Expert Carpet Care Tips: Dry Clean vs. Steam Clean

Name: Christchurch Carpet Cleaning
Address: Christchurch, NZ
Telephone: 021 638 637
Price range: $$

In this dynamic world of carpet care and maintenance, choosing the right cleaning method is paramount for preserving how good your carpet looks, and how long it will last.

There are two prominent contenders: dry carpet cleaning and steam cleaning. Both offer distinctive approaches to revitalise your carpets; one is quick and easy, the other powerful and efficient. Which one will you go for?

A) What is dry carpet cleaning?

Beware, contrary to what the name implies, dry cleaning is not always completely dry (it sometimes does use water albeit a smaller amount than steam cleaning methods). There is only on true dry carpet cleaning method, and this uses a dry super absorbent powder. As a powerful detergent and solvent, the dry powder dissolves stains and dirt. Once the powder has dissolved, it can be vacuumed.

Advantages of dry carpet cleaning

· Super quick drying time

· Less/ no water usage

· Minimal disruption

Disadvantages of dry cleaning carpets

· Not effective for a deep clean

· Potential to leave a chemical residue

· Not effective for stubborn stains

When is dry carpet cleaning recommended?

There are clear pros and cons of dry carpet cleaning. If your carpets are only used infrequently and they need a quick refresh, or the carpet manufacturers state only to dry clean, this method could be a helpful solution.

a man is using a vacuum cleaner to clean a carpet in a living room .

B) What is steam cleaning for carpets?

Steam cleaning is like having a facial spa treatment: a cleaning solution breaks down stains and dirt, steam gets down deep into the fibres and lifts the debris, before the latest hot water extraction technology removes the moisture.

Advantages of steam cleaning carpets

· Incredibly powerful deep clean to remove stubborn carpet stains

· Efficiently removes bacteria, dust mites, and allergens

· Removes dirt and debris from deep in carpet so it lasts longer

· Eco-friendly, so strong harsh chemicals aren’t needed

· Dries between 3-5 hours

Disadvantages of steam cleaning carpets

· Longer drying time ***

· Potential for mould and mildew if carpets left soaking ***

· Takes longer ***

*** The cons of steam cleaning are avoided if you hire a professional carpet cleaning company. Issues unfortunately tend to happen when people hire a carpet cleaning machine rather than call a local professional!

When is steam cleaning recommended?

If carpets are in high traffic areas such as in hallways or close the external doors, there are stubborn stains, or the carpet has a thick pile, steam cleaning is the only option likely to deliver the best results. The deep carpet clean is ideal for people who have reactions to either allergens or chemicals.

While dry carpet cleaning serves well for routine cleaning, steam cleaning remains crucial to tackle deep-seated grime. Most carpet cleaning experts recommend steam cleaning for thorough cleans which helps your carpet last longer and stay fresh, reserving dry methods for maintenance throughout the year.

If you are unsure which carpet cleaning method to use, contact Christchurch Carpet Cleaning on 021 638 637. We can have a chat and work out which method is more suitable for your carpet type and where it’s located.

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Unveiling the dirty truth: it’s time to clean your sofa

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If you had to name the dirtiest place in your home, where would you say? The kitchen? The bathroom? These areas of the home are top of the list, but they tend to be diligently cleaned because they are famed as harbourers of bacteria, germs and allergens. However, one place that is often overlooked is upholstered furniture which surprisingly, if left untreated, is equally as likely to cause health problems. Unclean upholstery is a breeding ground for allergy triggers such as dust mites, pollen, and moulds, which cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions in humans and pets. Cleaning upholstery removes these hazardous microbes, creating a healthier indoor environment for your family. While professional upholstery cleaning services deliver the best visual and hygiene results, you can clean your upholstered furniture between professional cleanings. 7 Steps to clean a fabric couch and chairs Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and the fabric care codes before undertaking any upholstery cleaning. It’s crucial the recommended cleaning methods are followed for the specific fabric. Fabric care codes include: · W for water-based cleaning · S for solvent based cleaning · WS for water or solvent-based cleaning · X denotes professional upholstery cleaning only. Note: the steps below should only be followed for upholstery displaying W or WS fabric care codes. If possible, remove the cushion covers. Wash cushion covers on a cold/gentle cycle or handwash (always check manufacturer’s instructions). Paying attention to every nook and crevice and using the attachments, thoroughly vacuum the entire couch. Sprinkle bicarb over the sofa and leave for half an hour before vacuuming the residue. For stubborn stains and grubby ‘high traffic’ areas such as the arms or where the dog sits , you can make a bicarb paste. The bicarb’s mild abrasive nature helps lift stains but also neutralises odours. Make a DIY sofa cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water. Spritz the upholstery until it is damp taking care not to oversoak or drench. Using a dry, lint-free cloth, wipe the soiled sofa fabric surface and allow to air dry