What's the difference?

 What’s the best way to clean your carpet?  You have probably heard the terms “dry” or “steam”. These are general terms  but both terms are incomplete and inaccurate terms. Neither properly describes today's carpet cleaning methods. 

There are 4 methods of carpet cleaning approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the world’s most recognized body of certification for carpet and upholstery cleaners. 

Method 1: Hot Water Extraction 

The top rated processes for cleaning carpet include the hot carbonating extraction that Chem-Dry utilizes.  Using 90% less water than other steam-type cleaners employ, Chem-Dry system is designed to thoroughly loosen soils, scrub carpet and extract the dirt and solution without getting the pad wet.

 In a traditional steam-type cleaning, a hot water solution is produced and immediately recovered, creating a “flushing” action on the carpet. There are many variations of hot water extraction, from the most powerful truck-mounted machine down to the small portable machine rented from the grocery store.  When looking at cost, remember that you will also have to go get the machine, spend several hours using it, purchase the solutions to clean with and then take it back to the store!

 

However, the biggest and most important difference is who is cleaning your carpet. A trained Chem-Dry 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 is due to "steam cleaning" and getting the pad wet.

Hot Water Extraction done properly by Chem-Dry will remove more soil than any other method. Further, anything that has seeped into the backing such as urine, coffee, beverages or something can be “flushed out” with hot water extraction. It can also be used in lightly soiled and maintenance situations as it is very versatile. 

Method #2: Absorbent Pad

 

Also known as bonnet cleaning, this was Chem-Dry's original method of cleaning which 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.  The Chem-Dry Legacy method is useful in situations where it is essential that the carpet be dry immediately.

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. This method leaves behind sticky residue which causese carpet to resoil quickly and can give off flaky residue on your clothes if you sit on it for months later.

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.  The problem with shampooor dry type cleaning is that sticky residue is left behind, causing quick resoiling of the carpet -- it will be dirtier than it was originally as it grabs dirt off shoes, and out of the air.

Note: All Star Chem Dry  uses only Chem-Dry certified cleaning solutions and Chem-Dry equipment.  You get the latest technology as required by the carpet manufacturers, so that your carpets and furniture are as clean as possible and stay cleaner longer.  Steam cleaning and other methods will void your warranty of your stain resistant carpet.  We guarantee your complete satisfaction and have a 30 day return for re-appearing spots warranty.
Guaranteed or your money back!