The two primary ways to clean carpets are steam cleaning and dry shampooing. Neither name describes the cleaning action correctly. Professional carpet cleaners often use steam cleaning, with chemicals sprayed onto the carpet and hot water injected into the rug. Usually, a rinse cycle is done. The machine then extracts most moisture so the carpet dries quickly, at least in less than 24 hours.
But dry shampooing is not dry; it uses less water and chemicals, but the residue of shampoo and chemicals dries quickly. Dirt sticks to it, so it must be vacuumed out the next day by the homeowner. Since less water is used, the carpet will dry in a few hours. Even though the professional carpet cleaning method is not quite as good as steam cleaning, there are times when choosing a professional service, such as commercial cleaners, is better.
- After you have finished renovating and want to get the dust and grunge out of the carpet.
- If you expect visitors the next day and realise the carpet looks grubby.
- You’ve had tradespeople in and forgot to cover the carpet.
- You’ve had a party, and the carpet got sloshed as well.
- You need to freshen the carpet up but don’t have time to wait for it to dry.