Ultimate Guide: Hot Water Extraction Cleaning

Hot water extraction cleaning, also known as HWE, is a popular method of carpet and upholstery cleaning that uses hot water and detergents to remove dirt, stains, and odors from carpets and upholstery. This method is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness in restoring carpets to their original state. In this article, we will discuss the hot water extraction cleaning process, its benefits, and how it compares to other cleaning methods. Additionally, we will also cover related services such as one-off deep cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning, after builders cleaning, and upholstery cleaning services.

Hot Water Extraction Cleaning: The Process

The process of hot water extraction cleaning is simple but effective. It involves using industry-grade equipment to inject hot water under high pressure into the stained fabric. The warm water, coupled with the sheer force of the stream, dislodges dirt particles, making them easier to clean. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:

1. Water is mixed with gentle detergents and heated in the equipment’s water compartment. The cleaning products used are usually eco- and child-friendly.
2. The liquid is injected under high pressure directly onto the stained spots in the carpet pile. This dislodges the dirt particles, making them easier to clean.
3. When cleaning the carpet using hot water extraction, the specialist will also apply a chemical that will soften up and degrease the stains even further.
4. The professional will use the machine again to extract up to 95% of the moisture back along with all the grime contained within the carpet.

The Benefits of Hot Water Extraction Cleaning

Hot water extraction cleaning offers several benefits that make it an excellent choice for carpet and upholstery cleaning. Here are some of the main advantages:

1. Water is the only thing used to clean the carpeting, which makes this method suitable for people suffering from allergies or asthma.
2. HWE uses little to no detergents, and what’s being used is perfectly safe for your children, pets, and the environment.
3. Unlike dry cleaning and steam cleaning, HWE is able to refresh your rug’s pile from head to toe, leaving it fresh and stain-free for much longer than with other methods.
4. The water-detergent ratio is strongly in favor of water, meaning that no chemical residue will be left behind after each treatment.

Why You Should Avoid the DIY Approach

While it might be tempting to rent an HWE machine and attempt to clean your carpets or upholstery yourself, there are several reasons why this is not recommended. Firstly, rented equipment has a much weaker drying power than its professional counterpart. This can leave the rug damp for several days on end, promoting mold growth and unpleasant damp odors. Secondly, rented models have weaker suction and will not be able to gather surface dirt as efficiently before the heat treatment, resulting in messy carpeting. Certified carpet technicians have access to truck-mounted hot water extraction gear that will perform the carpet cleaning service more efficiently by removing all accumulated dirt and drying out the carpet significantly faster.

Hot Water Extraction vs. Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is another popular method of carpet and upholstery cleaning. It involves heating up water until it reaches its boiling point, and the resulting steam is then used to disinfect the fibers of your rug and remove stale odors. While steam cleaning can efficiently kill bacteria due to the high temperatures, it suffers from some drawbacks when compared to HWE. For example, the water needs to reach the boiling point in order to evaporate, which can set in non-removable water stains after the treatment. Additionally, steam cleaning cannot be combined with any detergents, which is why it is unable to rinse the carpet fibers as thoroughly as HWE