Best Carpet Cleaners

Updated on by speczoom

With so many carpet cleaning methods out there, knowing which one to choose can be confusing. We’ve prepared a quick guide here to provide more insights into the different types of cleaners.

Carpet Cleaner Machine Types

Carpet cleaner machines are specialized equipment used for deep cleaning and maintaining carpets. These machines are designed to remove dirt, stains, and allergens from carpets using various methods such as hot water extraction, steam cleaning, and dry cleaning. When choosing a carpet cleaner machine, it’s essential to consider the type of carpet you have and the kind of cleaning it requires. Here are the common types of carpet cleaner machines:

  • Carpet Steam Cleaners: These machines actually use hot water combined with cleaning agents to loosen the dirt. The machine then uses strong suction to remove the water, dirt, and detergent.
  • Carpet Shampooers: These use a special carpet shampoo or cleaning solution. The machine dispenses the shampoo onto the carpet and uses brushes to work it into the carpet. The shampoo binds with the dirt, and the machine then vacuums up the residue.
  • Dry Carpet Cleaners: These machines use a specialized cleaning compound that is spread over the carpet. The compound absorbs dirt and is then vacuumed up. This method is beneficial for areas that need to be used immediately after cleaning since no drying time is required.
  • Spot Cleaners/Portable Carpet Cleaners: These are smaller, handheld machines designed for cleaning small areas, spots, or stains. They usually have a small tank for cleaning solution and are very portable.
  • Bonnet Cleaning Machines: These use a cleaning solution mixed with carbonated water, which is then applied to the carpet using a rotating bonnet or pad. The bonnet absorbs dirt from the carpet. This method is often used for routine maintenance in commercial settings.

Carpet Cleaning Techniques

Here are some techniques commonly used in carpet cleaning, explained.

Carpet Shampooing

This is a simple method, without the use of a machine. It’s a spot-stain cleaner, most effective for stubborn stains. For an entire floor deep clean, it’s not as effective. Often, it can make a space look ‘patchy’ by changing the color/tone of the carpet if only one spot is shampooed.

Dry-Cleaning

Machines are utilized to remove stains, dirt, sand, allergens, and perform a comprehensive deep-clean. It’s ideal for busy homes and office spaces. Proper ventilation is needed, however, as this method relies on chemicals to clean. It’s best to do this on a day where no one will use the space after cleaning for about 24 hours.

Hot Water Extraction

A steam-style cleaner uses a combination of heat and suction. It’s also great for people who are sensitive to irritants because no detergents or shampoos are used. There are a variety of professional machines out there, though they will be more expensive than regular machines that use detergents.

Bonnet style

Being a fast and affordable method, it’s better suited for surface cleaning rather than deep cleaning. It only cleans about 1/8 of an inch deep, so use it for a more quick and light clean.

Encapsulation

This method involves applying a cleaning solution that will encapsulate and crystallize the dirt particles upon drying, making it easier to vacuum them up. This method is commonly used in many home carpet cleaning machines

Useful Carpet Cleaner Features

  • Attachments: Get into tight spots between furniture and clean bare floors, stairs and upholstery.
  • Moving brushes: Your carpet will get a more intense scrub.
  • Long hoses: These can help you avoid moving the heavy cleaner around the entire space.
  • Tank size: The larger the cleaning-solution tank, the less frequently you’ll need to refill it.
  • Belt-free: Choosing a belt-free design prevents the need to replace a cleaning-belt over time.
  • Tank lights: These will tell you when it’s time to refill your tank or when the solution needs emptying.
  • Soap dispenser: This automatic feature releases the correct amount of detergent with water.

Carpet Cleaning Tips

  • Ensure you vacuum the area thoroughly before deep cleaning your carpets.
  • Once the carpet is drying after cleaning, place something under your furniture’s legs to protect against strain from wood finishes.
  • Work back from the furthest spot from the doorway, eventually finishing at the door so you can step out of the area once you’re complete.
  • Ensure the room has good airflow to help the carpet dry faster.
  • Once the carpet is dry, vacuum again for a thoroughly cleaned finish.

If you need a decent carpet cleaner here we compare the best ones.