What Is Hot Water Extraction in the Cleaning Industry?
When you get a carpet for your office or home, you want to keep it clean at all times. Many carpet cleaning methods are available, but your carpet may require deep cleaning to rid it of germs and allergens.
As professional cleaning experts, the GoCleaners Company knows that pressurised hot water extraction (PHWE) is the safest and most effective carpet cleaning method for fabrics that can handle the effects of steam. For all other fabrics, consider dry-chem cleaning.
The method works with streams of hot water mixed with detergent being injected under high pressure deep into the fabric fibre allowing force to remove dirt, dust, stains to then suck back and extract water along with filth.
In this guide:
Are Pressurised Hot Water Extraction and Steaming the Same?
Many think pressurised hot water extraction is the same as steam cleaning, however it isn’t. Even some carpet companies refer to it as steam cleaning, but these two are different and the methods can never interchange.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning requires water at temperatures high enough to produce steam. It is suitable for synthetic fabrics and that can be a problem for sanitising a mattress. This cleaning method’s drawback is that it can shrink natural fibres and set stains because of the high water temperatures.
Pressurised Hot Water Extraction (PHWE)
On the other hand, pressurised hot water extraction cleaning uses high temperatures, which is ideal for deep cleaning natural fibres like wool and upholstery, being especially efficient for carpets.
The method helps treat stains and prevents shrinkage, unlike regular steam cleaning. It is the safest and healthiest way to get filth out of fabrics, and if you plan reducing carpet damage well in advance, maintenance becomes a breeze.
How Hot Water Extraction Works?
Suppose you’re unsure about cleaning where to start. In that case, understand that hot water extraction cleaning is very effective, but can only be done by professional rug technicians who know how to operate equipment. Tradesmen follow procedures to ensure no detergent residue is left behind. Professional cleaning takes out much of the water to allow the carpets to dry quickly.
When you call professionals to clean for you, they’ll spray a solution on the carpet first to break up the soil and other contaminants.
They’ll then spray hot water on the carpet fibres before extracting it immediately using a vacuum source to flush them clean and remove the stains, soil, and other contaminants.
Here’s how it’s done:
Steps for Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning
If you’re wondering what cleaning products, you need for hot water extraction, know that the machine only requires detergents and water. Here are the steps for hot water extraction cleaning to remove stains from your carpet:
- Preparing the water-detergent solution.
- Loosening dirt from the carpet.
- De-greasing and removing stains and spots.
- Removal of dirt and moisture from the carpet.
Preparing the Water-detergent Solution.
The hot water extraction equipment has a compartment where water mixes with a gentle detergent to form a solution. Hot water extraction only uses eco-friendly detergents safe for your family and pets. It doesn’t require bleaches and harsh detergents.
Loosening Dirt from the Carpet.
The machine will spray the water-detergent solution directly on the rug at a very high pressure to loosen all the dirt particles, soil, and stains collected in the carpet. This helps to make the cleaning process easy and fast.
De-greasing and removing stains and spots.
This where the technician will add spotters on stains to soften them up before clearing the marks from the carpet. Doing this will prevent the stains from spreading further when the hot water will be sprayed during cleaning.
Removal of Dirt and Moisture.
After the cleaning process, the technician will use the hot water extraction machine to suck out all the dust, soil, contaminants, and moisture accumulated in the fibres of the carpet. The machine can suck up to 98% of dirt and other residues from the carpet.
Hot water injected also contains a rinsing solution that helps clean, rinse, and extracts all the dirt, grime, and contaminants that have settled deep within the carpet when injected into the carpet fibres during extraction.
This procedure can also be used on sofas, futons, rugs, soft furnishing, and upholstery to treat and remove stains. Natural fibres such as wool carpets you can clean via the method and thus prevent shrinkage.
Benefits of Hot Water Extraction Cleaning
Hot water extraction is a very efficient process for removing dirt, debris, and dust from carpets and upholstery.
It’s been there since time immemorial and has been proven to treat stained carpets with outstanding outcomes. If you prefer cleaning without chemicals, then research for the best steam cleaner to help you do the job.
It Offers Deep Fabric Cleaning
Hot water extraction can remove all the dirt, stains, and debris accumulated over time and sunk deeper into the carpet. It penetrates deeper into the fibres to suck out all the dust, grime, and dirt. The hot water solution breaks down all the stubborn particles to make it easy to extract.
Hot water extraction machines are highly powered and will blast the water and the cleaning agents deep into the warp. If your carpet or upholstery is on your cleaning to-do list, just call the hot water extraction cleaning professionals.
It is Eco-Friendly
Hot water extraction relies only on water, cleaning agents, and high pressure to make your carpet squeaky clean. If you must know which cleaning products it uses, be assured it doesn’t use any chemicals. It’s a safe carpet cleaning method that will not affect you and your family with allergies, nor will it harm the environment.
And your carpets will have a longer lifespan with minimal wear and tear. The detergents used are biodegradable and won’t leave the residue after treating your carpet. Instead, you get a fresh-smelling, residue-free carpet.
Results Last Longer
Your carpet is your long-term investment and requires proper cleaning and maintenance. If you are accustomed to vacuuming, you probably can’t achieve the sparkle you’re looking for. Hot water extraction shows you why cleaning is vital as it leaves your carpet shining for longer.
This is because it will penetrate deeper into your carpet and cleans it thoroughly, removing the tiniest stain or soil hidden beneath the fibres.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Clean My Upholstery and Carpets with Hot Water Extraction?
You can get your carpets cleaned by hot water extraction once a year. This will not only remove the deepest debris and soil but will preserve their lifespan.
Can I Perform Hot Water Extraction Myself?
It is not recommended to do the hot water extraction cleaning by yourself, even if it’s on your how cleaning checklist. Only a professional cleaner knows the process and how to operate the machines. Doing it yourself may leave your fabric soaked in water and residue, leading to mould and bacteria formation. This will also attract more dirt and stains.
Remarks on PWHE
Hot water extraction cleaning is an eco-friendly procedure that leaves your carpet shiny for longer. It shows you why cleaning is important as it leaves no residue. The method utilises the fundamentals of cleaning to eliminate large amounts of soil and contaminants from your fabric without affecting your health or the environment.
Have you used hot water extraction equipment before? What was your experience? Let’s share in the comments section.