Quick Answer: Which Method is Best?
TL;DR: Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) is the Best Overall Method
For most homes and carpet types, hot water extraction (steam cleaning) is the gold standard. It removes 98% of bacteria and allergens, reaches deep into carpet fibers, and is recommended by manufacturers like Shaw and Mohawk. However, dry cleaning is better when you need quick drying (1-2 hours) or have delicate natural fibers.
After 15 years of professional carpet cleaning in Manchester, I've used every method available. Each has its place, but understanding when to use which technique is what separates good results from great ones.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the 5 main carpet cleaning methods, explain the science behind each, and help you make the right choice for your specific situation. Let's dive in.
1. Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning)
Despite being called "steam cleaning," this method doesn't actually use steam. Hot water extraction (HWE) is the most thorough carpet cleaning method available and the one we recommend for most Manchester homes.
How Hot Water Extraction Works:
Pros
- • Removes 98% of bacteria and allergens
- • Deep cleans to carpet backing
- • Kills dust mites with heat
- • Best for deep stains
- • Manufacturer recommended
- • No chemical residue
Cons
- • 6-12 hours drying time
- • Not for all carpet types
- • Requires professional equipment
- • Risk of mold if not dried properly
- • Can shrink natural fibers
Cost in Manchester:
£25-40 per room • Best value for deep cleaning
Related reading: For a detailed comparison of steam vs dry methods, see our guide on Steam Carpet Cleaning vs Dry Cleaning.
2. Dry Carpet Cleaning
Dry cleaning uses minimal moisture - only about 5-10% of what steam cleaning uses. It's the go-to method when you need carpets ready quickly or have delicate natural fibers.
How Dry Cleaning Works:
A biodegradable cleaning compound (often a powder or foam) is spread across the carpet. This compound contains microsponges that absorb dirt and dissolve oils. A machine works the compound into the fibers, then it's vacuumed away along with the absorbed dirt.
Key Point: Dry cleaning only reaches the top 1/3 of carpet fibers. It's effective for surface dirt but won't remove deep-embedded contaminants.
Pros
- • Ready to use in 1-2 hours
- • Safe for delicate fibers (wool, silk)
- • No risk of over-wetting
- • Good for maintenance cleaning
- • Lower water usage
Cons
- • Only cleans surface (top 1/3)
- • Less effective on deep stains
- • Chemical residue may remain
- • Removes only 60-70% of allergens
- • Doesn't kill bacteria with heat
Cost in Manchester:
£20-35 per room • Best for quick turnaround
3. Encapsulation Cleaning
Encapsulation is a newer technology that's become the standard for commercial carpet maintenance. It uses synthetic polymers that crystallize around dirt particles, making them easy to vacuum away.
How Encapsulation Works:
1. A special polymer solution is applied to the carpet
2. The solution surrounds and encapsulates dirt particles
3. As it dries (20-30 minutes), it forms crystals around the dirt
4. Regular vacuuming removes the crystals along with the trapped dirt
Pro Tip: Encapsulation continues working after cleaning. As you vacuum over the following days, more encapsulated dirt is removed.
Pros
- • Ultra-fast drying (20-30 mins)
- • No sticky residue
- • Eco-friendly (low water)
- • Continues cleaning after application
- • Ideal for commercial settings
Cons
- • Not deep cleaning
- • Less effective on heavy soiling
- • Requires regular vacuuming after
- • Won't remove old set-in stains
- • Best as maintenance, not primary
Cost in Manchester:
£15-30 per room • Best for offices & commercial
4. Carpet Shampooing (Traditional)
Carpet shampooing was the dominant cleaning method from the 1970s-90s. While still available, it's been largely replaced by more effective modern methods.
Why We Don't Recommend Shampooing
Carpet shampooing creates lots of foam that's worked into the carpet with a rotating brush. The problem? It leaves significant soap residue that attracts dirt, meaning your carpets get dirty again faster. Hot water extraction and encapsulation have made this method largely obsolete.
Pros
- • Good for heavily soiled carpets
- • Effective scrubbing action
- • Affordable equipment
Cons
- • Leaves sticky residue
- • Carpets re-soil quickly
- • Long drying time (6-24 hours)
- • Can damage carpet fibers
- • Outdated technology
5. Bonnet Cleaning
Bonnet cleaning uses a rotating floor machine with an absorbent pad (bonnet) that spins across the carpet surface, absorbing dirt. It's popular in hotels and commercial settings for quick appearance maintenance.
How Bonnet Cleaning Works:
1. Carpet is lightly sprayed with cleaning solution
2. A rotating pad (bonnet) spins across the surface at high speed
3. The absorbent pad picks up surface dirt and moisture
4. Pad is flipped or replaced when saturated
Pros
- • Very fast drying
- • Quick visual improvement
- • Affordable
- • Good for spot touch-ups
Cons
- • Only cleans surface
- • Can push dirt deeper
- • May damage fibers with friction
- • Residue buildup over time
- • Not for residential use
Method Comparison: At a Glance
| Method | Depth | Drying | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Water Extraction | Deep (to backing) | 6-12 hours | Annual deep clean | £25-40/room |
| Dry Cleaning | Surface only | 1-2 hours | Delicate fibers | £20-35/room |
| Encapsulation | Surface-medium | 20-30 mins | Commercial/office | £15-30/room |
| Shampooing | Surface | 6-24 hours | Heavy soil (outdated) | £15-25/room |
| Bonnet | Surface only | 30 mins | Quick touch-ups | £10-20/room |
Our Recommendation:
For most Manchester homes, we recommend hot water extraction every 12-18 months as your primary cleaning method. For high-traffic areas or between deep cleans, encapsulation provides excellent maintenance without the drying time.
How to Choose the Right Method
The best method depends on your specific situation. Here's a quick decision guide:
Choose Hot Water Extraction If:
- • You have pets, children, or allergy sufferers
- • Carpets haven't been professionally cleaned in 12+ months
- • You need deep stain removal
- • You want the most thorough sanitization
- • Your carpet warranty requires it
Choose Dry Cleaning If:
- • You have wool, silk, or natural fiber carpets
- • You need carpets ready same day
- • You're cleaning before an event
- • Carpets are lightly soiled only
Choose Encapsulation If:
- • You run a business with high foot traffic
- • You need frequent maintenance cleaning
- • Minimal downtime is critical
- • You want to supplement annual steam cleaning
Related reading: Learn more about cleaning schedules in our carpet cleaning frequency guide.
What Our Customers Say
"I'd tried carpet shampooing before and the carpets got dirty again so quickly. Blowup explained why steam cleaning was better - the difference is incredible! No residue, no quick re-soiling, and my daughter's asthma has improved. They really know their methods."
"Running a busy office, we couldn't have carpets out of action for hours. Blowup recommended encapsulation for our monthly cleans with steam every quarter. Perfect solution - staff barely notice they've been cleaned, yet they always look pristine."