The Case for Hot Water Extraction: Why Steam Cleaning Outperforms Other Methods
We’ve all seen the ads. A carpet cleaning service promises to clean your carpets better and cheaper than anyone else in town. But when they arrive, they pull out a spray bottle and a sponge and start scrubbing away. If you’re like me, you can’t help but wonder: are they really cleaning my carpets? Or just moving dirt around?
As it turns out, the answer is the latter. According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), spray-and-sponge methods don’t actually clean carpets. Instead, they spread dirt around and leave behind a sticky residue that attracts more dirt over time. In other words, these services aren’t cleaning your carpets—they’re making them dirtier.
But there is one method that does clean carpets: hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning. Here’s how it works:
Hot water and cleaning solution are sprayed onto the carpet. The hot water loosens dirt and stains while the cleaning solution breaks them down.
It sounds simple, but there’s a reason why steam cleaning outperforms other methods: hot water extraction removes more dirt and debris from carpets than any other method. According to a study by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), hot water extraction removes an average of 96% of soil and 93.07% of dirt particles from carpets, compared to just 49% for spray-and-sponge methods.
But steam cleaning isn’t just more effective—it’s also safer for your carpet. Spray-and-sponge methods use harsh chemicals that can damage your carpet over time. Steam cleaning, on the other hand, uses only water and a mild cleaning solution, which means it won’t harm your carpet or leave behind any residue.
Of course, not all steam cleaning services are created equal. At Longo Carpet Cleaning + Restoration, we use a twelve-step process backed by a 100% money-back guarantee to ensure that your carpets are cleaned thoroughly and safely. We’re family-built business since 1986 with IICRC and NADCA certifications, and BBB A+ accreditation since 2009. That means when you call us for life, you can trust that we’ll be there for you every time.
So if you want carpets that are cleaner, safer, and last longer, choose hot water extraction—and choose Longo Carpet Cleaning + Restoration. Your carpets will thank you.