Two questions have to be asked before you clean your carpets. The first is whether to use steam or dry cleaning? The second is whether you do it yourself?

When it is done properly, steam cleaning is likely the best choice—and the one most often recommended by carpet manufacturers. “Done properly” means that the water is hot enough, the technician is appropriately trained (best if he’s IICRC Certified), the cleaning products are right for your carpet and the cleaning equipment is in good working order, especially the vacuum. When a truck-mounted vacuum works correctly, it will retrieve up to 95% of the moisture used in cleaning your carpet. This dramatically increases the effectiveness of the cleaning and reduces drying time for the carpet.

It is best not to try steam cleaning on your own. The great majority of tools available for rent or purchase for home use don’t generate enough heat for the water or power to retrieve what water they spray into your carpet. They often work well for spot-cleaning, but for a true deep extraction cleaning, it is best to utilize an experienced professional who operates a truck-mounted steam unit. Remember that for steam to reach your carpet, the water temp has to start at about 250 degrees!

It is also critical that all the cleaning agents are rinsed and removed, and that your carpet isn’t over-wetted. Overwetting can cause wrinkles or backing separation; cleaner residues left in your carpet will accelerate future soiling!