18 January 2024

Expert Carpet Care Tips: Dry Clean vs. Steam Clean

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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A dirty carpet in a room with a radiator.

Stain alive: how a deep carpet clean can save your carpet

28 April 2025

There’s nothing like the thought of having to replace a tired, stained or fading carpet to drain your colour; the prospect of a big-ticket expense is rarely welcome. But before you rip up your carpet and start a fresh, you maybe lucky, a professional carpet clean can work wonders to bring carpets back to life saving you the cost and hassle of replacing. Is it damaged or a dirty carpet? First things first: is your carpet truly worn out, or just in need of a deep clean? It’s easy to mistake a dull, grubby appearance for permanent damage, but more often than not, embedded dirt and grime are to blame. High-traffic areas, especially in homes with pets or kids, can quickly become discoloured. In commercial spaces, daily footfall can leave carpets looking tired far sooner than they actually are. A visit from a team offering expert carpet cleaning in Christchurch NZ lift stains, remove odours, and revive carpet fibres, leaving it looking significantly better, and your money in your wallet. Age and the quality of the carpet matter Carpet doesn’t last forever. But with regular maintenance and professional cleaning, many carpets can last a good 10 to15 years or more. The higher-quality materials like wool respond better to cleaning and last longer than cheaper carpet options. If your carpet is still within its expected lifespan, a deep clean from an affordable carpet cleaning Christchurch provider extends its life for years to come. However, if your carpet is showing signs of wear such as frayed fibres, bare patches, or delamination (the separation of the different layers of carpet which looks like wrinkles or ripples), it might be time to consider replacing it. Christchurch Carpet Cleaning assess all carpets before cleaning them, not only to deliver realistic expectations of what can be achieved, but also because there can be underlying causes such as flood damage or improper installation which need to be addressed as a priority. Cleaning can't reverse physical damage, but it can restore surface appearance. Dirty carpets: there’s more than meets the eye Think about what your carpet is exposed to every day. Pets, children, work boots, or food and drink spills all take a toll. Getting carpets cleaned, for either residential or commercial carpet cleaning , enhances the look and feel of your floors but also removes the nasties that reside on them. Allergens, bacteria, and moulds impact our health, and hot water extraction is a highly effective way to remove them to create a healthier environment for your family or employees. When in doubt give Christchurch Carpet Cleaning a shout If you’re unsure whether cleaning or replacing is right for your carpet, book a consultation with Christchurch Carpet Cleaning . We’ll organise a specialist in professional carpet cleaning to assess your floors and recommend the most cost-effective, safe and practical approach. Even carpets you thought were beyond saving can be dramatically improved with the right techniques. Christchurch Carpet Cleaning also offer additional options such as sofa cleaning, upholstery cleaning services , and rug cleaning in Christchurch, allowing you to freshen up your entire space in one go. Before you spend thousands of dollars on a new carpet, explore your options with the best carpet cleaning Christchurch has to offer. Whether it’s for your home or business, our carpet cleaning Christchurch services are designed to breathe new life into tired carpets - saving you money, time, and stress. Ready to transform your floors? Book an appointment today, call 021 638 637.