Introduction:
When it comes to cleaning carpets, there are several methods available, but two of the most popular ones are steam cleaning and shampooing. Both have their pros and cons, and depending on the situation, one might be more effective than the other. In this blog, we will deep dive into the different aspects of steam cleaning and shampooing, their benefits and drawbacks, and which one might be suitable for your carpet cleaning needs.
Steam Cleaning:
Steam cleaning is a cleaning technique that uses hot water and a cleaning solution to loosen dirt and grime from the carpet fibres. The process involves injecting pressurized hot water and cleaning solution into the carpet, and then extracting it back with a powerful vacuum. Compared to shampooing, steam cleaning is a more thorough and efficient cleaning method as it can penetrate deep into the carpet fibres and remove dirt and stains effectively.
The benefits of steam cleaning include:
Kills bacteria and germs: High temperatures of steam can kill harmful bacteria and germs lurking in your carpet, making it a perfect option for households with pets and children.
Removes tough stains: Steam cleaning can effectively remove stubborn stains such as grease, wine, and coffee that shampooing may not eliminate.
Environmentally friendly: Steam cleaning uses less water and chemicals, making it an eco-friendly cleaning option.
Low drying time: The steam cleaning process extracts most of the moisture from the carpet fibres, leading to faster drying time.
However, steam cleaning has some drawbacks that need consideration, such as:
Can damage certain types of carpets: Steam cleaning can cause shrinkage, fading, and distortion of natural fiber carpets such as wool.
Not ideal for high traffic areas: Steam cleaning is not suitable for carpets that receive heavy traffic as it can cause damage to the carpet fibres over time.
Higher cost: The equipment required for steam cleaning is more expensive, making it a pricier option than shampooing.
Shampooing:
Shampooing is a carpet cleaning method that involves applying a liquid cleaning solution to the carpet and then agitating it to remove dirt and grime. The solution is then extracted with a vacuum cleaner. Shampooing is a common cleaning method as it is relatively cheaper than steam cleaning, and the equipment is easily available.
The benefits of shampooing include:
Cost-effective: Shampooing is a cheaper option than steam cleaning, making it ideal for homes on a budget.
Suitable for synthetic fibres: Shampooing is perfect for carpets made of synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester, and it does not cause any damage to the carpet fibres.
Easy to use: Shampooing requires no special skills or equipment, and most people can perform the process without any prior experience.
However, shampooing has some drawbacks that need attention, including:
Longer drying time: Shampooing leaves more moisture in carpet fibres making it take a longer time to dry than steam cleaning.
Residue build-up: Shampooing leaves a residue of the cleaning solution on the carpet fibres that may attract dirt and make the carpet appear dirty faster.
Does not remove all stains: Shampooing may not be able to remove stubborn stains such as pet urine and ink.
Conclusion:
Steam cleaning and shampooing are both effective cleaning methods for carpets, but they have their pros and cons and should be chosen according to your carpet’s type, condition, and carpet owner’s preferences. Steam cleaning is ideal for households with pets and children as it kills bacteria, removes tougher stains, and has low drying time. Shampooing, on the other hand, is suitable for synthetic fibres, is cost-effective, and easy to use. Choose the right carpet cleaning method, and prolong your carpet’s lifespan while keeping it spick and span.
To get help from experts in carpet cleaning in Hove, you can visit City Carpet Cleaning. We offer quality services in shampooing and steam cleaning. For more details, you can visit our website.
