As with any other fitments or assemblages in-house, your carpet will also need your attention and care. If you intend to increase the lifespan of your carpet then you must take care of its wear-tear and obviously cleaning. Generally, a carpet needs an annual wash but depending upon traffic over its surface it can have a bi-annual wash too. Young people who are new to handling the household on their own are more curious to explore before setting in the deal. So for those people and for those who want to know the updates on various techniques, technologies and tools, we are taking up here the difference between steam cleaning and shampooing the carpet.
Both steam cleaning and shampooing, cleaning ways are often interlinked and folk don’t understand the difference between the two techniques. Let’s talk one by one about both the cleaning systems and understand the fundamental working technique behind these two cleaning systems.
- Steam cleaning – This is one of the most favourable carpet cleaning techniques used globally for sanitizing commercial and domestic carpets. Advanced, powerful, hot mist of water is used to break the stains, dirt, germs and odours. This is completely chemical-free and leaves no harmful residue at the end. Warm to hot water is forced through the carpet fabric under pressure which looks like a steam cloud. This kills almost all the bacteria, mildew or germs present in the carpet and is also capable of removing stains and marks from the carpet. It can be done in a few minutes and has a shorter drying time as compared to the shampoo cleaning technique. This is because water forced into the carpet is absorbed back by the reverse vacuum suction. High-power wet vacuums pull out almost all the water from the pores of the carpet leaving behind fresh breathable carpet for further use. Yes, you might end up paying a bit more dollars for steam cleaning technology over-shampooing one.
- Carpet shampooing– Carpet shampooing is undertaken where the carpet surface is heavily soiled. As in case of heavy foot traffic on carpet or due to the presence of pets and toddlers, in case of floods etc. As the name suggests this is a chemical-based cleaning technique in which shampoos used are the chemicals. Choosing the right type of shampoo is essential as different fabrics need different conditioning. After the formula soap is selected, it is put into the respective compartment of the machine to form a foam. Water and shampoo or soap are released under pressure to form foam. This very foam is ejected on the carpet to release dirt and dust accumulated over it. Rotatory motion brushes are used to spread the foam evenly on the carpet. This mixture is then sucked by the wet vacuum cleaners. No matter what power wet vacuums are used, chemicals can be left behind in the carpet. Also, the carpet after shampooing needs more drying time over the steamed carpet. It might even take 24 hours of time. So, as it is a chemical-based method and needs a longer time for cleaning and drying it is less preferred over steam cleaning.
In the nutshell – With so many fabric options in the market, carpet type suggests which cleaning method is best suited for your carpet. Still, steam cleaning is prefered more over shampoo-based cleaning for the carpets. As steam cleaning also sanitizes the carpet almost to 90-99% there shampooing can only cleanse but not sanitise to the extent steam cleaning does. Moreover, chemical residue may persist in the carpet after shampooing is over therefore it is not an eco-friendly cleaning system.
Conclusion
From time to time you can adopt DIY, steam cleaning, dry cleaning or shampooing for your carpet but don’t miss to give a professional annual wash to your carpet on the floor. Let the professional come and suggest which method is best for your carpets. Many pro cleaners are available 24X7 at your service. Book your slot and get an inspection and schedule a cleaning day as per your convenience. Look, good carpets need the right care at the right time!!