Before moving in I plan to have my frize(sp?) carpet cleaned, not
because it is dirty but because the previous resident was a smoker and
it smells of smoke. (Yes, I'm painting the walls and ceiling too!) Is
water based (steam) or chemical based (chem-dry) better for removing
oder?  I've heard some carpet styles shrink when steam cleaned- is
frize one of those?  I called a few companies but they weren't exactly
objective; they seemed to be telling me what I wanted to hear instead
of true strengths and weaknesses of the cleaning styles.

And I doubt you need to know this but just because researchers often
ask where the client is... I'm in Florida.

Hi genki2!!

Finally, a question in my area of expertise! I owned a Carpet and
Upholstery Cleaning company for 7 years, I have all the answers for
you...

The Hot Water Extraction method of carpet cleaning, commonly called
"Steam Cleaning" is FAR superior than dry cleaning. There is no
contest here. Just so you know, real "steam" would melt the carpet
fibers. What happens with hot water extraction is this: very hot
(steaming) water, and a very small amount of special non-sudsing
detergent, is forcefully sprayed into the carpet. The wet solution
suspends the dirt that was attached to the carpet, and all in one
stroke of the carpet cleaning "wand" it is extracted with powerful
vacuums. Very little water is left.

There are several dry cleaning methods, but basically, they don't
remove anything from the carpet, they simply make the top look clean.
The most common method entails spraying a dry cleaning solvent (which
is wet) onto the carpet and using a spinning bonnet cleaner to remove
the dirt from the top of the carpet. Think about it, unless they are
actually 'extracting' --as in the hot water extraction method, where
do you think the dirt goes? The answer is deeper into your carpet.

Do NOT use any agitating attachments like brushes, they are bad for
your carpet, especially Frieze, which is a twisted yarn.

Here's a description of Frieze Carpet:
http://www.nashvillecarpet.com/residential/carpet_styles/cut_frieze.html

You may walk on the damp carpet but wear socks or rubber-soled shoes.
Do not wear leather-soled shoes, especially if they are new.

As far as the odor is concerned, a normal cleaning might be enough,
but I would add one of two excellent products to the water in the fill
tank of the machine:

Be sure to follow the instructions:

Microban --leaves a hospital smell that goes away in a few days.
Safe-Clean's "Multi-Phase" --leaves a heavenly smell, like rain.

These are not simply deodorants, Microban is a powerful sanitizer that
is used on the space shuttle! -and the Multi-Phase has three different
microscopic enzymes that literally eat odors. Personally, I prefer the
Multi-Phase for the smell, but others prefer the hospital smell.

Both of these products are available only at carpet cleaning supply
houses.

Microban
http://www.microban.com/

I didn't find SafeClean's web site, but Multi-Phase is available (they
ship) from this company:
http://www.mcdowellsupply.com/home.html
I called them, they still carry it. They are my old supplier.

Here's a web page that confirms what I have recommended about steam
vs. dry:
http://www.yeattscc.com/carpet_cleaning.htm

Also, it's interesting to note that when you buy a new carpet, in
order to keep the warranty in force, you are required clean a minimum
of once a year, using the hot water extraction method.

I would love to answer any other questions you have about carpet
cleaning, but you didn't ask questions about some of the other common
concerns...

1) How do I select a good company?
2) How do avoid "bait & sitch"?
3) How can I tell a good price?
4) Should I insist of a "truck mounted" system or is portable ok?

As far as THIS question is concerned, please ask for clarification if
I can elaborate any more removing the odor, or Frieze, or steam vs
dry...


--Cynthia

Search Strategy:
None. 7 years business experience.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by genki2-ga on 20 May 2003 19:05 PDT

OK based on your answer I have decided to go with the "hot water
extraction" method but I still plan on hiring a company to do the
cleaning.  Do you mean that I should buy the microban or multiphase
myself or just ask the cleaner to use it?

---

Clarification of Answer by cynthia-ga on 21 May 2003 08:30 PDT

Hi, thanks again for asking... There are a lot of different products
that the supply houses sell. Those two products are really the 'top of
the line', not all companies will have them in your arsenol. You have
two choices, when you're going through the phone book looking for
companies, you can ask each one if they carry microban and/or
multiphase and pay between 20 and 40 cents a square foot to have it
applied, or you can purchase it before hand and ask the cleaning
technician if you can "put a bit of stuff in the water"... You would
tell him it's just some stuff a friend gave you for odor. It would
cost a lot less that way. For instance, 20 cents a square foot is
$320.00 for a 1600 square foot home, while the cost of a gallon of
Microban is about $30.00... I'd also tell the cleaning tech you'll
give him a tip for doing it for you. Give him the dilution ratio which
will be on the container, or, after you get him to agree, give him the
container and "admit" --I have a friend in Seattle that owns a Carpet
Cleaning Company that came to visit, she brought this as a gift.

Anyone in the business knows these 2 products (especially the
microban) are the top-of-the-line, and would wonder how a homeowner
got them...

---

Clarification of Answer by cynthia-ga on 21 May 2003 08:41 PDT

PS... THANKS for the tip!!

--Cynthia

---

Request for Answer Clarification by genki2-ga on 21 May 2003 11:32 PDT

Thanks for the clarification!
Also, did you notice that I DID post another question just for you:)

---

Clarification of Answer by cynthia-ga on 21 May 2003 12:37 PDT

Hi again...

Yes, I just found the question, and I made a boo-boo: It's frowned
upon here at Google Answers to post ANYTHING except a complete answer
in the answer box. I accidentally posted a request for clarification
in the answer box, ...I clicked the ANSWER button instead of the other
one which allows researchers to ask for more information before
answering...

So, please forgive me. And rest assured, you will get a great answer.

--Cynthia

All right!  Glad I was able to throw an easy one your way.  Thanks for
a great answer. 5 stars!
And keep your eye on the board for a follow-up question targeted to
you:)

i would like to make a brief statement to the " expert " carpet and
upholstery cleaner/owner. First, although you might think water
extraction is far more superior to the chem dry process, let me inform
you on the method that you do not have any correct information on. The
chem dry process does not clean the just the surface. The method
employs the use of extraction and the bonnet after it -to extract more
moisture and soil. The cotton pad is wetted to accept the remaining
soil and moisture. It is the use of cold solutions that untwist the
yarn not the pad. It uses non- toxic hot carbonating solutions to
gently lift soil to the surface. There are not any solvents , lye
(soap) products or any other harsh chemicals that most water
extraction methods use. This leaves the carpet free from having any
sticky residuals that might attract soil. Chem Dry  uses  1/10th of
the water that steam cleaners use. So in essence, you have a carpet
that dries in 1-2 hours, stays cleaner longer,  and safe for your kids
or pets to lay on. Laslty, if your advising  this person to ask if
they can put a chemical into the cleaners solution, Well they might
want to consider if these solutions chemically compatible. Who knows
if adding this will make the solution too high in ph, too low or
cancelling out the detergent that this cleaner may use. This may cause
browning or yellowing due to the acidic or alkaline levels that are
left behind ( water extraction)as it dries. The most effective way to
remove the odor is to remove the padding underneath. Replace and treat
the back and top of the carpeting. Anyone who tries to inject or
overwert may spread what substance is causing the odor. Oh and most
manufactures are recommending the dryer method because it does not
overwet and cause delamination of the backing of the carpeting (which
most water extraction methods produce over  time). I think with that
being said, water extraction does not hold a candle to chem
dry...Carpet cleaner/ owner 10 years

coppdog,

Thanks for proving my point. As a Chem-Dry franchisee, I expected
nothing less. You do however, have your facts muddled. Here's a couple
links:

Be sure to check warranty’s fine print for approved maintenance
processes.
http://www.parish-supply.com/new_carpet_warranty.htm
..."Carpet Void 

Collins & Aikman Floorcoverings, a Dalton, GA-based carpet
manufacturer, states in its maintenance guide that the company "will
not warrant problems caused by poor or improper maintenance."

The company identifies four "non-approved" carpet cleaning methods: 

Dry foam. "Detergent is difficult to remove, contributing to rapid
re-soiling. Does not deep clean."
Rotary brush. "Detergent is difficult to remove, contributing to rapid
re-soiling, and the action of the brushes can cause pile distortion.
Does not deep clean.
Bonnet. "This method only affects the surface of the carpet. The
buffing action can distort the carpet pile and grind dirt deeper into
the pile, and the spinning action of the pad can distort face yarn."
Dry powders. "Not recommended as a primary cleaning method for
[company] products. Use instructions for dry powders must be closely
followed to make sure powders do not build up in the carpet which
result in performance problems."
Collins & Aikman says that water extraction "is the recommended and
most effective method to deep clean."

Preferred Cleaning 

Carey Mitchell, director of technical services for carpet manufacturer
Shaw Industries Inc., says his company won’t void its warranty based
on cleaning methods used. He says Shaw "recommends hot water
extraction by a professional carpet cleaner" as a preferred process.

The company’s recently revised maintenance program states its
recommendations "are based on significant laboratory work and many
years of experience in the field."

In its maintenance program guide, Shaw Industries opposes bonnet
cleaning its carpet:

"It is not a substitute for hot water extraction. It has very limited
capability for soil removal and often leaves most of the detergent in
the pile. The spinning bonnet may distort the pile of cut-pile carpets
and leave distinct swirl marks. Shaw’s experience has been that more
customer soiling complaints result from this system than all other
causes combined. The bonnet system may damage the edges of some carpet
tiles." ..."


Cleaners fume over carpet manufacturer warranty limitations
http://www.cmmonline.com/article.asp?indexid=2360301
..."Summary: Although it is an accepted and useful carpet cleaning
method, the bonnet has recently been taking it on the chin from some
carpet manufacturers, who fear damage to their installations. Some
cleaning and facility managers, defending the method, are up in
arms..."


Industry Experts Recommend Our Process
http://www.1800clean54.com/services/carpet/
Scroll down to:
..."DuPont, Leading Fiber Manufacturer
From instructions for general terms and conditions of DuPont Xtra Life
carpet warranty: "To refresh carpet texture, a process commonly know
as HOT WATER EXTRACTION, performed by a trained, qualified carpet care
professional, is required at least every 18 months. Proof of this
service is required."

Shaw Industries, Leading Carpet Manufacturer
From Shaw Industries' consumer tips on proper carpet care: "Shaw
Industries recommends the HOT WATER EXTRACTION system, which research
indicates provides the best capability for cleaning. This system is
commonly referred to as "steam cleaning" although no steam is actually
generated." ..."


Rainbow International
http://www.rainbowintl.com/corporate/know.asp
..."The world's largest carpet and fiber manufacturers frequently
require that you have your carpet professionally cleaned, using the
hot water extraction system at least every 18 months to keep your
carpet's warranty in effect....Hot water extraction is likely the
method required by your carpet manufacturer to preserve your carpet
warranty. Research indicates hot water extraction cleaning is best for
carpets. It leaves the least amount of residue and therefore will
provide the lowest amount of re-soiling.


I could go on and on with links, but the customer is already satisfied
with my answer, has selected and used the hot water extractionand I
have other questions to attend to.

~~Cynthia

I didn't expect further comments on this question but it's interesting
to see them.  Just for the record:  I DID use hot water extraction
method and microban (administered by the technician) and was very
pleased with the outcome.  I have put my nose to various areas of the
carpet and smelled nothing but "clean".  I suspect the pad replcement
might be a more appropriate suggestion in a case where liquids were
spilled or animals were presenet- which was not the case with me.  I
am happy to know that my Dupont stainmaster warranty will continue to
be valid because I chose hot water extraction.  Thanks again Cynthia!

CYNTHIA-ga:

Your wrote the following last year:

"I would love to answer any other questions you have about carpet
cleaning, but you didn't ask questions about some of the other common
concerns..."

1) How do I select a good company?
2) How do avoid "bait & sitch"?
3) How can I tell a good price?
4) Should I insist of a "truck mounted" system or is portable ok?


I need to have my carpets cleaned so I would LOVE to get the answers
to the questions that you asked above.  Thanks!

Nupe357
San Antonio, TX

nupe357,

Sorry I didn't see this right away, here's the link you asked for:

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=206584

~~Cynthia

while talking about yellowing does anyone know if u can remove
yellowing from clear rubber like the soles on say jordan xi. thanks.

jordan123-ga:

Since your comment contains a question where the answer is not covered
in any of cynthia-ga's excellent work above, I suggest that you post
your query as an actual Google Answers question, so that a qualified
researcher such as cynthia-ga can provide you with an answer that will
meet your needs.

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher