Getting your carpets professionally cleaned every once in a while is not only an important part of keeping your home looking nice but also helps maintain the health of you and your family. Foam carpet cleaning is one such method that allows you to achieve both goals.
Foam carpet cleaning involves using foam-based detergents that are applied directly to the area being cleaned.
These detergents then break down dirt and other debris, allowing them to be effectively vacuumed away.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at everything you need to know about foam carpet cleaning so you can make an informed decision when it’s time to freshen up your carpets.
What Is Foam Carpet Cleaning?
Foam carpet cleaning is a method of deep-cleaning carpets that uses low-moisture foam detergents applied directly to the area being cleaned.
The detergent penetrates deep into the carpet’s fibers and breaks down dirt, stains, and other unwanted materials. Once these are broken down, they can be vacuumed using a commercial-grade vacuum.
The name of this method comes from the foam that is created when the detergent is applied to the carpet. However, this method is often connected with the dry carpet cleaning method because of its less water requirement.
This foam works in tandem with the vacuum to dislodge dirt and debris from deep within the carpet fibers.
Foam carpet cleaning is an excellent method for those looking to deep-clean their carpets without having to use large amounts of water.
This makes it an ideal option for those living in drier climates and those who want to conserve water.
Time Required to Finish Foam Carpet Cleaning
Foam carpet cleaning is generally faster than steam or dry-cleaning methods, and a full cleaning job can often be completed in around two hours.
However, this will depend on the size of the area being cleaned and the amount of dirt and debris present.
For example, heavily soiled carpets could take longer to clean than lightly soiled carpets. In addition, if the area being cleaned is large, it might take longer to finish the job.
Generally, though, 2-4 hours is the ideal amount of time for a foam carpet cleaning job.
That’s not considering if you use other methods, such as dry cleaning or steam cleaning, which can take significantly more time.
Why Is Cleaning With Foam More Effective Than Liquid Solutions?
Foam carpet cleaning is more effective than liquid solutions because it has several advantages.
Let’s look at some of them:
1. Larger Gas Interference
Gas interference is essentially the ability of the cleaning solution to reach deep into the carpet fibers and break down dirt and debris.
Foam has a gas interface that is more than 100 times larger than that of a liquid.
The effectiveness of the detergent is increased dramatically as a result of this larger surface area, taking less time to break down dirt and debris.
Liquid solutions, on the other hand, take longer for the detergent to penetrate into the carpet fibers, resulting in a less effective cleaning job.
2. No Chemical Smell
When liquid detergents are applied on the carpet in liquid form, they might leave behind a scent that is sometimes described as having a “chemical smell.” This smell can be off-putting to some and is not always pleasant.
Foam carpet cleaning eliminates this problem because the detergents are applied in a foam form and broken down into tiny particles during the cleaning process. The result is an odorless carpet that has no trace of any chemical smell.
3. Reduces The Risk Of Over-Saturation
When liquid cleaners are used on carpets, there is a risk of over-saturating the fibers and causing the carpet to become water-logged.
This can cause the carpet to take longer to dry and create the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and other bacteria to grow.
Foam carpet cleaning eliminates this problem because it is a low-moisture method. The foam detergents are applied directly to the area being cleaned and are then vacuumed away.
This reduces the risk of over-saturating the carpet and keeps it dry for a longer period of time.
4. Cost
Foam carpet cleaning is generally more cost-effective than other methods such as steam or dry cleaning.
The detergents used in this form of cleaning are typically more affordable than those used in liquid solutions, and the job can usually be done in a shorter amount of time.
Despite the lower cost of the detergents, foam carpet cleaning still provides excellent results.
5. Eco-Friendly
Foam carpet cleaning is an eco-friendly option because it uses less water than other methods.
In addition, the detergents used in foam carpet cleaning are usually biodegradable, meaning that they can be safely disposed of without causing any harm to the environment. Even carpet can be dumped properly and for free wihtout causing harm to the enviroment. This is another great benefit of this form of carpet cleaning.
How Does Dry Foam Shampoo Actually Work?
Dry foam shampoo is the shampoo used in foam carpet cleaning. This type of shampoo is made up of tiny, spherical bubbles that contain a detergent.
The detergents used in dry foam shampoos are usually biodegradable and non-toxic, making them an eco-friendly option for those looking to clean their carpets without harsh chemicals.
When the dry foam shampoo is applied to the carpet, its resultant foam works like mini sponges, soaking up grime and dirt from deep within the carpet fibers.
These soap sponges are pushed deep into the carpet fibers via a rotary machine, and deep cleaning can begin.
The foam is then vacuumed off with a powerful wet/dry vacuum, leaving carpets cleaner and brighter than before.
Compared to other extraction methods, which rely on warm water and do not combine with oily residue, the dry foam binds to both large and small particles of dirt, which can then be removed with the vacuum.
This helps to ensure all dirt and residue is removed from the carpet, resulting in a deep clean.
Just like how it’s easier to pick up a cup containing dropped marbles than one containing spilled water, the same goes for cleaning carpets.
The foam bubbles act as a vessel to pick up dirt particles and hold onto them until they’re vacuumed away, making the entire carpet cleaning process more effective and efficient.
Preparing for a Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning Service
Before your carpet cleaning service arrives, there are several steps you can take to ensure the job runs smoothly.
Here’s a checklist of tasks to prepare for a foam carpet cleaning service:
1. Vacuum The Area In Advance
The first step to preparing for a foam carpet cleaning service is to vacuum your carpets in advance.
Vacuuming in advance will help open up the fibers in your carpeting so that the foam shampoo can get as far into the pile as possible.
By doing this, you are also helping to loosen dirt and debris that may have settled deep into the carpet fibers.
This step will also reduce the time it takes to clean your carpets and help you get the best possible results.
2. Note or Mark Area With Deeper Stains
If you have any areas of your carpet that are stained or heavily soiled, make sure to note or mark these spots before the carpet cleaning service arrives.
This will help ensure that these areas are given special attention during the cleaning process.
If you have stains on your carpet that have been there for a long time or are deeper, the carpet cleaning service will pre-clean those spots with a special formula.
This extra step helps to ensure that all the stains and dirt are removed from your carpets.
3. Remove Fragile Items From The Room
The cleaners may need to move furniture in order to thoroughly clean your carpets. To be on the safe side, it’s best to put away any valuables that are easily broken, whether they are small or large.
This is merely a precaution that will help ensure that nothing is broken or damaged during the course of your foam carpet cleaning service.
Rather than risk an expensive item being damaged, it’s best to take some time beforehand to move any fragile items out of the room.
4. Decide What to Do With the Immovable Furniture
If your furniture is too heavy to move, you must decide what to do with the furniture before the cleaning service arrives.
You can either cover the furniture in plastic or move it a few feet away from where it normally sits.
This will help the cleaners get to all of the nooks and crannies in your carpet, as well as any dirt or debris that may have settled underneath the furniture.
Consider hiring professional movers if you have exceptionally heavy furniture or other objects (such as a grand piano, a cabinet loaded with china, etc.).
This will help ensure that nothing is damaged during the process and that all of your carpets are thoroughly cleaned.
5. Ask The Cleaner About Any Special Instructions
Once the carpet cleaning service arrives, make sure to ask them about any special instructions that you may need to follow.
This could include how long you should wait before walking on your carpets again or when it’s safe to move furniture back into place.
While most carpet cleaning services don’t require special instructions, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Make sure to ask the carpet cleaner any questions or concerns you may have prior to them cleaning your carpets.
Once you have taken all these steps, you can sit back and relax while your foam carpet cleaning service does all the hard work for you.
What Happens During the Dry Foam Cleaning Process?
Dry foam carpet cleaning is not a one-step process. There are four main steps that are involved, each of which must be completed in order to achieve the best possible results.
1. Pre-Treatment
Before the dry foam carpet cleaning process, the carpets must be pre-treated. This may involve using a special shampoo or pre-treater that is designed to help loosen any dirt and debris in the carpet fibers.
For deeply stained areas, the cleaning service may also use a special spot-cleaning formula to help remove any deep-seated dirt or debris.
This will ensure that the rest of the carpet cleaning process is as effective as possible.
2. Dry Foam Application
Once the pre-treatment steps are complete, the foam cleaner will be applied to the carpets.
This foam may vary in consistency and is usually applied to the carpets with a special machine that is designed to ensure an even application of the cleaning solution throughout the entire carpet area.
Scrubbing will also be done at this stage, as it helps to ensure that the dry foam is able to reach deep into all of the carpet fibers.
3. Vacuuming
Once the scrubbing and foaming are finished, the carpets will need to be vacuumed. This step helps remove any excess dirt or debris that has been loosened during the scrubbing process.
Vacuuming ensures that all the dirt, debris, and dry foam are removed from the carpets. This step is essential in order to get the carpets as clean as possible.
4. Final Vacuum and Grooming
Once all of the dirt and debris has been removed, a final vacuuming will be done in order to ensure that all of the carpets are as clean as possible.
The carpet will then be groomed with a special machine, which helps fluff up the carpets and make them look as good as new.
Once all these steps have been completed, your foam carpet cleaning service should be finished.
You can then walk on the carpets with clean socks or slippers to help ensure that all the dust and dirt are removed from your home.
What To Do After the Carpet Cleaning Process Is Complete?
After the carpet cleaning service has been completed, there are a few things that you should do to ensure that the carpets stay looking their best.
1. Keep Foot Activity to a Minimum
For the first few hours after the carpet cleaning service is finished, it’s best to keep foot activity to a minimum.
This helps ensure that any dirt or debris that may have been left behind during the cleaning process is not tracked back onto the carpets.
2. Replace Furniture
If the furniture was moved prior to the carpet cleaning service, make sure to put it back in its original place as soon as possible.
This helps reduce any potential damage occurring to the carpets while the furniture is out of place.
3. Monitor for Any Residue
If you notice any residue on the carpets after the service has been completed, make sure to inform your carpet cleaning service so that it can be taken care of immediately.
If left untreated, this residue could lead to further damage or discoloration of the carpets.
Wrapping Up
Foam carpet cleaning is an excellent way to get your carpets looking their best. The entire process takes about two hours, and the results can be amazing.
Now that you know more about foam carpet cleaning, you can decide if it is the right choice for your home.
Take the time to find a reputable and reliable professional who can help you get the best results possible in order to keep your carpets looking great for years to come.
Daleyza knows a lot about carpets! She has worked with carpets for over 7 years and can help with things like putting them in, keeping them clean, and replacing them. She really likes carpets and spends most of her time learning about new ways to work with them. When she’s not learning about carpets, she enjoys reading books. She’s really good at helping people choose the right carpet for their homes and making sure they’re happy with it. If you want to know more about carpets, Daleyza is the person to talk to!