Your carpets add warmth, comfort, and style to your home, but they also face constant exposure to dirt, dust, spills, and wear from foot traffic, so regular cleaning is essential.
When you’re ready to deep clean your carpets, you’ll find that there are various carpet cleaning methods available, but which is right for you?
Let’s take a look at the most popular carpet cleaning methods and compare their effectiveness, costs, and benefits so you can choose the best option.
Key Highlights:
- Steam cleaning provides deep cleaning for heavily soiled carpets but requires a longer drying time.
- Dry cleaning is fast and ideal for light cleaning with minimal downtime.
- Encapsulation cleaning is eco-friendly and efficient but not ideal for heavy staining.
- Bonnet cleaning and shampooing are effective for surface-level dirt but may not remove deep stains.
1. Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning, or hot water extraction, uses hot water, steam, and a cleaning solution to deeply clean carpets. The hot water mist is sprayed onto the carpet fibers. The water, along with dirt, is then suctioned out using powerful suction.
Pros
- Deep cleans to remove dirt, stains, and allergens.
- Sanitizes and disinfects.
- Can restore carpet appearance and texture.
- Eco-friendly as it uses minimal chemicals.
Cons
- Requires a long drying time (up to 24 hours).
- May cause shrinkage or damage to delicate fibers.
- Requires professional equipment and expertise.
- Can be costly depending on the size of the area.
2. Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning uses a powder or solvent-based cleaner that’s applied to the carpet and worked into fibers using a machine. The cleaner absorbs dirt and debris, which is then vacuumed up.
Pros
- Carpets are ready for use immediately.
- Minimal moisture reduces the risk of mold or mildew.
- Works well for lightly soiled carpets.
- Ideal for sensitive fabrics.
Cons
- Doesn’t clean as deeply as steam cleaning.
- May leave behind residue if not properly vacuumed.
- Not suitable for heavily soiled or high-traffic areas.
- May require multiple treatments for thorough cleaning.
3. Encapsulation Cleaning
Encapsulation cleaning uses a special cleaning agent that surrounds dirt particles and encapsulates them. As the cleaner dries, the dirt becomes a crystalline residue. This is then vacuumed up, leaving the carpet clean.
Pros
- Low moisture, so carpets dry quickly.
- Prevents dirt from resettling in the fibers.
- Requires minimal downtime.
- Environmentally friendly.
Cons
- Not as effective on deep stains or heavy dirt.
- Can leave residues if not properly cleaned.
- Requires specialized equipment and chemicals.
- Works best as part of a routine maintenance schedule.
4. Bonnet Cleaning
Bonnet cleaning is a low-moisture method where a rotating machine with a cleaning pad (the "bonnet") is used to scrub the carpet’s surface. The bonnet absorbs dirt and is replaced when it becomes soiled.
Pros
- Fast and effective for surface-level cleaning.
- Dries quickly, making it ideal for commercial or high-traffic areas.
- Good for routine cleaning and maintenance.
- Low cost compared to other methods.
Cons
- Only cleans the carpet’s surface.
- Can leave behind residue that attracts dirt quickly.
- May cause the carpet to look matted or worn over time.
- Not effective on deep stains or heavily soiled carpets.
5. Carpet Shampooing
Carpet shampooing involves applying a detergent-based solution to the carpet, which is scrubbed in with a rotary floor machine. The carpet is then rinsed and vacuumed to remove excess moisture and dirt.
Pros
- Effective for cleaning large areas.
- Removes surface dirt and stains well.
- Good for maintenance cleaning.
- Relatively low cost.
Cons
- Can leave behind soap residue that attracts dirt.
- Requires a long drying time.
- May damage carpet fibers if not rinsed thoroughly.
- Not as effective as steam cleaning.
6. Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning
Dry foam carpet cleaning uses a foamy detergent solution that’s applied to the carpet and worked into the fibers. The foam is left to dry and then vacuumed thoroughly.
Pros
- Carpets are usable immediately.
- Suitable for delicate carpets.
- Removes surface dirt and stains effectively.
- Minimal moisture reduces the risk of mold or mildew.
Cons
- Less effective on deep stains or heavy dirt.
- Can leave a residue if not fully vacuumed.
- Requires multiple treatments for heavily soiled carpets.
- Doesn’t sanitize or disinfect.
7. DIY Carpet Cleaning Machines
DIY carpet cleaning machines, like those rented from hardware stores, use hot water extraction, similar to professional steam cleaning. The machine sprays hot water and cleaning solution onto the carpet and then sucks dirty water into a separate tank, effectively removing dirt and stains.
Pros
- Cost-effective for occasional cleaning.
- Provides a deeper clean than other DIY methods.
- Easy to use.
- Available for rental or purchase at an affordable price.
Cons
- May not be as effective as professional machines.
- Requires longer drying time.
- Risk of oversaturating or damaging the carpet.
- Requires more effort than professional cleaning.
How Much You Can Expect To Pay
The cost of carpet cleaning can vary based on several factors, including the cleaning method, the size of the area, the condition of the carpet, and the region you live.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Costs
- Steam cleaning prices can vary depending on the carpet's condition, the cleaning solution used, and any additional treatments. Expect to pay approximately $100 to $500 per room (up to 300 sq. ft. per room).
- Dry cleaning is typically priced lower than steam cleaning. It’s more cost-effective for lighter cleaning jobs or when fast drying is essential. Prices range from $80 to $350 per room.
- Encapsulation cleaning typically ranges from $100 to $400 per room, similar to dry cleaning, but the costs can increase for larger areas or specialized cleaning treatments.
- Bonnet cleaning is relatively inexpensive, especially for commercial spaces or lighter residential cleaning. Prices per room often fall in the $75–$250 range.
- Carpet shampooing typically runs $90 to $350 per room, but the cost varies based on the size of the carpeted area and the complexity of the job.
- Dry foam carpet cleaning is not commonly used due to its lack of effectiveness, but it is generally more affordable than steam cleaning. Expect to pay $90 to $300 per room.
Additional Factors Affecting Cost
- Stain Removal: Many companies charge extra for stain treatments. This can range from $20 to $100 depending on the severity of the stains and the cleaning method used.
- Deodorizing: Adding a deodorizing treatment typically costs $20 to $50 per room.
- Area Size: Large areas or multiple rooms may receive a discount per square foot or room.
- Carpet Type and Condition: Heavily soiled carpets, carpets with intricate fibers, or those in high-traffic areas may be more expensive to clean.
- Geographic Location: Prices can vary based on your location. Urban areas tend to have higher rates than rural ones.
DIY Carpet Cleaning Costs
- Renting a carpet cleaning machine costs approximately $30 to $50 per day. You’ll also need to purchase cleaning solutions, which can be $10 to $30 per bottle.
- If you plan to clean carpets frequently, you may want to invest in a DIY carpet cleaning machine. Prices for home-use machines range from $100 to $600.
How Location Can Impact Your Decision
Where you live can significantly influence the type of carpet cleaning method that is best suited for your home or business.
For example, Arizona has unique challenges, such as high dust levels, sand, clay soil, and dry conditions.
In such regions, a professional deep-cleaning method such as steam cleaning or dry cleaning may be necessary for effective cleaning.
Be aware of the specific issues common to your area, and contact a local carpet cleaning company for their recommendations.
Deciding Which Carpet Cleaning Method Is Right for You
If your carpets are heavily soiled or you want a deep, thorough clean, professional methods such as steam cleaning may be the best choice. For lighter cleaning, DIY options like rental machines can suffice but may not handle stubborn stains or deep dirt.
Contact your local carpet cleaning professionals for advice on which carpet cleaning method suits your needs. For best results, vacuum the carpets thoroughly right before the scheduled appointment.
For those in the Phoenix metro area, trust Shipman Cleaning Co. to handle all your carpet cleaning needs—from area rugs and stairs to large rooms and upholstery cleaning, we handle it all!
Common Questions We Hear
What is the most effective carpet cleaning method?
The most effective carpet cleaning method depends on your needs. Steam cleaning deeply cleans carpets by removing dirt, allergens, and bacteria. It’s excellent for heavily soiled areas but requires drying time. For maintenance, dry cleaning is fast and effective.
Is it better to shampoo or steam clean carpets?
Steam cleaning is generally better as it removes dirt and allergens more thoroughly using hot water and suction. If not rinsed well, carpet shampooing can leave a residue that attracts dirt. Choose steam cleaning for deep cleaning and shampooing for occasional spot treatments.
Is it better to dry clean or steam carpets?
Dry cleaning is faster and requires minimal drying time. However, steam cleaning offers deeper cleaning by extracting dirt and allergens. Choose dry cleaning for convenience and steam cleaning for thoroughness, especially for heavily soiled carpets.
What do pros use to clean carpets?
Professionals choose methods and cleansing agents based on carpet type, soil level, and client needs. They often use hot water extraction for its deep-cleaning ability and stain removal, but they may also use dry cleaning methods such as encapsulation for quick results.
