Carpet Cleaning Chemical Versus Steam

Carpet Cleaning: Chemical Versus Steam

When it comes to carpet cleaning, no matter how big or small the entire area, the argument and decision that will have to be eventually made is the mode of cleaning that should be used. Among the different modes of carpet cleaning, chemical versus steam is one of the first choices that one will have to make whether it's a do it yourself job or whether professional service is hired. Although it would be good to note that most professional carpet cleaning service providers nowadays prefer steam cleaning.

In the meantime, choosing between the use of chemical aids and steam cleaning machines will depend on a lot of factors. For one thing, chemical cleaning in itself will require a decision on what type of chemical should be used. Previously, the most common cleaner for carpets was shampoo. Unfortunately, shampoo leaves sticky residue on carpet fibers that cause more dirt to get trapped back into the carpet.

To avoid this problem, one can opt to use cleaning solvents similar to those used in dry cleaning services for clothes. Since carpets are made of fibers just like your clothes, it follows that the same material used to clean clothes can also be successfully used on carpet. In choosing to use solvents to dry clean your carpet, you may need to choose between a volatile and non volatile solvent solution. It is recommended that this method be done only by professional cleaners because mixing solutions and using these on the carpet is a very delicate process. In some cases, volatile solvents need to be applied after the non volatile solutions to remove any or all residue.

While this chemical procedure is sure to get your carpet cleaned, this is not recommended for people with household members who are very sensitive to harsh chemicals. If the carpet needs major cleaning, larger quantities of chemicals will be used which will cause even more reactions from people sensitive to these chemicals. Also, just like with regular clothes, regular dry cleaning of carpets can and will weaken the integrity of its fibers.

Fortunately, to ensure true deep cleaning without the use of any excessively harsh chemicals, one can decide to use steam cleaning methods. Steam cleaning can kill bacteria and other microorganisms found naturally in the rich environment of the carpet fibers as well as beneath the carpet. This is achieved with contact from these bacteria with the heat of the steam.

The cleaning action begins when the heated steam loosens the dirt and soil from the carpet fibers. At the same time, steam cleaning equipment for carpets also includes a system that allows loosened dirt and particles to be extracted. When steam cleaning is done with the help of industrial grade machine equipment, you end up with thoroughly clean carpet without the sticky residue of shampoo or the harsh effects of dry cleaning solvent solutions.

Steam cleaning for carpets can be combined with chemicals too. Most steam cleaning machines and equipment use detergent solution along with the steam and all the other cleaning action that is part of the system used. In this case, there is no need to decide on carpet cleaning: chemical versus steam because both chemical and steam are combined in one system to provide the ultimate deep and true cleaning of your carpet.