Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500397
06/24/03
Carpets Cleaning - General Information
Eventually carpets need some type of cleaning to
remove soil that sticks to the fibers. How often depends
on amount of use and soil carpet gets; some areas will
need cleaning before other. Basic methods are: dry
absorbent powder, foam, shampooing, and hot water
extraction (sometimes called steam cleaning or
extraction). Each method has advantages and
disadvantages. Costs in dollars, time, and energy vary,
as do skill needed to do a good job. Always vacuum
thoroughly before starting cleaning method.
Here are some general precautions for all methods:
-Pretest before using (see "Carpets-Pretesting Cleaning
Products")
-Protect the carpet from rust stains by putting aluminum
foil, wax paper, or plastic wrap under furniture legs,
until carpet is dry.
-Follow the cleaner and equipment instructions as
directed.
-Do not overwet the carpet. Excess moisture can cause
shrinkage, streaks, or mildew.
-Keep mechanical action to a minimum to avoid carpet
damage or streaks.
Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction sometimes is called steam
cleaning although no steam is used in the process. A hot
water and detergent solution is sprayed onto the carpet
under pressure to flush out the dirt and soil. This
solution is immediately extracted by the vacuum action of
the machine.
Advantages
-excellent for cleaning moderate to heavily soiled
carpet
-can observe when the solution is soil free
-drying time somewhat less than with the shampoo
process
Disadvantages
-some possibility of overwetting
-most expensive of the four methods
-equipment is heavy and bulky
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with reference from Nebraska
Extension bulletin Carpet Care, Cleaning and Stain
Removal.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .