In the carpet cleaning world, various names exist for the same carpet cleaning service, with each company opting for a different labels to describe their services. When asked, for example, “What distinguishes a rug shampoo from a carpet steam clean?” the individual answering the phone, often not the technician, struggles to provide a clear response.
This article aims to demystify all the names and terms you may encounter when speaking with a carpet cleaner. The goal is to empower you as a more informed buyer and prevent you from being coerced into purchasing something that may sound fancy, but is, in fact, a simple service.
Steam Cleaning is Not Carpet Cleaning
Contrary to popular belief, steam cleaning is not synonymous with carpet cleaning. This misconception likely originated when a customer, observing a technician cleaning a rug mistook the process for steam cleaning. In reality, traditional carpet cleaning does not involve the use of steam. Steam may be used as a sanitation method, which is what we do at PristineGreen, but for the cleaning process, steam is never used. And it makes sense! Next time you spill grape juice on a shirt, hang it up and steam it. Does the grape juice disappear magically?
At PristineGreen, we have examined our competitors and found that they claim to use steam as a means of cleaning. If you come across this information on a website, steer clear! It either indicates that the website’s writer is uninformed about the actual services, the company genuinely employs ineffective steam cleaning, or unfortunately, the company will initially advertise professional steam cleaning and later attempt to upsell you on the real cleaning when you realize no substantial cleaning has been informed. We have heard of such instances happening. Therefore, when a carpet cleaner informs a customer they offer rug steam cleaning services, what does that actually mean?
What Is Steam Cleaning?
Steam cleaning is, in fact, water extraction. But what is exactly water extraction? This highly prevalent technique involves an industrial machine that propels water into the fabric of the carpet or upholstery item and subsequently extracts it. The process mirrors the concept of doing laundry at home – you wet the fabric and then spin-dry it. In the case of couch cleaners, we shoot water in the fabric and promptly extract it using high-powered wet vacuums.
Some machines have one vacuum, and others have two. The vacuums vary in stages, with some being 1 stage, 2 stages, or 3 stages, each pulling different amounts of electricity and producing varying levels of suction. Most portable units arriving at your home in NYC will be single or dual 2-stage vacuums, as they generate a current no larger than 15 amps, thus avoiding the risk of blowing a fuse in your home ( although it does happen occasionally ). Additionally, certain units are equipped with heating elements that heat the water. Similar to using a hot water cycle in the laundry remove more stains from your clothes, the same concept is applied here.
Steam Cleaning vs Water Extraction vs Shampoo
Once again, professional carpet cleaners, in their spark of creativity, love to assign multiple names for the same thing, making their packages and services sound fancy. They proclaim, “We shampoo the carpet!” as if the carpet were a luxurious head of hair receiving a delicate massage with the most exquisite fruity shampoo! While we undoubtedly take great care to maintain the quality of your carpets and rugs during the cleaning process, we don’t shampoo your carpet in the way your hair is cleansed with suds and foam. Carpet shampoo or upholstery cleaning shampoo is precisely the same as steam cleaning, which is equivalent to water extraction! Another name demystified!
Shampoo vs Deep Shampoo
It is true that there are various levels of area rug cleaning. Agitation is a great way to lift up any compacted dirt and grime before the cleaning method – whether it’s wet, low moisture, or dry is applied. So, if a company claims to offer a deep shampoo, it may not be a ruse. Ask the individual about the difference between regular shampoo and deep shampoo to learn more about their services. At PristineGreen, we do offer what would be considered a deep shampoo for both carpet and upholstery. We use special agitation methods and different dedicated agitation machines to lift up dirt that may have accumulated in the fibers of the textile.
Yes, carpet cleaners can be creative, but they are also skilled marketers so be an informed buyer! Here at PristineGreen, we are straightforward about the services we offer. We do not need to embellish the names and confuse the customer. We provide a detailed description of what we offer to every customer that calls and we let them decide what they need most for their home. Our services are of high quality so there is no need to deceive. Contact us if you have any furniture, couches, carpets, or area rugs that you need to be cleaned. Call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot Water Extraction (HWE): Also known as carpet shampooing or rug shampooing, is a deep cleaning method that involves injecting a high-pressure solution of hot water and cleaning agents into the carpet fibers. Simultaneously, powerful carpet extractors or carpet cleaning machines are used to extract the solution, along with embedded dirt, grime, and allergens from the carpet.
During steam cleaning, low-pressure steam is applied to the carpet fibers, effectively killing bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms, providing an additional layer of sanitization.
The terms "rug shampoo" and "carpet shampooing" are often used interchangeably with hot water extraction. However, these terms can be misleading, as the cleaning process does not involve the creation of sudsy lather, unlike traditional shampooing of hair. Instead, these terms refer to the thorough washing and rinsing of carpet fibers using specialized cleaning solutions and extraction methods.
In bonnet cleaning, a rotating machine with an absorbent pad or bonnet is used to agitate and absorb surface-level dirt and soil.
Heavily soiled carpets: Opt for Hot water extraction, for a deep clean and stain removal.
In Hot water Extraction, a powerful machine heats water and mixes it with a cleaning solution. This hot, soapy mixture is then sprayed deep into the carpet fibers, loosening dirt and grime. Simultaneously, a powerful vacuum sucks up the hot water solution along with the loosened debris, leaving your carpets revitalized.
At PristineGreen, we believe in clear communication and exceptional results for all your area rug cleaning services.
Hot Water Extraction is widely regarded as one of the most effective carpet cleaning methods for rejuvenating heavily soiled carpets, removing stubborn stains, and ensuring a thorough deep clean.
However, it is important to note that steam cleaning alone does not provide a comprehensive deep clean and is typically used in conjunction with other cleaning methods, such as hot water extraction.
Carpet cleaning, often referred to as hot water extraction, is a comprehensive cleaning method designed for heavily soiled carpets. It tackles deep-seated dirt, dust mites, allergens, and even some stains.
