Can Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning Damage Carpet? (Updated)

Can Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning Damage Carpet?

Hot water extraction carpet cleaning is absolutely one of the most popular methods to keep your carpet clean. The term is quite long and so companies that specialize in commercial and residential cleaning call this ‘steam cleaning’ for people to remember the term easily. This carpet cleaning process went so popular simply because it is so far the best cleaning method available today.

The answer to this question is an enormous ‘NO’. If it can damage carpet, then there shouldn’t be any reason among carpet manufacturers to recommend this cleaning method. Moreover, such a cleaning method will not be available among professional cleaning companies if it can only damage carpets. One thing to keep in mind is the fact that the quality of the carpet will eventually wear off as time goes by. However, you can keep up the good quality of your carpet for a long time provided that it undergoes proper cleaning method.

How Does Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning Works?

The term ‘steam cleaning’ is such a big misnomer to describe how hot water extraction carpet cleaning works. As it was said earlier, the term is just for the sake that people can easily remember this particular cleaning method. The truth of the matter is that there is barely or almost no steam involved in this cleaning process. Instead of steam, hot water and cleaning agents are the main cleaning materials that are being propelled into the carpet at very high pressure.

Hot water will make it easier for the cleaning agents to activate and together with the pressure; they loosen up all sorts of dirt that have been accumulating in the carpet over time. After that, a high-powered vacuum will be used in order to remove the hot water along with the dirt and stain from the carpet.

Should You Do The Cleaning Yourself or Should You Hire a Professional?

Do-it-yourself procedures can be applicable for residential purposes such as that in your own home. Portable carpet cleaners are now available and they really work to clean up your dirty carpet. One thing to keep in mind if you are doing the carpet cleaning yourself, it is very important that you know the right proportion of water and the cleaning agents.

For some people, they find cleaning agents destructive cleaning materials fading the color of the carpet. Cleaning agents for carpets are of industrial strength that they are ten times stronger than an ordinary detergent powder used in washing clothes. The right proportion of water can help neutralize the power of the cleaning agents.

Professional cleaning however is more applicable for commercial applications such as establishments like hotels, schools, condominiums, and so on and so forth. Professional hot water extraction carpet cleaning will involve high-powered machines which can thoroughly clean the carpet.

Because of the very powerful pressure, the hot water and the cleaning agents can go deeper than the surface of the carpet so it is assured that all the grimes within the carpet are thoroughly removed. The vacuum is very powerful as well in that it leaves no traces of moisture to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungus, and some other harmful microorganisms.

In general, the hot water extraction carpet cleaning method is highly recommended when it comes to cleaning carpets whether for commercial or residential applications.

How To Prevent Hot Water Extraction From Damaging Your Carpet?

How does carpet steaming work?

Carpet steaming is the process of using hot water to clean carpets. The hot water loosens and breaks down dirt, stains, and other debris that may be trapped in the carpet fibers. This makes it easy to vacuum up the dirt and debris, leaving your carpets looking clean and new. The process involves injecting hot water into the carpet and then using a powerful vacuum to remove the dirty water. As hot water is injected into the carpet, it begins to break down the dirt and debris. The hot water also helps to loosen any carpet tough stains that may be present.

Can carpet steam damage carpet and rug?

Carpet steaming can damage carpet and rug in the following ways:

i. Can weaken the carpet fibers

Hot water can weaken the carpet fibers, making them more susceptible to tearing and wear. Fibers that are already weak and damaged are especially vulnerable to hot water extraction.

ii. Can cause shrinkage

Hot water can cause the carpet to shrink, resulting in wrinkles and creases. This can be a particular problem with synthetic carpets, as they are more likely to shrink than natural fibers.

iii. Can fade the color

Colors are susceptible to fading with hot water extraction, especially if they are not colorfast. This means that the colors may bleed or run, resulting in an uneven and patchy appearance.

iv. Can damage the backing

The hot water can cause the carpet backing to become weakened and damaged. This can lead to bubbles forming under the carpet, as well as a general deterioration of the carpet structure.

v. Can cause mildew and mold growth

If the carpet is not dried properly after steaming, it can provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. This can cause unpleasant carpet odors and may result in health problems if inhaled.

How can I prevent hot water extraction from damaging my carpet?

There are a few things you can do to prevent hot water extraction from damaging your carpet:

i. Use distilled water

If you are going to use hot water for your carpet steaming, make sure that it is distilled. This will help to prevent any impurities in the water from damaging the carpet fibers.

ii. Use a low-heat setting

If your steamer has a heat setting, make sure to use the lowest setting possible. This will help to prevent the carpet from shrinking or fading.

iii. Don’t over-steam

Don’t steam the carpet for too long, as this can lead to shrinkage and damage. Steaming for 10-15 minutes should be sufficient.

iv. Protect delicate areas

If you have any areas of the carpet that are particularly delicate, such as fringes or embellishments, make sure to protect them with a cloth or towel.

v. Vacuum afterward

Make sure to vacuum the carpet after steaming, as this will help to remove any dirt or debris that may have been loosened during the process.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent hot water extraction from damaging your carpet.

How often should you perform hot water extraction carpet cleaning?

How often you should perform hot water extraction carpet cleaning depends on a few factors, such as:

i. Carpet Type

The type of carpet you have will affect how often you need to steam it. Synthetic carpets are more resistant to damage from hot water and can be streamed more frequently than natural fibers. If you have a synthetic carpet, you can steam it every 6-12 months. Natural fiber carpets should be steamed every 12-24 months.

ii. Foot traffic

The amount of foot traffic your carpet experiences will also affect how often you need to steam it. If your carpet gets a lot of use, you may need to cook it more frequently than if it is used less.

iii. Location

The place your carpet is located will also have an effect on how often you should steam it. If your carpet is in a high traffic area, such as a living room or hallway, you may need to steam it more often than if it is in a low traffic area, such as a bedroom.

By taking these factors into account, you can determine how often you should perform hot water extraction carpet cleaning.

The dos and don’ts for carpet steaming

When you are steaming your carpet, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

The DOs for carpet steaming

i. Rent or purchase a high-quality carpet steamer.

When you are looking for a carpet steamer, be sure to get one that is high quality. This will help to prevent any damage that could be caused by a lower-quality steamer.

ii. Pre-treat any areas that may be extra soiled.

If you have any areas of your carpet that are extra soiled, be sure to pre-treat them before steaming. The pre-treatment will help to loosen the dirt and make it easier to remove during the steaming process.

iii. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The manufacturer’s instructions for your carpet steamer are there for a reason – so be sure to follow them! This will help to ensure that you are using the steamer correctly and not causing any damage to your carpet.

The DON’Ts for carpet steam cleaning

i. Don’t over-wet your carpet.

Overwetting your carpet can cause damage to your carpet. The excessive moisture can cause the carpet to shrink, and it can also lead to mold and mildew growth.

ii. Don’t use too much detergent.

Using too much detergent when you are steaming your carpet can also damage it. The detergent will build upon the carpet and make it more difficult to clean in the future.

iii. Don’t steam your carpet more than necessary.

Steaming your carpet more than necessary can also damage it. The heat from the steamer can cause the fibers in the carpet to break down, and it can also lead to fading.

iv. Don’t forget to vacuum first!

Before you steam your carpet, be sure to vacuum it first. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that could be caught in the steamer and cause damage to your carpet.

Prevention is always better than cure and this definitely holds true when it comes to carpets. By following the dos and don’ts for carpet steaming, you can help to prevent any damage that may be caused by the process. Hot water extraction carpet cleaning should be performed every 6-12 months for synthetic carpets and 12-24 months for natural fiber carpets.

Be sure to vacuum your carpet before steaming, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular steamer. By taking these simple steps, you can help to keep your carpet looking its best for years to come! If you need help with professional carpet steaming service, you can contact us.