for some amazing ideas for winter cleaning, then you are at the right place. Are you confused on where to start cleaning? We will provide you with a proper checklist that you can follow to start cleaning in accompaniment with other amazing household tips to know.

Checklist for Winter Cleaning

The entire cleaning can be categorized into two broad types – basic cleaning and deep cleaning. Here is a checklist for both the types:

  • Basic Cleaning

The basic cleaning are the ones that are mostly done on a regular basis or at least once a week or so. These consist of:

  • Dusting the ceiling fans
  • Vacuuming the floors and washing them
  • Wiping down the light switches, door knobs and television set
  • Clean the walls by dusting them
  • Cleaning of the vents
  • Cleaning the windows and washing the glasses
  • Vacuuming and washing the drapes
  • Washing the carpets and rugs 
  • Wash the bedding, shower curtains and towels
  • Clean the bathroom mirrors and counters
  • Scrub the floor and walls of the shower and bathroom
  • Cleaning the toilets
  • Scrubbing the kitchen countertops
  • Cleaning the kitchen cabinets

  • Deep Cleaning

    Winter Cleaning Checklist
    Winter Cleaning Checklist

Besides the regular basic cleaning, you also have to deep clean your house to ensure that it is clean and hygienic too. Deep cleaning consists of:

  • Cleaning of the computer monitor screens
  • Disinfecting the keyboards and mouse
  • Washing the dustbins and garbage cans
  • Cleaning all the electronic appliances like microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, AC and refrigerator
  • Clean of the dryers and the vents
  • Polishing the wooden furniture
  • Changing the filters of the AC and furnace
  • Cleaning the fireplace 
  • Decluttering and cleaning of the garage
  • Cleaning the gutter system
  • Mowing down the lawns and cleaning them

These are some of the items that are essential for your checklist of winter cleaning. You need to make sure that you are entering into the New Year with a clean and tidy house. Also, it is better to have a deep-cleaned house during Christmas time.

The Conclusion

Here is the complete winter cleaning checklist that you have to follow. Make sure to follow this list along with other cleaning tips to clean your house completely. Though it is easier to do the basic cleaning on your own, it can be tough to do deep cleaning on your own too. It is tougher, especially if you have to go to work every day. You can also take the help of a professional cleaning service who can help you in deep cleaning the house, garage and lawn. Make sure to choose the best service to get the top quality service and check if they have any specials running.