Have you had your carpets professionally cleaned before? Perhaps you’re considering renting a DIY carpet cleaning machine. Or maybe this is the first time you’re using a carpet cleaning company? Here’s some advice to help you understand the differences between Hot Water Extraction Cleaning (HWE) and Steam Cleaning.
What Is Steam Cleaning?
When a professional cleaning company uses steam cleaning, they’re using a machine to heat water to very high temperatures so that it vaporises into steam. The steam helps lift out the ingrained dirt in your carpets and upholstery. The high temperature of the steam ensures that it kills any bacteria or germs as it goes.
This sounds great but there’s a catch. Allow me to set the scene: Imagine you’ve been out for a mucky day in the countryside or played for your local rugby team and you’ve just come home hoping to get clean & dry. Which would you use to ensure you get completely rid of the mud and dirt?
- A steam room/sauna, or
- A hot shower/bath
Exactly! A steam room or sauna just makes you sweat a lot and leaves the dirt left on the surface. A hot bath or shower, on the other hand, will get you completely clean and rinse away all the residual traces of dirt and grime.
What Is Hot Water Extraction Cleaning?
HWE has all the benefits of steam cleaning and more. I use powerful truck mounted equipment that ensures that water is carefully and consistently kept at the same high temperature throughout the cleaning process. Instead of steam allowing dirt and grime to remain sitting on the surface of your carpets, I make sure that hot water is thoroughly washed through the carpet or rug fibres, re-plumping them as it goes. The continuous process of pumping hot water through the fibres, and a high-powered vacuum to suction out the water, means that your carpets are thoroughly washed and rinsed. The dirty water is lifted straight out leaving clean, freshly plumped fibres, with the benefit of the residual steam removing all bacteria and germs.
What Are The Benefits Of Hot Water Extraction Cleaning?
- Steam cleaning can’t be combined with cleaning detergents which makes it difficult to remove stubborn stains with steam cleaning alone.
- Natural fabrics can’t be steam cleaned as they are likely to shrink. The steam can often leave visible signs of damage.
- HWE cleaning ensures that the dirt is lifted away from the carpet surface and completely removed.
- Rugs and carpets dry quickly when you use the HWE cleaning method.
- No chemical residue is left behind at the end of each treatment. This makes HWE an excellent cleaning method for people with allergies or pets.
Is DIY Carpet Cleaning As Good As Professional Hot Water Extraction Cleaning?
DIY carpet cleaning won’t produce the same results as the professional HWE Cleaning Service that I use at The Rutland Cleaning Company. My truck mounted equipment uses a much higher power than a DIY carpet cleaning machine. It also injects water, and suctions it back out, in a more efficient manner. This means that my equipment will lift more dirt out of your carpets and rugs and everything will dry much quicker.
How Often Should You Book Hot Water Extraction Cleaning For Your Carpets And Rugs?
Depending on the amount of foot and pet traffic you have in your home, I would recommend booking a Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning Service every 12-24 months. This will make sure that your carpets are kept clean and fresh whilst increasing their lifespan.
Book Ahead
We all lead busy lives and it can be stressful trying to get services booked at the last minute. Book your appointment with me ahead of guests coming to stay or after a planned event. Get in touch today and book your next carpet and upholstery cleaning appointments ahead of time. Call me on 01572 503123
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