If your carpets are starting to look a little dingy and less colorful, you’re probably already aware it’s high time for a carpet cleaning. But which method is the best? Should you shampoo your carpets or go for steam cleaning? Should you try dry cleaning, or is just vacuuming enough?
While each cleaning strategy presents different advantages, when it’s time for that annual deep clean, shampooing and steam cleaning are two of the most popular options.
Shampooing
Shampooing your carpets, just like shampooing your hair, involves working a cleaning solution into a thick lather, removing impurities from the carpet fibers. And shampooing is the traditional choice for some good reasons:
- It gets rid of pathogens. Both shampooing and steam cleaning can help prevent mold, get rid of allergens, and wash away dirt.
- It removes loose dirt well. If you frequently track dirt, leaves, and other debris from the outdoors into the carpet near your door, shampooing your carpets can help remove this surface layer of dirt.
Of course, shampooing has weaknesses as well.
- It takes longer to dry. Shampooing uses more water than steam cleaning, which means it will take longer for your carpet to dry out. In the winter, when you can’t easily open the windows for extra ventilation, this can be especially frustrating.
- It may damage carpet fibers. Shampooing is an intense cleaning process, so cleaning your carpets too frequently can actually cause additional wear and tear.
Steam Cleaning
Although shampooing your carpets can be the best option for removing loose dirt on the surface, steam cleaning has a shorter drying time and deeper clean.
- It’s gentler, but more efficient. Steam cleaning reaches deeper, cleaning beyond the surface level, but since it doesn’t use a cleaning solution or any harsh chemicals, it won’t damage your carpet fibers.
- It disinfects and cleans. The very hot water used in steam cleaning not only removes dirt, it also helps kill germs, giving you a healthier environment.
Still unsure? Contact us today to find out if steam cleaning is a good fit for you.