Therefore, owning your own equipment is convenient for families with children and pets who wish to save money and are capable of cleaning their own carpets themselves. However, behind all this lies one crucial detail, one mistaken assumption that undermines the entire point of purchasing or renting a machine. It is the lack of knowledge and the absolute unsuitability of these devices for proper carpet cleaning.

Carpet Cleaning is an Art

Carpet cleaning is an art that requires skill, knowledge, and the right tools. It’s not just about running a machine over the surface; it involves understanding the type of carpet, the nature of the stains, and the best methods to restore the carpet to its original condition. Professionals are trained to tackle deep-seated dirt and stubborn stains that household equipment often can’t handle. They use specialised solutions and advanced equipment to ensure a thorough clean without damaging the fibres. This expertise results in carpets that are not only visibly cleaner but also hygienically safer and longer-lasting. Thus, while DIY solutions may seem appealing, they often fall short of the meticulous care that professional carpet cleaning provides.

Differences Between Professional Equipment and Carpet Cleaning Machines from the Supermarket

Power and performance

Professional carpet cleaning equipment boasts significantly greater suction power and water pressure compared to supermarket machines. This enhanced power enables the equipment to penetrate deeply into carpet fibres, effectively dislodging and removing dirt, stains, and debris that are embedded within. The superior performance of professional machines ensures a thorough clean that reaches far beyond the surface, delivering results that are both visually impressive and hygienically sound. This deep cleaning capability is essential for maintaining the longevity and appearance of carpets, making professional equipment the preferred choice for achieving the highest standards of cleanliness.

The removal of excess moisture is intrinsically linked to suction performance, and even in the world of professional machines, this is one of the main factors that professionals consider when choosing their tools. The machines marketed as essential for every home are often just toys that produce more water than they can extract. As a result, drying carpets can take tens of hours, sometimes 2-3 days, which poses a risk of bacterial growth and associated unpleasant odours. A damp environment fosters this problem, and it is the most common reason why clients ultimately decide to use our services.

Differences in the cleaning process

The extraction method consist of several essential steps that cannot be overlooked. It is obvious that we first vacuum the carpet to remove loose, dry debris. Proper vacuuming removes 60% of dirt and particles, laying the groundwork for an effective deep clean.In the next step, we apply a detergent chosen from among many options, tailored to the type of carpet and the specific dirt or stains present. This is the first major difference in the process because the DIY method typically involves a single solution, with perhaps an additional enzymatic cleaner for urine stains. Professionals, on the other hand, have dozens of different solutions, each with a justified use. This variety is crucial, as each type of detergent is specifically formulated for particular types of stains and carpet fibres, ensuring optimal cleaning results.

In the next step, we apply a detergent chosen from among many options, tailored to the type of carpet and the specific dirt or stains present. This is the first major difference in the process because the DIY method typically involves a single solution, with perhaps an additional enzymatic cleaner for urine stains. Professionals, on the other hand, have dozens of different solutions, each with a justified use. This variety is crucial, as each type of detergent is specifically formulated for particular types of stains and carpet fibres, ensuring optimal cleaning results.

The detergent is applied using a sprayer and then worked into the carpet with a rotary machine to reach deeper layers of the carpet. This step is completely absent in the DIY process. Once this preparation is complete, the carpet is ready for extraction.

The process recommended by the manufacturers of DIY machines can lead to permanent damage of your carpet

We’ve already mentioned the difference in suction power between machines, but the problem is even more serious. Extraction assumes that the final step is rinsing the carpet to remove dirt, the chemicals used in the cleaning process, and the rinse water. Most supermarket machines operate on the assumption that rinsing is done with a mixture of water and detergent. This approach disrupts the entire principle of rinsing, leaving detergent residues in the carpet.

The natural pH of a carpet is 7, which is neutral. After applying a cleaning agent, this rises to 10-11, making it highly alkaline. The cleaning chemicals contain various reagents, including surfactants, and leaving them in the carpet causes its pH to remain alkaline. This results in the carpet getting dirty very quickly, as the detergent residue between the fibres attracts dirt like a magnet. So, what does the client do? They take out the machine again after a month and wash the carpet once more, adding another batch of detergent without ever neutralising the carpet’s pH. Manufactures recommend to clean carpets every 12-18 months, so this leads to the carpet’s chemical degradation—effectively “burning” it. The fibres get damaged, twist, and lose their elasticity. A professional can immediately tell if someone has been cleaning their carpet themselves upon entering the home. It’s obvious to us.

Is there a place for DIY machines in the world of carpet cleaning?

Certainly, comprehensive cleaning of all the carpets in a home is not a task for which I would use such a machine. There are too many drawbacks and too few advantages. However, owning such a machine does have one benefit, and it should not be overlooked.

In emergency situations, the limited suction power of such a machine can be helpful and save us from a permanent stain. Using your own extractor to initially remove, for example, a wine stain without rinsing, followed by spraying soapy water and extracting it again can be beneficial. Of course, I would never rely solely on this method and would still call a professional, but this emergency measure can be invaluable. The same applies to pet accidents and urine stains—remember not to rinse the stain at first. Instead, extract it and blot with paper towels. This really works.