What is dry carpet cleaning?
There are many different methods to clean a carpet, from extraction cleaning and bonnet pads to encapsulation and steam methods. Primarily, however, those that clean carpets sit in one of two camps: Dry carpet cleaning and Wet Carpet Cleaning.
The latter has always been popular, as it seems obvious. When you need to wash something you need water and soap. Although this might work for clothes and smaller textiles it can pose a problem when dealing with vast floor space. After all, you can’t hang 100 sq feet of carpet out to dry or fit it into a tumble drier.
The obvious issues therefore with wet carpet cleaning are the lengthy drying times and inevitable risk of damp odours from a wet carpet being left to slowly dry out over the course of 48 hours. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t use wet carpet cleaning though. There are so many factors to take into consideration when cleaning carpets; from what it’s made of to where it is located and how much traffic it sees. This is why each method of carpet cleaning is effective but only if it is used in the right conditions and carried out by trained professionals.
What is dry carpet cleaning?
Dry carpet cleaning is a lot quicker and easier than you might think. A cleaning powder, which is slightly moistened with just the right amount of detergent and wetting agents is sprinkled over a carpet. Next, a machine is used to brush the granules into the carpet pile, which get straight to work to absorb dirt and deodorise the floor. These granules are then vacuumed away leaving behind a dry, clean carpet. It really is as easy as that.
The Envirodri Dry Carpet System uses this very same concept but also comes with a variety of products and accessories to suit any level of soiling on any carpet.
The process in detail
After a quick vacuum, pre-treatments like our Pro 43 Envirodri Carpet Pre-Cleaner are commonly sprayed onto the carpet prior to using the machine and carpet powder. Pre-cleaners have been designed for use on heavily soiled carpets or flooring that sees a large amount of daily footfall. They work by breaking down dirt, which has become bound to carpet fibres. Once broken down, a pre-cleaner will keep the soiling in a suspension to assist in quick removal.
The next step is to apply the carpet cleaning powder. Our Pro 40 Envirodri Microsponges are spread across the carpet and brushed into the pile using the Envirodri GEN 4 Dry Carpet Cleaning Machine. For small areas, or in residential environments a small hand brush could also be used. As the GEN 4 agitates the granules into the flooring, crushed pile is lifted and the granules absorb the dirt.
As the granules clean they change in colour from a pale straw to a dark grey which is an indication they have absorbed and trapped the dirt. This is then simply vacuumed away to leave a clean and dry carpet ready for immediate use.
The benefits of dry carpet cleaning
No downtime
One of the main benefits of dry carpet cleaning is the rapid drying time – a significant factor for 24-hour businesses and facilities. Dry carpet cleaning is exactly that, it cleans carpets whilst keeping them dry. Businesses which operate 24 hours a day or that require a quick turn-around favour this method as carpets are cleaned and can then be put back into immediate use. Traditional wet cleaning can require anything up to 48 hours to fully dry – meaning sections of a building must be fenced off or closed down completely.
Along with this, as carpets can be used during and immediately after cleaning, carpet maintenance can take place at any time convenient to the business, whether this is during peak times, early morning or overnight.
No sticky residue or water marks
Wet carpet cleaning uses vast quantities of water. By using such a volume of water the operator risks causing water damage to furniture, fixtures and of course the carpet itself. As no water or heavy liquid detergents are applied with dry carpet cleaning there is no risk of watermarks or sticky residue being left behind.
Shrinkage and expansion
Some types of carpet are at risk of shrinkage or expansion, which is caused by sudden dramatic changes to its temperature and moisture content. Dry carpet cleaning adds very little extra moisture to a carpet and is always room temperature so the risk of any type of shrinkage/expansion is zero.
Mildew or mould
When there is a lot of moisture and limited ventilation/poor drying conditions mould or mildew can become a problem. Not only can this be costly but can also pose as a health risk to customers and staff. There is no risk of mould or mildew when dry carpet cleaning. In fact, the Cleantec dry carpet cleaning system uses environmentally responsible products so indoor air quality is never compromised.
Suitable for all carpet types
Unlike wet methods, the Cleantec dry carpet cleaning system is suitable for all carpet types. So whether you’re cleaning on raised office flooring, commercial carpet tiles, Persian rugs, sisal or wool you will always be able to carry out your carpet maintenance with the system.
If you would like any further information on the Envirodri Dry Carpet Cleaning System or would like to arrange a free no obligation demonstration on your premises please contact us.
