#1. Maintenance cleaning should take as long as the hot water extraction cleaning.

False.

The primary part of this type of cleaning comes from the rotary agitation of the interim cleaning machine. (1 of the 4 elements as described in the first article above, and more about the type of machine listed in the article directly above.) Because the machine spins so quickly, it uses the element of agitation primarily and can be pushed more swiftly across the carpet, this method is much faster than hot water extraction cleaning. Time does not need to be taken to ensure water is extracted from the carpet.

A properly trained technician can get excellent results for the interim maintenance cleaning in half the time as the restorative, hot water extraction cleaning. You can find such professional technicians, in almost all the carpet cleaning services. Try and look for them!

#2. We only need to do the hot water extraction 1x per year for the carpets to stay clean. We can skip the interim cleaning methods.

False.

Every carpet manufacturer will explain that this voids the warranty of their product.

Carpet is not capable of having an extended lifespan with only vacuuming and once per year hot water extraction carpet cleaning. All manufacturers’ recommendations include interim maintenance methods combined with hot water extraction, often described as a restorative clean. Only cleaning with hot water once per year is neglecting the carpets, and will cut their lifespan in half. You may have to take extra precautions or hire experts such as Chem-Dry of Charleston who can get the carpets cleaned professionally. By waiting for a year to see the heavily soiled carpet, and then attempting to bring it ‘back to life’, you’ve waited too long. Permanent damage is done, and the more this neglectful method is used, the more cumulative those effects become. By using a certified professional company like ServiceMaster Residential, your history of carpet maintenance works in your favor if replacement due to manufacturers’ defect is ever in question.

#3. I don’t have to vacuum the carpet today, the carpet cleaners are coming, and that will take care of it.

False.

According to industry analysis, 74% – 80% of soil present in carpet is particulate or fibrous dry soil, and that 85% of soil can be removed through routine vacuuming.

79% – insoluble soils, sand, quartz, clay, carbon

10% – petroleum, oils, grease, tar, animal and vegetable oil

6% – sugar, starch, salts

5% – moisture, unknown residues

If that particulate is left in the carpet before a rotary maintenance clean or hot water extraction, the cleaning of deeply embedded soil is blocked by those soils which could have been easily removed. It also can clog up the vacuuming part of the hot water extraction system, making it less effective, and lengthening drying times. Vacuuming before the experts arrive for a carpet cleaning service always increases the effectiveness of the service visit.