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.

Cheap Carpet Cleaning: Pay Once Then Pay Again?

It’s that time of year where we start cutting corners to stretch the budget through the holidays. However, some of those cutting corners actually cost us more money. There are something’s that going with the cheapest price doesn't get us the results that we want, especially when it comes to carpet cleaning. This includes even going with a national company that has an outstanding reputation.

The old saying “You get what you pay for” couldn't be truer than it is with carpet cleaning services. Those cheap carpet cleaning offers you see on television or coupons you get in the mail are cheap for a reason. What makes it cheaper can be a number of reasons. From a team of fly-by-night technicians to using cheap cleaning products, if any product at all, to the moving of the furniture not included. A low, low price for 'carpet cleaning' doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get the best carpet cleaning job.

So after you take one of the $99 whole house carpet cleaning deals, what usually happens? You're not happy. Well first of all, you found out that they are only going to clean the visible carpet. If you want the carpet cleaned from wall-to-wall, you better have the furniture out of the way. Then the dirt and stains seem to come back within just a few days, sometimes hours.

You call the company, they tell you to read the agreement / receipt and you find out that you have nothing to stand up to them. So you call a ‘professional’ carpet cleaning company for a 'proper' carpet cleaning job, like what we do here at American Cleaning & Restoration. While we'll make you a good deal, it most likely will be higher than the original carpet cleaning you got, but, it will be done right and we stand behind our work.