Common Carpet Cleaning Methods: Pros and Cons

1. Carpet Shampooing

The process of shampooing carpets is a common method to thoroughly clean your carpets. It is usually done with the aid of a machine that has tank of shampoo or cleaning solution as well as a tank that holds the water that has been contaminated after it's gone. Both of them work together to cover tiny areas of the carpet using a roller brush to apply the solution and then drain the dirty water back into the machine.



Professional carpet cleaning costs around $240 if you employ a professional. You can also lease carpet shampooers at home improvement stores for either an hourly or a daily fee.

Pros of Carpet Shampooing

Similar to shampooing your hair, washing carpets produce a lather that removes dirt particles from the fibers, which allows the dirt to get sucked to the machine. The agitators located on the bottom of the machine work to remove pet hairs embedded in the fibers that are tightly wound.

Cons of Carpet Shampooing

As opposed to shampooing your hair in the shower, it has no rinse cycle. Imagine leaving the shower with little bits of shampoo in your locks. After a while, your carpet may appear dull due to the accumulation of hair molecules that aren't completely taken out.

Furthermore, while the shampooer's vacuuming feature will help remove the excess water off your flooring, it'll not remove all of it. It's possible for water to get into your foam padding, leading to issues with moisture, unpleasant smells, and the possibility of mold on the road.

2. Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaners function by applying superheated liquid using the high-pressure applicator. This combination can aid in breaking down the stuck-on dirt and bacteria as well as debris. The steam can make your carpet's fibers expand, which gives your flooring a soft, smoother appearance after cleaning. Expect to spend about $300 to get your carpets cleaned steam.

Pros of Steam Cleaning

It is thought that steam cleaning can eliminate nearly 90% of the bacteria and dirt that has built up on your floors, making it ideal for getting rid of mud stains off your flooring. It also helps neutralize allergens, such as pollen and dust, that can trigger allergies sufferers.

Cons of Steam Cleaning

Similar to other methods that require water, it is difficult to eliminate the moisture from your carpet following cleaning. That means you may end up with areas that require long periods of time to dry or flooring that has mildew or mold problems due to the moisture that is retained.

3. Encapsulation

The process became popular following its introduction in the 70s. The process involves applying a foam or liquid detergent to carpets that is then dissolved into a powder that can be vacuumed when it is dried.

Pros of Encapsulation

It's quick to dry and is considered to be more eco-friendly than a number of other alternatives. There's not much substance left after you've removed the powder, and it doesn't depend on the availability of other sources like electricity or water.

Cons of Encapsulation

Although it has some advantages over other methods, such as shampooing, it's not as effective in cleaning up heavy-duty carpet messes like stains and odors. These are deep within the carpet's fibers as it is only a surface cleansing.