Most carpet cleaning processes use water to get the job done. So, from the title, you might be wondering how it is that a carpet cleaning process can be considered dry.
Whereas steam cleaning your carpet often leaves you with borderline soggy and inaccessible floors for up to a couple of days, dry carpet cleaning is usually dry within a couple of hours.
The original “dry carpet cleaning” process utilized hot carbonation extraction that was pioneered by ChemDry. But, that’s not the type of dry carpet cleaning we’re going to discuss as it’s not a truly “dry” method.
Even though the ChemDry method dries fast and is gentler on your carpet than conventional steam cleaning, there are some definite disadvantages of their hot carbonation extraction cleaning method:
- It doesn’t always get it all. Though hot carbonation extraction treats your carpet gentler than conventional steam cleaning, it comes at the cost of not cleaning as deep.
- Chemicals are left behind. This process also utilizes chemicals that while not necessarily harmful, can cause allergic reactions due to residue.
- Mold can still grow. Any time water is used, you run the risk of letting mold develop in your carpet if it is not properly dried.
The true dry carpet cleaning method does not use any water or liquid. It leaves your carpeted floors completely dry after cleaning, and cleans just as thoroughly as steam cleaning!
The technical term is called dry extraction carpet cleaning. Most carpet cleaners use water, but dry extraction is completely dry.
Here are the advantages of dry carpet cleaning when using the dry extraction method:
- It gets it all. This method, even though it does not use water, is much more thorough.
- There’s little to no residue. Since the sanitizing detergent is dry, it is easily vacuumed up after cleaning.
- There’s no risk of mold. You will not have to worry about mold growing in your carpet because of this cleaning.
How Does It Work?
First, the entire carpet is vacuumed to remove any loose dirt. Next, the dry carpet cleaning detergent is applied.
We use a product we like to call Dry Carpet Cleaning Snow.
This consists of cellulose-based micro-sponges that contain an organic solvent. It also contains surface-active, anti-static, and anti-bacterial agents that make the sponges ideal for absorbing dirt and stains.
The detergent is spread in an even layer across the carpet.
Then a counter-rotating brush is used to work the detergent thoroughly into the fibers of the carpet. At the same time, the brushing activates the agents in the micro-sponges.
This solvent emulsifies the unwanted dirt, and it is absorbed. The dirt will be enclosed within the micro-sponges, so you won’t have to worry about any of it escaping during the process.
These sponges can absorb 10X their own weight.
Since there is no downtime in the process, the cleaning snow can be vacuumed up immediately. Also, Dry Cleaning Snow is slightly alkaline (pH factor of 7.5) and fit for all types of carpet and upholstery.
Superior Results
This process removes the toughest and most stubborn stains as well as all kinds of filth. This includes pet stains, coffee, blood, and dust mites.
Not only does it remove all of the undesirables from your carpet, the anti-bacterial agents in the micro-sponges sanitize your carpet, leaving it not just looking clean on the surface, but actually clean and smelling fresh.
All this is done without dragging large hoses into your home. It’s possible to get your carpet cleaned without large and obstructive hoses trailing into your house.
And your carpet will be dry when the cleaning is finished. No gingerly tiptoeing around stacked furniture, no cranking the heat up, and no loud fans for drying. Just a perfectly clean, dry and residue-free carpet. The same results are true for upholstery.
This process has several advantages over steam cleaning as well.
Carpets that are steam cleaned, when left to air dry, still have a chance of developing mold. The water can get into the carpet padding and in some cases can even reach the subfloor.
Dry carpet cleaning also uses fewer chemicals than steam cleaning. It is more difficult to achieve the same results with steam cleaning using organic detergents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dry Carpet Cleaning Safe?
Yes. Many dry carpet cleaning processes, like Carpet DryClean’s, utilize organic detergents to sanitize your carpet.
However, unless it is a completely dry process, there is still a chance that leftover detergent will be left in your carpet.
This can cause allergies for some. But dry extraction carpet cleaning is completely safe for babies and pets.
Can I Dry Clean My Carpet Myself?
While many detergents are readily available for home use, professionals are much more effective at using them. They also have access to specialized equipment. An automated counter-rotating brush is not normally found in the closet or garage of the average homeowner.
Is It Worth Getting Carpets Professionally Cleaned?
It is not recommended that you clean your carpet yourself.
Carpets should be cleaned by trained carpet cleaners. Many homeowners make this mistake by renting a steam cleaner, most of which are of lower quality than those used by professionals.
If you do not have the proper knowledge and training, you may end up growing mold in your carpet without realizing it.
The cost to remedy this will be significantly more than hiring a professional cleaner. These results can also prove to the detriment of your health rather than your benefit.
What You Get with Carpet DryClean
Our professional carpet cleaners are well equipped to clean your carpet using the dry extraction method quickly and effectively.
In addition to your carpets, we also clean upholstery and area rugs. We are a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience in helping people just like you.
Call (919) 878-0748 to schedule an appointment and free estimate today!
Dry cleaning is not the only low-moisture method on the market. Encapsulation cleaning works differently again, and it is worth knowing the difference before you book anyone.
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