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What is the best way to clean carpet? The carpet manufacturers are almost unanimous: Hot-water extraction, also called steam cleaning. Shaw Industries, the world's largest carpet manufacturer, for example, recommends only hot-water extraction. Truck-mount units are preferable, since portable units don't have the same suction power and heat. You can dry-clean your carpet as well, so a discussion of both methods follows.
There are several variations of this method. It's worth noting that none of these involves rinsing your carpet when finished. One uses a foam that dries in your carpet and is then vacuumed up. It is debatable whether all the residue can be extracted.
Another variation
uses a large cotton bonnet that spins. This is supposed to absorb
the dirt in your carpet. Obviously, there are some questions
as to how deeply this method can clean your carpet.
Finally, there is a compound that looks like wet sawdust. A machine
brushes this into your carpet, where the dirt adheres to it.
When it is dry, it is vacuumed out.
The primary reason these methods are used may be that the equipment needed costs thousands of dollars less than hot-water extraction equipment.
It is actually hot-water extraction (it steams a lot), but it is the best way to clean carpet. A good truck-mount hot-water extraction unit forces hot water into carpet under high pressure, and then sucks it (and the dirt) out thoroughly. This method has the following advantages:
It doesn't leave residue (if done correctly). Detergent residue can attract dirt, which can damage carpet.
High pressure cleans carpet more deeply.
A strong vacuum also cleans carpet more deeply.
Heat helps! Above 118 degrees Fahrenheit, every 18 degree rise changes chemical reactivity by 100%. Hot water extraction cleaning is done at 150 to 200 degrees. Too technical? Bottom line; It is just the best way to clean carpet.