Dry Chemical Carpet Cleaning

Chemical dry-cleaning gives a homeowner the chance to deep-clean a carpet without the hassle of waiting for the floors to dry. This is an attractive incentive for cleaning high-traffic and public locations such as churches and stores. Dry-cleaning does not rinse the entire carpet, like steam-cleaning does, but is considered a cleaner method by some.

Dry chemical cleaning is akin to using club soda to treat spots and stains in the carpet. Before starting with the chemicals, the carpet should be thoroughly vacuumed and free of surface dirt. This is important because the chemicals will break down any surface dirt and drive them deeper into the carpet. It's also suggested to test the cleaner on a small amount of carpet in a concealed location to make sure there are no adverse reactions. The carpets should be completely dry before applying the chemicals and any stains or spots removed. Once the carpet is clean, a conditioner is first added to the floor to optimize the chemicals' performance. That's followed by a powder-based cleaner, which is sprinkled across the carpet and allowed to set for the amount of time prescribed in the instructions. Brushing the cleaner thoroughly into the carpet allows for a deeper clean. Christopher Smith with carpetcleaningcare.com estimates the moistened granules sprinkled on the carpet will attract about 85 percent of the carpet dirt and draw it to the surface. It takes about an hour for the chemicals to work, after which the dirt can be vacuumed away. If a dry shampoo is used, focus on about a 20-foot strip of carpet. Work the foam into the carpeting, then turn around and work it again. High-traffic areas may require going over the strip of carpet horizontally and vertically. If there are any questions about the cleaner's use or the cleaner leaves a mark, it's best to contact the professionals and allow them to do the job.