What is the difference between DIY (do it yourself) and professional carpet cleaning?

There are big differences in the soil removal capability among extractors. Models that people rent or purchase are often designed for removing surface soil. The carpet’s appearance may improve, but deep embedded soil remains. Over time, this build-up may greatly affect a carpet’s appearance. Proper carpet care requires periodic deep (ideally professional) cleaning, preferably every 12 to 18 months.

CRI (Carpet & Rug Institute) tests carpet cleaning machines, equipment, chemicals, and systems through PTL (Professional Testing Labs).

In 2005, under The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval program, a new test to measure cleaning effectiveness was developed by applying the Keymaster’s XRF analyzer technology to carpets. Scientists from KeyMaster Technologies worked with Professional Testing Laboratory to design a special “soil” mixture that mimics actual soil found in carpet. The designer soil contains particles of five different types, each with a unique elemental composition. The range of particle types reflects the fact that soil composition differs in various parts of the country. Under carefully controlled conditions, laboratory testing staff use the XRF analyzer to measure the amount of soil in the carpet before and after cleaning with a vacuum or extractor. The test report presents the precise amounts and types of soil removed.

The results from this new test are being used today to rate the performance of extraction machines. They provide important insights about the types and amounts of soil that are removed.

Results of carpet cleaning machine tests:

Soil extraction with the truckmount: 90 percent soil removal.
Soil extraction with the rental machine: 15 percent soil removal.
Soil extraction with the department store machine: 6 percent soil removal.

While rental machines can make a visual improvemnt in the carpet, they dont get the water hot enough, nor does it extract enough moisture (and soil) to actually “clean” carpet. New bacterial growth (while drying) may also be increased due to the extended drying times.

The cleaning products available with rental machines are usually “sticky” and leave a soil attracting residue.

Liquid laundry detergent is not recommended by any carpet manufacturer and is not formulated for carpet cleaning (many also contain bleaches and other ingredients not meant to be used on carpet) Non lanolin dish soap is actually safer/better choice, as is plain old vinegar but I would recommend a CRI approved cleaning solution.

Interim cleaning and “do-it-yourself” extractor cleaning

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, here are the steps to take for effective cleaning. Remember, this usually does not replace the need for regular professional cleaning!

1. Remove furniture. If too heavy, place plastic film or aluminum foil under and around the legs of furniture.

2. Vacuum thoroughly first — this often has a big impact on the whole process! What you dont remove by vacuuming first is turned to MUD when you add water. Much easier to remove the soil when dry.

3. Follow instructions carefully. Do not add other chemicals or under-dilute (or over-concentrate) in an attempt to make your cleaner stronger. The solution is designed to work best at the concentration recommended on the label.

4. Use a CRI Seal of Approval cleaning solution that works with your extractor.

5. Begin at the farthest point from the doorway and work back toward it so you can step out when done. Don’t clean yourself into a corner!

6. Be patient and don’t over-wet the carpet. Extract as much of the water as possible — do not rush this step.

7. Wait until the carpet dries before replacing furniture or walking on carpet. This may take up to 12 hours, most typically six to eight. Carpet should NEVER take more than 24 hours to dry!

8. Ventilate. Open windows if outdoor weather conditions (temperature, humidity) permit, or put the AC on moderate settings (72-78°F). Never close up a wet, newly cleaned carpet; keep air circulating. You want the fastest dry possible, to prevent mold growth and to put the carpet back in service quickly.

9. Vacuum again when the carpet is dry to pick up soil that wicks to the surface during drying.

How Space Technology Was Adapted for Carpet Cleaning

Carpet cleaning is rocket science

Education and science have made major inroads into carpet cleaning in just the past few years. One ofthe most significant advances was the introduction of XRF technology, which stands for X-ray fluorescence analyzer technology. The system was first used by NASA in an attempt to locate minuscule cracks and flaws on space shuttle components so they could be repaired before takeoff. This is why we often hear it described as “space-age” technology. However, as with so many new inventions, it was found to have other applications as well, and one of them was looking for soil in carpet fibers.

The Carpet and Rug Institute has long been interested in understanding how well vacuum cleaners and hot water extraction units clean carpet. Since 2000, CRI has worked closely with an independent laboratory to evaluate carpet cleaning machines and cleaning materials. The standard test involves applying a simulated soil mixture to specified cut- and loop-pile test carpets, cleaning them using a standard procedure. This test provides sound guidance for consumers looking to buy new vacuum cleaners or wanting to have their carpets professionally cleaned.

Most major carpet manufacturers now require the use of specific cleaning systems, including equipment and cleaning solutions that have been tested and approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)

Industry Research by the Carpet Manufacturers has shown that the majority of WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE THE RESULT OF POOR OR IMPROPER CLEANING. Because the majority of these costly warranty issues are a result of poor or improper maintenance by the consumers, Carpet Mills are now REQUIRING THE CONSUMER FOLLOW SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE – Most Consumers are not even aware of these requirements!