Carpets & Flooring
CRI Articles
IEHA Articles
The Clean Trust Articles
Features
Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning*, is a cleaning method that begins with dry soil removal (vacuuming) followed by preconditioning. Then, hot water is applied [110° to 165°F (49° to 83°C)] to the carpet from a holding tank or heating coil incorporated into the cleaning unit, often combined with detergent. The pressurized solution is injected into the carpet. Suspended soil is removed by combining the flushing action of injected solutions with wet vacuuming. [Note: Ad links featured on this page are not affiliated with The Clean Trust and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by The Clean Trust.]
Solution and suspended soil are collected within a wastewater recovery tank or disposal system. This method can be used on carpet whose fibers, dyes and construction are not adversely affected by water-based cleaners, as long as overwetting is avoided and thorough wet vacuuming to remove excess moisture occurs.
*Note that "live steam" is not employed in this cleaning process, only warm or hot water. "Steam cleaning" is commonly used as an accepted term to describe this cleaning method.
The Housekeeping Channel (HC), a for-profit educational LLC, provides the information on HousekeepingChannel.com as a free service to the public. The intent is to disseminate accurate, verified and science-based information on cleaning and housekeeping.
While an effort is made to ensure the quality of the content and credibility of sources listed on this site, HC provides no warranty - expressed or implied - and assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed on or in conjunction with the site. The views and opinions of the authors or originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of HC: its principals, executives, Board members, advisors or affiliates.
