Carpet cleaning company questions - steam clean or dry clean?

Question

I'm calling in a company to have my carpets cleaned. One place I called said they use the dry cleaning method. ??? I'm not familiar with that. Has anybody used it? I worry that it's even safe because I have pets and a new baby! That (dry cleaning method) sounds like too many chemicals to me. Anybody know? We had an older dog that peed on the floor and got sick often so they really need to be cleaned good!

Answer 1

Hi there, I have found that a dry-clean is the better process as there will not be a build up of water left on carpeting which may not dry successfully, therefore mould or bacteria can build up in that carpet. I am not sure where you are located, but if you have access to a company called Health Protect, they will be able to help you futher. I have experience with this company and would reccommend them. I am in New Zealand, and if you or your friends wish to know more, then by all means email.

All products used are Organic, and meet EPA standards. Safe for homes and families.

Answer 2

I have used both and I love the dry cleaning method. It leaves your house smelling like a fresh squeezed orange and I was shocked the first time we did it how good the carpet looks afterward. I don't think it's unhealthy but I know that when you steam clean it releases a LOT of bacteria that are embedded deep in the carpet into the air.

Answer 3

First law of solutions:   Likes dissolve likes.

For urine and vomit stains (water-based) the best cleaner is water-based.  That's what I would go with.

Solvent-based cleaners just won't do much for them because they are hydrophobic.

There are also encapsulation cleaning methods.  I would not call them "Dry Cleaning" but some might, to distinguish themselves from "steam cleaners. (which are really hot water cleaners)"

Answer 4

I actually prefer the dry cleaning method because it is less chemicals, it won't mold or mildew under the carpet while the padding is wet like wet cleaning because it dries faster than steam cleaning, it has no fumes, no detergent residue left in the carpet or padding, is non-toxic and safe for pets and children.  And, I would void the warranty on my carpet if I steam clean it because the manufacturer recommends the dry cleaning method.

Answer 5

Steam cleaning is recommended by 99% of Carpet Mills

Most steam cleaning professionals do not leave any residue in the carpet. (make sure they are using a fiber rinse to confirm they are residue free)

Most dry cleaning methods do leave significant soap residues in the carpet causing rapid re-soiling. (none of the detergents, soaps & surfactants are rinsed and removed from the carpet when dry cleaning method is used.)

Steam cleaning does not get the backing or padding wet. It also will not mold or mildew the carpet. (it takes at least 72 hours of wet for mold to even think about growing)

Hint: Look for a steam cleaning company that dries in less than 8 hours and they will have very effective cleaning equipment.

Truck-Mounted units always should be used. They are a ton more powerful than portable equipment and will remove more soil and dry faster.

PET ODOR: Both dry and steam cleaning WILL NOT remove pet odor.  Urine have salts that will not break down from water or carpet cleaning agents alone.

A blacklight and an enzyme such as Urine Off should be used prior to cleaning. At least 3 days before. Read directions at: http://www.urineoff.com.

ALWAYS USE AN IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM. SHAW, THE WORLD'S LARGEST FLOORING COMPANY, NOW REQUIRES THE USE OF AN IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM FOR WARRANTY CARPET CLEANING REQUIREMENTS!

Bacteria: Steam cleaning does not release bacteria into the air. If bacteria is present, most truck-mounted units will kill any because most operated at well over 200 degrees.

-MATT

IICRC CERTIFIED IN CARPET CLEANING & WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION

ONE MORE THING: It is very inexpensive to start a business doing the dry cleaning method. Usually less than $1000. To start a carpet cleaning business that uses the correct equipment it is $5,000 to $25,000 for the truck-mount. Another 5,000 or so for all of the cleaning accessories. And whatever it costs to buy a van. 2,000 to 35,000

What do you think cleans better?

A $5,000 to $25,000 Machine or a $500-$1000 Machine???