What are the Differences Between Hot Water Extraction and Steam Cleaning?

It may not seem like there’s a difference to you, but to an expert in the carpet cleaning industry, there is a big difference between hot water extraction and steam cleaning your carpets. There is a difference in the water temperature for starters and there is a difference with the cleaning solutions that are used.

What this means to you is how you should treat that stain and we’re going to explain the differences to you here:

Fundamental

The temperature of the water used in the two processes is the primary difference. When steam cleaning your carpet, you actually use steam. This means that the temperature of the water has gotten high enough that it transformed into gas. When this process is done to clean carpeting, rinsing is not as effective.
The hot water extraction method requires hot water only. Just how hot though? Hot enough that the carpeting is cleaned deep and effectively. However, it doesn’t get so hot that it changes its matter, such as changing to gas.

USES

Using the hot water extraction method is the most recommended method by the majority of carpet manufacturers. This is because the risk of shrinkage of the natural fibers of carpet is prevented when cleaned with the hot water extraction method. This is the same philosophy with upholstery, too. Steam cleaning your carpets and upholstery can actually make many stains permanent. When cleaning carpets and upholstery made from synthetic materials, the higher heat of steam cleaning is best.

DIY

For those who are looking to save a few dollars and rent carpet cleaning machines from a retailer, proceed with caution.  Why?  If you are not experienced at handling this equipment or if the equipment is faulty, you may end up with soaked carpet full of detergents. And, if the area you’ve cleaned has poor ventilation, you have the risk of mold growth.

Paint on the Carpet? American Cleaning & Restoration to the Rescue!

You used this summer to get some new paint on the walls and freshened up the place. Now, as you’re getting the winter clothes and coats pulled out, you noticed your daughter spilled some paint while doing her room.

Well accidents happen and all is not a catastrophe. The process of how to get that paint stain up will depend on a few things:

• Type of paint
• Color of paint
• How long it has been there
• Type of carpet

So, let’s take a look at a few different solutions and see which one best fits your situation:

Any and All Paint

No matter any of the 4 things we listed above, any and all types of paint spills, you need to act fast! Letting is sit will make a permanent part of your carpeting. So, stop the spill from spreading and surround it with cloths or paper towels to absorb it and blot as much as possible of the paint. DO NOT RUB! Before you begin in with harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions, you need to do a test patch on the carpet where it can’t be seen. If a little bit of the paint does dry in the meantime, you can trim that out with a razor blade or scissors.

ACRYLIC

Apply liberal amounts of glycerin to the paint stain and then blot. The leftover residue can be removed with rubbing alcohol and then you should go over what is left of the stain using a clean sponge with a mild detergent and clear water. Then vacuum the spot dry.

OIL-BASED

Acting quick is the only option here since oil based paints will permanently stain when left too long. You are going to need mineral oil or turpentine to remove this paint stain from your carpet. But if has already dried, turpentine is your best bet. Apply the turpentine to paint stain then with paper towels blot it up. Next, using rubbing alcohol, blot the area to remove any chemical residue that may be left behind. Then using a mild detergent with clear water, and a clean sponge, clean what is left.

LATEX

After blotting up as much as possible, mix a teaspoon of neutral detergent with 1 cup of warm water for a cleaning solution. Now, apply this mixture to the stain and again blot as much as possible. Keep repeating the method until you have removed the stain.

WATER-BASED

After blotting as much paint as you can, keep blotting while pouring water or vinegar on the spot. When you have blotted as much up as possible, add a mild detergent while blotting and rinse with water. Be careful not to add too much water and spread the paint.