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Support our local independently owned business
For over 10 years we have specialized in turning our customers into happy long time clients.
Whether you’re looking for carpet cleaning or upholstery cleaning we’ll help you with your
needs, and at a price within your range. Many of our clients have five or more years with us
because of our experience they can trust.
You too can trust our experience.
Services provided by Marvin O. Henry owner and operator
Which Method Of Carpet Cleaning Is Best for You!
There are many misconceptions about carpet cleaning. One of them has to do with carpet
cleaning methods. What’s the best method? That depends, have you heard the terms “dry” or
“steam”? Neither are technical terms with the intention of accurately explaining carpet
cleaning methods.
There are 4 methods of carpet cleaning
Method 1: Hot Water Extraction
Otherwise recognized as “steam cleaning”, hot water extraction is the method that nearly
everyone is most likely familiar with. Hot water extraction is the right technical term, not steam
cleaning. Actual steam is not used at all. A hot water solution is produced and immediately
recovered, creating a “flushing” action on the carpet. This can be done from a truck-mounted
unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system
brought into the home. What’s the difference, the biggest and most important difference is in
the person cleaning the carpet. A trained technician will know what pressure to use, what
cleaning products to use, and how to get maximum soil removal and maximum spot removal
without over-wetting the carpet or leaving a sticky residue behind. The horror stories of carpet
being wet for days are due to operator error, not because “steam” or “hot water extraction”
caused it.
Hot Water Extraction done properly will remove more soil than any other method.
"Steam cleaning," as it is commonly called, has the following advantages:
- The high heat kills bacteria, fungus, mold, and dust mites, making it the healthiest way to clean carpet.
- It doesn't leave residue, if it's done correctly. Detergent residues attract dirt, which can damage carpet.
- The high pressure cleans carpet more deeply.
- The strong vacuum also cleans carpet more deeply.
- Heat really helps! Above 118 degrees fahrenheit, every 18 degrees higher changes chemical reactivity
by 100%. Hot water extraction cleaning is done between 150 and 200 degrees. Is that too technical? The
bottom line is that it's just the best way to clean carpet.
Method #2: Absorbent Pad
Also known as bonnet cleaning, this method employs a round pad that spins across the
surface of the carpet, absorbing the soil. A solution is applied to the carpet or the pad to aid in
releasing soils. This is a method that some may classify as “dry cleaning” although water
based products are used in almost all “dry cleaning” systems, therefore the term dry cleaning
(cleaning with only a solvent based cleaner) is not technical and would not be desired.
Absorbent pad cleaning is not a deep cleaning method. It should only be used in lightly soiled
and maintenance situations.
Method #3: Dry Compound
This method uses a powder that has been treated with detergents, water, and solvents. The
powder compound is sprinkled onto the carpet and a brush with cylindrical brushes is used to
work the powder into the carpet pile. The solution that is in the powder releases the soil. The
soil is then absorbed into the absorbent powder. This method should only be used in lightly
soiled and maintenance situations.
Method #4: Shampoo or Dry Foam
In this method, a shampoo or foam is generated and worked into the carpet with a rotary
brush or cylindrical brush machine. The shampoo or foam releases the soil. The soil is then
vacuumed with the machine or allowed to dry and removed with a conventional vacuum
cleaner. This method should be used in only lightly soiled situations and maintenance cleaning.
When using shampoo, great care should be taken to avoid leaving a sticky residue on the
carpet.
Dry Cleaning Carpet
There are several variations of dry cleaning. None of these, by the way, involves rinsing your
carpet when finished. One method uses a foam that dries in your carpet and then is vacuumed
up. It is doubtful that all the residue can be extracted.
Another method uses a cotton bonnet that spins. This is meant to absorb the dirt in your
carpet. There are some questions as to how deeply this method can clean your carpet.
Finally, there's a dry-cleaning compound that looks like wet sawdust. This is brushed into your carpet,
where the dirt adheres to it. When it's dry, it is vacuumed out.
Hot Water Extraction/steam cleaning
Although there is always controversy as to which is the best method, the carpet mills currently
lean toward the HOT WATER EXTRACTION METHOD, AS IT DOES THE BEST JOB OF
DEEP CLEANING THE CARPET WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF DISTORTION.
Why Should You Choose Bay Area Carpet Cleaning to
Clean Your Carpets!
100% NO-RISK GUARANTEE
We want you to be super-pleased - in fact, absolutely delighted - with every carpet and
upholstery job we do. So every job comes with our iron-clad, risk-free, guarantee. What does
this mean? Simply this: if you aren't happy with our work, we'll reclean the area for free. And if
you still aren't pleased, you pay noting. Not nothing is more important than your complete and
total satisfaction. We stand behind every job 100%. If you ever have any questions or
concerns about our work, please call us right away.
Our Methods of Carpet Cleaning:
Bay Area Carpet Cleaning Uses A Hot Water Extraction Method To Clean Your Carpets. This
method is often called "Steam Cleaning" This is the method nearly all carpet manufacturers
and carpet fiber producer recommend. Our principles of professional carpet cleaning includes
the following Step by Step procedures.
1. Dry Soil Removal - Vacuuming before beginning other cleaning procedures.
2. Pretreatment - All carpets are pretreated with special agents that breakdown and
suspend the more difficult highly soiled areas for easier removal.
3. Pre-spotting - For the most difficult spots, we have a wide variety of professional
spotting agents that are designed not to damage your fabrics or alter original color.
4. Agitation - This is necessary to allow for even distribution of the cleaning detergents to
enhance the suspension of soil.
5. Soil Extraction – Once the soil is suspended, it must be physically removed with a hot
water extraction machine also known as a steam cleaning.
6. Grooming – Setting the nap with the appropriate brush or groomer. Aids in drying and
appearance and distribution of post-cleaning treatments such as Teflon Carpet Protector.
Commonly Asked Carpet Care Questions
“How soon can I walk on my freshly cleaned carpets?”
With our hot water extraction method, most carpets take 2 to 8 hours to dry, with a bonnet
method, 1 to 2 hours. Drying time can be longer or shorter, depending on the type of carpet
and the relative humidity in your home. Avoid wearing shoes; the moisture in the carpet will turn
the slightest dirt on the soles to mud and track up the carpet. Wear house slippers or white
socks or ask us for plastic booties to wear. If you had Scotchgard applied, socks will absorb
some of it and reduce its effectiveness. It is best just to stay off of it until completely dry.
“How often should I have my carpets professionally cleaned?”
Carpet cleaning frequency will depend on the usage of the particular room. While soil removal
and appearance are important, cleaning for health is a major factor. Carpets are like sinks for
dirt – the soil and bacteria levels continue to rise until drained (cleaned). We recommend a
cleaning every 6 months to a year for heavily used rooms (family rooms, halls, stairs). A
cleaning every one to two years is usually enough for lesser-used rooms (bedrooms, perhaps
living and dining rooms).
“After you clean my carpets, will they re-soil more quickly?”
No, they will not re-soil more quickly with our cleaning system. Some outdated methods such
as shampooing leave a residue, which attracts soil. Our cleaning system uses a clear water
rinse, which means there is no significant residue left in your carpet to attract soil.
Scotchgarding your carpets will greatly improve stain resistance and help them stay cleaner
longer.
“Can you guarantee that you will remove all of the stains?”
Our cleaning method is very effective and we carry many specialty-spotting agents on our
trucks. We have special training in spot removal techniques. However, some stains may be
permanent, depending on the type of stain, the fiber content of your carpet, and how long the
stain has been in the carpet.
“How can I best care for my carpet between cleanings?”
Regular vacuuming is the best thing you can do to maintain your carpet. We suggest at least
several times per week. Soil in your carpet acts like tiny rocks, scratching away at the carpet
fibers and dulling them. After this has happened, the fibers do not reflect light like the unused
portions of your carpets and appear dull, no matter how often it is cleaned. Remember,
vacuuming and cleaning cannot wear out your carpet, but soil can! Never scrub spots! This will
flare the fiber tips permanently. Apply cleaning agents with a white towel and blot. Use mats
and runners in entryways. These will trap soils before they enter the carpet.
Are your chemicals safe?
Yes, the cleaning agent we use most often is completely natural, biodegradable, and non-
toxic. It’s safe for pets and kids to come into contact with.
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