What is the difference between steam cleaning and dry cleaning a carpet?

Steam cleaning and dry cleaning are both methods used to clean carpets, but there are situations in which one approach may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s look at the differences to enable you to make an informed choice.

What is steam cleaning?

Unlike in other contexts, in which steam cleaning generally refers to the application of water vapour that has been heated, steam cleaning for carpets involves high-pressure hot water and soap being aimed at the carpet and then being extracted using a special vacuum. It is the extraction process that defines carpet steam cleaning.

What is dry cleaning?

Dry cleaning can be different depending on whether it refers to carpet cleaning or cleaning upholstery. The ‘dry’ in the name means that, unlike steam cleaning, it does not rely on water; instead, it is solvent-based. Generally, the solvent is mixed with a gel to control its rate of evaporation.

The other form of dry cleaning involves brushing a fabric with a dry compound to absorb the dirt. This is less effective but does not have the strong smell and toxic properties of solvents.

Which cleaning method do you choose?

The cleaning method you choose will depend on the fabric. If your fabric can’t tolerate moisture, you can’t use steam cleaning, which involves soaking it before the water can be extracted again. Dry cleaning may also be safer or more practical if you want to avoid making large sections of your floor soaking wet.

In the majority of cases, however, steam cleaning is preferred as a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach that does not use toxic chemicals or produce foul smells and is capable of covering a larger area than dry cleaning.

Commercial carpet cleaners Stroud, such as https://intocleaning.co.uk/contract-cleaning-services/commercial-carpet-cleaners/stroud/, can advise you on the most appropriate method.

The choice between steam cleaning and dry cleaning is an important one that has implications for the durability and well-being of your carpet. You need to be certain whether your fabric is better suited to a wet or dry approach.