Carpet Cleaning and Drying: Best Tools and Practices

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Carpet Cleaning and Drying: Best Tools and Practices

Carpets are not only nice additions to a home. They just don’t add beauty, texture and pattern in your room or living space, they also serve very important purposes, from keeping you and your loved ones warm to preventing possible slip-and-fall accidents on hard-surface floors, and trapping allergens, dust and other contaminants.

On average, a carpet can last for about 3-5 years in a typical home with 2-4 residents. However, with proper care, it can last even longer.

Like all other parts of your home, your carpet needs regular cleaning from pets, dust. Not only does it keep the carpet fiber in top shape, proper cleaning and maintenance also removes the grime and dirt that could make your family vulnerable to illnesses.

What are the best cleaning supplies for carpets?

To avoid damaging your carpet while cleaning, using the right tools and products is very important. There are different techniques that can be used to clean carpets. The first one is hot-water extraction.

This method involves pressured hot water to agitate the carpet fibers and remove tough dirt. Hot water extraction usually involves a cleaning agent or solution (not just soap and water). After the carpet has been rinsed, it is left to dry.

Another cleaning method is encapsulation. It involves the use of synthetic detergents which crystallize into a powder form once it dries. Then, the carpet is vacuumed or brushed. This technique has replaced the once popular carpet shampooing technology because it uses less chemicals and is eco-friendly as compared to carpet shampoos.

Dry cleaning is also a popular method to clean carpets. It involves the application of a cleaning compound or powder that works like micro-sponges that absorb dirt. This method requires no water or liquid so the carpet remains dry during the whole process.

Dry carpet cleaning, however, is one with the use of a specialized equipment. Often, you will need to hire professional carpet cleaners to do it for you. Furthermore, using the wrong chemical can damage your carpet too. Carpets come in various types so it is important to determine the best cleaning agent that works best for your carpet.

Drying carpets – why does it matter?

When it comes to carpet care, drying is as important as cleaning. Even a little amount of moisture on the carpet fibers can trigger the onset of mold and mildew that could cause irreparable damage in your carpet and expose you to varying health problems.

Sometimes, it may seem like the carpet has thoroughly dried on the surface. But there could still be moisture trapped underneath, down to the carpet pad. This is especially true during water damage like flooding or plumbing leaks.

Cleaning water damage immediately can prevent mold from growing under the carpet. A vacuum is an efficient tool for removing water. You can also use a blow dryer to dry the wet portion.

Best Practices for Cleaning & Drying Wet Carpet

Once the carpet has been cleaned and dried using the right tools, the next thing to do to speed up the drying process is to introduce and circulate air. This can be as simple as opening doors and windows, but there are more efficient ways to dry wet carpet, including the use of floor drying fans and humidifiers.

The use of air movers can significantly shorten the drying time. They are considered a water damage restoration piece of equipment that is designed to blow large amounts of air directly over the carpet at high speeds. This forces the water to evaporate quickly.

Air movers come in different types but the most commonly used is the centrifugal type. This equipment can be adjusted to typically three speed settings and at multiple angles. Downdraft air movers pulls warmer air down to the ground and the air is released in a 360-degree angle to cover a larger area.

For smaller water damage, low-profile air mover can be used. This machine is typically very light and can be moved from one area to another. In addition to air movers, dehumidifiers also help effectively dry water-damaged carpets. This equipment sucks moisture out that’s been trapped in walls, furniture, or deep within floors. You simply plug it in and turn it on.

Learning about these best tools and practices in cleaning and drying carpets is greatly beneficial for every homeowner. Hopefully this article has equipped you with important information and skills to keep your carpets clean and fresh, and prolong its life.

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