Carpet Cleaning - Did You Know?

You probably already know that carpet cleaning extends the life of your carpet. How? Because dirt in carpet acts like little knives, cutting the fibers as we walk on them. Remove that dirt more often and you may get years of extra use from that carpeting.

However, do you know what kind of cleaning is best for your carpet? Do you know how often you should have that cleaning done, or what can you do to keep the cost down? Some answers to these questions follow.

Carpet Cleaning - What Kind

The processes referred to as "dry cleaning" generally doesn't use water, but it isn't entirely dry either. One method uses a foam that's applied, dried, and vacuumed up - hopefully carrying the dirt with it. Another method uses a damp sawdust-like material which is brushed into your carpet by a machine, where it adheres to the dirt, and again is vacuumed up once dry enough. Perhaps the most common dry cleaning method is the one that uses a large circular cotton bonnet. This spins and presumably "mops up" the dirt - but obviously can't get the deeper dirt very effectively.

In fact, how deeply any of these methods clean is debatable at best. Since none of them involve rinsing your carpet when done, they also may leave residue behind. For many reasons, including these, what is called "steam cleaning" is generally the best way to clean your carpet. The method is actually hot-water extraction, although a lot of steam is produced.

Forget the do-it-yourself units if you want the really hot water and high powered suction necessary to deeply clean the carpet. Find a good company that uses a "truck mount" unit. Powerful systems like these force hot water into carpet under high pressure, and then the water and dirt is quickly sucked out.

Advantages? Extreme heat kills a lot of bacteria, fungus, mold, and dust mites - unlike dry cleaning methods. There is very little residue left if done properly, so there won't be detergent in the fibers to attract dirt. Also, the higher pressure and high powered vacuum action cleans deeper than other methods.

How Often Should You Clean?

Professional cleaners may tell you that carpet cleaning should be done twice a year or more, but they have an obvious bias. Use your own judgment here. No two houses are exactly the same. Some might make it two years between cleanings if they have no kids, no pets, and they remove your shoes when entering the house. Others may need their carpet cleaned every season.

How To Pay Less

One way to spend less on carpet cleaning is to do it less often by keeping it clean longer. Removing shoes when entering the house helps a lot. Also, keeping a rug by every door helps catch a lot of dirt that might otherwise make it into the carpet. Vacuuming regularly can keep a carpet pretty clean too.

To pay less for the actual cleaning, have just the "traffic areas" done. These are the areas where the carpet is exposed and walked on. Most of the time carpet doesn't get dirty under couches and chairs, so vacuuming can be good enough there. Cleaning just the traffic areas means the cleaner doesn't clean as much, and also doesn't have to move furniture. Some cleaners will discount for this, so ask.

Skip the "stain treatments" that most cleaners will offer. Unfortunately some are not applying it properly in any case (it should not be in the cleaning solution, but applied after cleaning). This is a judgment call. You might spend up to $100 extra for this in a large house - and pay that extra ten times in ten years - so ask yourself how many potential stains you're likely to prevent during that time.

Carpet cleaning can be cheaper during tough economic times, when cleaners aren't as busy, and offer discounts to boost their business. In addition to recessions, this can also be true during the winter. So watch for specials - or ask for a better price.