The Difference between Steam Cleaning and Dry Cleaning
If you haven't gotten the hang of it or the issue regarding which is a better cleaning strategy, dry cleaning or steam cleaning, then prepare yourself with so many things to know about these two cleaning methods. At the end, it is up to you whether you prefer dry cleaning over steam cleaning or vice versa.
And so to start determining which is better, you can visit the web site of Shaw Industries and learn that they favor steam cleaning more. For the record, Shaw Industries is the biggest carpet manufacturer in the planet and so if you will consider their say on cleaning method, then steam cleaning wins. Also, in selling their carpet, they maintain the quality of their product by encouraging their consumers to follow the guidelines they set for their carpet, like steam cleaning your carpet.
Why is it that Shaw Industries recommends steam cleaning method over dry cleaning method? During the 1970s the method of steam cleaning has received bad reviews as it takes its way on becoming a very good cleaning method of carpet. During that time, carpet machines were used as cleaning equipment. With the use of such machine the carpets are left for over hours wet. This was how dry cleaning was done.
However, times have changed and so is the availability of cleaning machines that can be used in steam cleaning. With the use of steam cleaning machines that produce intensely hot water and are transported by vans, carpet cleaning can only be done in 4 hours or even less. How convenient and good this can get? Steam cleaning has opened a new avenue in carpet cleaning.
With the efficiency of steam cleaning (which can even be done for about two hours depending on the extraction devices used) dry cleaning has started to disintegrate. Customers no longer want their carpet to be left all wet for twenty four hours.
And when it comes to removing dirt, stains, soil, and other impurities that your carpet has, steam cleaning can still do a good job by simply using the extraction cleaning method.
For the record, dry cleaning can even cause your carpet to become yellowish because of the high PH taken from too long exposure to water and cleaning solution leaving your carpet soggy and dampen.
When it comes to cleaning your carpet, the last shot and call is still made by you. And so, as you do decision making when it comes to choosing the right cleaning method, make sure that you don't get influenced by what is hard sell. You have to trust some facts as well for your carpet's own good.
How to Have a Longer Living Carpet?
Carpets are very expensive. But you know that they can give you a lot of benefits. So, make all the possible ways to extend the life of your house's carpet. This will help you prevent spending another hundreds or thousands of money.
Besides, there are simple, cheap, yet effective guides on how to make your carpet live longer. Here are your helpful guides:
Remove stains from your carpet immediately. Spilled soda, coffee, or paint on your carpet must be removed immediately. If not, they will dry up and become very difficult to remove.
Just follow the carpet manufacturer's instructions. You can also use a special carpet cleaner solution to remove stains.
As long as you follow the instructions carefully, you can always be sure to remove the stain from your lovely carpet.
Use runners or mats on the carpet. Mats or runners are great ways to enhance your interior decoration. But these are also helpful in protecting your carpet.
With mats or runners, your carpet won't get dirt or stain instantly. Instead, the mats or runners will catch the dirt first. It will be very difficult for the stubborn dirt to reach your carpet if you have any of these lovely coverings.
In addition to that, mats and runners are easy to clean up, unlike your big and heavy carpet.
Prohibit stepping on the carpet with bare feet. You may not see or feel it, but a bare foot has oil film that can be damaging for the carpet. Don't worry about your flip flops because your carpet is made to resist that.
Shoes off the carpet. No bare foot, no shoes. So, I guess, slippers are the best option to enter the house with a big expensive carpet. This is also the best option if you want to lengthen your carpet's life.
Replace your padding when you replace your carpet. Old padding used for a new carpet can be damaging for the carpet. You might even lose your warranty for the carpet if you don't replace your padding.
Don't worry because you can easily find a good padding for your new carpet. Doing this will also reduce chances of footprints, digs, sags, and stretches on your carpet. This can even have a fresher look, smell, and feel.
Use a good vacuum to clean up your carpet. Vacuums are not the same. So better choose the best vacuum for your carpet. This can already be a good investment for your carpet and your entire house.
Also, make it a habit to regularly vacuum dirt from the carpet. The destructive dirt will not have any chance to develop into nasty molds and other destructive structures.
Doing all these will surely help lengthen the life of your lovely carpet. You might even be surprised of the savings you can earn by doing this.
Getting Rid of the Stains on Your Carpet
Every stain removal product available in the market has specific usage, depending on the materials of the carpet or the quality of the stain found in the carpet. For the record, stains can be removed from the carpet in various methods and with the help of varying stain removal products you can still make your carpet look good as new. To get you started, you can start researching about effective stain removal products.
So that you will know what the perfect product would be, you have to know if applying the product to your carpet will not cause any damages. There are carpets that are sensitive to any stain removal products so you have to be careful, too. Don�t instantly apply any chemicals on your carpet because some cleaners are not good enough to deal with carpet stains.
Spot testing is always a brilliant idea if you are going to apply chemicals on your carpet. If you are sure that the chemical or solutions will not cause any damage to the carpet fibers, discoloration, and breakages then go for such stain removal agent. However, if you are not careful enough it is possible that you will use harsh cleaners on your carpet, and it is not good.
Spot testing will also let you know if you are allergic to a certain cleaner. And if you have children and pets at home, then you should be all the more be careful. However, if the stains are caused by pet and children, say for instance the cause is pet urine, removing both the stain and the foul odor will be a challenge. There are specialized stain and odor removal products which you can avail in the market.
As much as possible choose the stain removal cleaner that has anti-bacterial solution because pet urine can cause health problems too, especially to children. Therefore, you should be ready in buying a lot more expensive specialized stain removal product.
Other stains that you may encounter when you are cleaning your rugs and your carpets are stains from blood, soda, ketchup, and other colored liquids, and sometimes even water. Once the carpet is wet, it can easily attract dirt that is why you have to take preventive measures as well to stop things from happening, especially accidents.
If you can not remove the stain manually, you really have to resort to stain removal products and agents because they are made to eliminate stains found in your carpet.