Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning utilizes chemical cleaning solutions to extract dirt.

• Dry Foam: A shampoo is applied to your carpet, allowed to dry, then vacuumed up, bringing the dirt with it.
• Dry Chemical: After a cleaning solution is applied to the carpet, a machine spins a large bonnet from side to side to absorb dirt in the carpet. After the bonnet is saturated with dirt, it is replaced with a new, clean bonnet and the process continues.
• Dry Compound: An absorbent mixture resembling wet sawdust is spread over the carpet. A machine brushes the mixture into the carpet to absorb the dirt. When the mixture dries, it is vacuumed out, taking the dirt with it.

Hot Water Extraction (Also known as "Steam Cleaning")

Hot water extraction forces a hot water based cleaning solution into the carpet under high pressure, then sucks it back out of the carpet along with the dirt.

• Portable Extraction is done with a small machine using hot tap water and powered by the electricity source in the house. Typically rented to do-it-yourselfers, some professionals also use portable units.
• Truck Mounted Extraction uses a large cleaning machine mounted on a truck or van. The water is heated to a higher temperature and is shot into the carpet at a higher velocity than is possible in portable machines. Many professionals believe this is the most effective way to clean because the heat kills the bacteria and the extra power separates dirt. These powerful machines also pull most of the water back out of carpets, leaving them damp but not wet, and able to dry quicker.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com