What is The Difference Between Carpet Dry Cleaning and Steam Cleaning?

Have you been thinking about getting your carpets cleaned, but are completely confused about dry carpet cleaning vs steam cleaning and which one is better for your carpets??

To put it simply, both methods can achieve great results however, the main difference is the amount of water used in the process. The quality of the cleaning ultimately depends on the carpet cleaning technician, the chemicals and the equipment.

 

 

Understanding Carpet Fibres and How They Affect Carpet Cleaning Method Selection

When it comes to carpet cleaning, it's important to understand the type of fibre your carpet is made of, as this can affect the cleaning method selection. Different fibres have different properties and react differently to carpet cleaning solutions, so it's important to choose the right method to avoid damaging the carpet.

For example, wool fibres require special care as they are sensitive to heat and alkaline solutions. On the other hand, synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester are more durable and can withstand higher temperatures and stronger cleaning solutions.

Understanding your carpet's fibre type can help you make an informed decision about the best cleaning method to use for effective and safe carpet cleaning.

 

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Dry and Steam Carpet Cleaning

Factor #1 - The type of carpet

Firstly, the type of carpet you have and its condition will affect which method is best. Dry cleaning is ideal for delicate carpets that may be damaged by moisture, while steam cleaning is better for carpets with deeper stains and more heavy-duty cleaning needs.

 

Factor #2 - Turnaround time

Another factor to consider is the time required for each method. Dry cleaning is usually quicker, while steam cleaning can take longer to complete.

 

Factor #3 - Cost involved

Cost is also a consideration. Dry cleaning can be more expensive due to the specialised equipment required, while steam cleaning is often more affordable.

 

Factor #4 - Impact on the environment

Environmental impact is another factor to consider. Dry cleaning typically uses less water and chemicals, making it more environmentally friendly than steam cleaning.

 

Ultimately, the decision between dry and steam carpet cleaning will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to weigh the factors mentioned above and choose the method that best suits your carpet and cleaning requirements.

 

 

What if just one area of my carpet needs cleaning?

In the carpet cleaning industry, we call these heavy traffic areas. Naturally there are certain areas of our home that are walked on more than others, which is why we offer a heavy traffic treatment for your home.

This is for areas like living rooms and hallways that see a little more foot traffic and therefore, more wear and tear. Electrodry’s Heavy Traffic Treatment includes the application of a specially formulated Heavy Traffic Cleaning Solution that breaks down the oil, grease and sugar that holds the dirt to your carpet.

If you combine that with Electrodry’s exclusive dry cleaning system, your heavy traffic areas will look brand new! You will be totally blown away with the results.

 

 

The Pros and Cons of Carpet Dry Cleaning

The Carpet Dry Cleaning Process

1. Dry soil is removed with a pre-vacuum using industrial strength equipment.

2. The carpet is treated with a dry-cleaning solution; a combination of dry-cleaning solvents carried in water.

3. Dry-cleaning solutions break down oily residue on carpet fibres. Oil is what makes the dirt stick to the fibres so removing that oil makes it easier for the soiling to be removed.

4. Cotton pads are immersed in hot water and using a conditioning rinse, are placed under a rotary machine. The machine spins the pads around, releasing dirt from the carpet. The pads are changed as needed during the cleaning process.

 

How does carpet dry cleaning work?

The carpet dry cleaning process leaves the carpet walk on dry straight away and totally dry within one to two hours. The best part is that carpet dry cleaning solutions can remove more stains than other cleaning processes.

Electrodry Carpet Dry Cleaning manufactures its own exclusive carpet dry cleaning solutions that bring back the carpet’s natural showroom brightness by restoring its chemical balance.

 

The Rundown

Carpets are always pre-vacuumed and the carpet dry cleaning solution breaks down the oily residue. It also targets more stains than other processes and can restore the chemical balance of your carpet. Furthermore, your carpet will be walk on dry straight away and is completely dry within one to two hours.

 

 

The Pros and Cons of Carpet Steam Cleaning

The Carpet Steam Cleaning Process

1. A pre-vacuum should be performed because any dry soil will turn to mud during the cleaning process.

2. Steam Cleaning, also known as Hot Water Extraction Cleaning, involves injecting hot water into your carpet with high pressure, then extracting the dirt and the water out.

3. An effective steam cleaner should pre-treat stains and use a pre-spray to break down surface tension in the carpet. This will ensure the water can penetrate deeply into the carpet fibres prior to extraction.

 

How does carpet steam cleaning work?

As far as the carpet steam cleaning process is concerned, the technician can achieve a great result if they use effective cleaning pre-sprays, sufficiently agitate the carpet and then take the time and effort to extract as much water as possible from the carpet.

This process can leave your carpet very wet and it can take up to 24 hours for the carpet to be completely dry. During the cooler months, it can even take days for the carpet to be completely dry.

Without proper pre-treatment, steam cleaning can be ineffective at removing oily stains (the dark spots on the carpet). It is imperative for the oily residue to be removed otherwise the stain can remain, or it will quickly re-appear as dirt sticks to the oily residue.

 

The Rundown

Qualified technicians can achieve excellent results if the process is performed properly. However, steam cleaning can be ineffective at removing oily stains without effective pre-treatment.

The problem here is that stains can remain or re-appear as dirt sticks to oily residue that may not have been properly removed. The other problem is that it can leave the carpet very wet and take up to 24 hours to dry.

 

 

Dry Cleaning vs. Steam Cleaning - What is The Verdict?

At the end of the day, both systems can be effective; however, steam cleaning has a much longer drying time and may not be as effective as dry cleaning when it comes to stain removal.

When it comes to Carpet Dry Cleaning, this method uses minimal moisture so your carpets will be ready to walk on straight away and are totally dry in one to two hours.

If you still aren’t sure which method is best for your carpets, then talk to an Electrodry expert today to see what method we would recommend for your particular situation.

 

 

Can’t you just do both dry carpet cleaning & steam cleaning?

Electrodry’s Restorative Clean utilises both processes; the superior stain removal capabilities of dry cleaning and the deep cleaning of a hot water extraction steam clean to flush away heavy soiling.

We typically recommend a Restorative Clean for really dirty or neglected carpets, or when a customer needs the cleanest carpet possible. For example, this might apply to homes with babies crawling around or if someone has asthma or allergies.

 

 

Choose Electrodry For Professional Cleaning Services in Your Home

If you haven’t had your carpets professionally cleaned within the last twelve months, then please get in contact with your Electrodry booking agent for professional carpet cleaning services.

Electrodry is Australia's most trusted and reliable carpet and home cleaning service. We are a family-owned business and have been around since 1983. Electrodry's exclusive cleaning systems, innovative cleaning products and expert technicians ensure that we always provide the highest possible level of service to our clients.

Please call Electrodry today on 13 27 13 or get in touch with your local Electrodry Carpet Cleaners