What Is Hot Water Extraction

We Dive Into hot water extraction carpet Cleaning and the Benefits Of This Method

What Is Hot Water Extraction?

Hot water extraction cleaning is the preferred method of professionally cleaning carpets used across the globe.

It involves using advanced tools such as high powered vacuums and special detergents designed to break apart ground in dirt and contaminants while simultaneously extracting them from within carpet fibers. This can give even older or more heavily stained carpets a fresh new lease on life with dramatically improved results. Unlike traditional methods such as steam or shampooing.

Let’s learn more about this method of carpet cleaning compare it to the other popular choices used by professional carpet cleaners.

Differences between HWE and steam cleaning?

Often times when talking about professional grade carpet cleaning services, people think “steam” automatically means “hot water”.

However they are two completely different processes.

Steam Cleaning works by using pressurised hot steam. This only penetrates surface level dirt. It can allow some debris to remain deep within the fibers of carpets. On the other hand, Hot Water Extraction forcefully pumps powerful streams of hot water down into each individual carpet fibers. This can eliminate virtually all dirt and debris without any residue being left behind.

What Is The Hot Water Extraction Process?

Like other carpet cleaning methods, the proces starts wqith a preinspection, vacuum and pre-treatment. Then the actual process behgins as follows.

1. Pre-treatment

Depending on stain types identified during pre-inspection, a chemical emulsifier or pre-spray is applied to break down oils, grease, and other stubborn dirt in high-traffic areas or heavily soiled carpets.

2. Agitation

Using a rotary brush machine or manual grooming tools like carpet rake to agitate the pre-treatment chemicals deep into the carpet pile to loosen soil further.

3. Hot water extraction

This step involves injecting heated water (usually between 150-200°F) mixed with cleaning agents into the carpet fibers under high pressure. Using specialised equipment called a hot water extraction machine (HWE). This process helps lift embedded dirt particles effectively while also sanitizing surfaces due to heat exposure.

4. Extracting dirty water

Using powerful vacuums attached to HWE machines, it will extract nearly all moisture out of your carpets along with contaminants.

 

The Benefits of Hot Water Extraction Cleaning

When done properly, hot water extraction can be a very beneficial tool for carpet cleaning. It is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of dirt and grime from hard-to-clean carpets. Additionally, it removes any allergens and improves air quality. It also helps to increase the longevity and beauty of your carpets by improving their fibers and helping them to last longer. Hot Water Extraction Cleaning also dries quickly so there’s no need to wait for hours or overnight for carpets to dry before using them again. As long as proper technique is employed then they are usable within few minutes!

Comparison: Hot Water Extraction vs Steam Cleaning

When it comes down to two different carpet cleaning methods, hot water extraction has several advantages over using a steam cleaner.

  • It uses a lower water temperature but higher pressure
  • It has shorter drying times (which can minimize the chance of mold growth)
  • Less chemical detergent is needed
  • Suctions more deeply into each individual strand. Steam that only works at surface level.
  • The results are near unbeatable compared to steam.

The Winner? HWE is the clear winner here.

Comparison: Dry Carpet Cleaning vs Hot Water Extraction

The biggest difference between dry cleaning and HWE is liquid content. The traditional method relies heavily on solvents while modern day hot water extraction utilises much greater amounts of moisture (the detergent and water mixture).

Dry cleaning is ideal for light stains or minor dirt build up. While HWE has the capability to clean more deeply in carpets with heavily soiled areas.

Additionally, the deeper saturation of HWE helps to improve air quality by removing more dust and allergens from the carpet fibers.

Unlike dry cleaning where residues are left behind affect fibers and overall appearance negatively. Hot water extraction yields a nearly spotless result without any of these downsides.

FAQ

How often should you book carpet cleaning?

It is recommended to book a a clean every 6-12 months.

What tools of the trade are the specialists using?

Rotary or oscillating extraction machines, handheld units, carpet rakes or grooming machines, pre-conditioner, air movers.

How do the experts perform the service?

Pre inspection, Vacuum, Pre conditioning, Agitation/Grooming, Water Extracted, Post Cleaning Inspection & Spot Treatments (if necessary), Drying, Grooming & Final Cleaning Inspection.

What’s The Difference Between Hot Water Extraction And Steam Carpet Cleaning?

The extraction method uses pressurised hot water mixed with detergent is used to deep clean carpets and upholstery. Steam cleaning which uses only hot pressure steam and doesn’t clean as deep as HWE.

Which method do carpet manufacturers recommend?

Most Carpet Manufacturers recommend using the Hot Water Extraction method. It it provides deeper penetration into the fibers of your carpets and better overall results. Plus it has less tendancy to shrink carpet fibres like steam can.

What is dry carpet cleaning?

Dry Carpet Cleaning is a non-wet process in which a special dry detergent or compound is applied to the carpets. It is then vacuumed up along with dirt and soils, rather than using steam or water.

Does using pressurised hot water provide a deeper clean than steam?

Yes. It is generally considered to be a much deeper clean. The heated pressurised water gives you a superior cleaning experience compared to traditional steam clean method only cleans surface dirt.

Can I do HWE myself?

Do-it-yourself HWE can be very difficult due to improper usage of machines. Alos the lack of understanding on how detergents blend with water and the correct pressure needed. all For these reasons we recommend professional carpet cleaning company help which prevents mishaps from occurring.

Summary

Carpet cleaning is a delicate and important job. So make sure you trust the professionals to do it right.

Hot Water Extraction provides superior deep cleaning, so it’s no wonder why carpet manufacturers recommend this method.

With this method, your carpets will be left clean, fresh, and looking good as new!