Dry Compound Carpet Cleaning
Part 2 - Carpet cleaning in general can be broken down into three primary methodologies: Hot Water Extraction, Low Moisture, and Dry Compound.
Continuing from our previous post that explored the Hot Water Extraction (HWE) method, we now venture to the opposite end of the cleaning spectrum: the dry compound carpet cleaning method.
The dry compound method involves several steps:
Pre-vacuum the carpet.
Apply the dry compound to the carpet.
Agitate with a counter-rotating brush machine.
Allow the compound to dry.
Vacuum the dry compound from the carpet.
This procedure utilizes a dry compound powder, containing detergents and solvents, that is distributed over the carpet. The powder is agitated into the fibers using a counter-rotating brush machine. As it absorbs soil, the compound changes appearance and color, signaling that it's actively cleaning. Once dry, the compound is vacuumed away.
While this method has proven effective, it is notably the most expensive in terms of both labour and consumables. The increased labor costs stem from the application, agitation, and subsequent removal of the compound. Meanwhile, the cost of the compound itself tends to be higher than that of cleaning solutions used in alternative methods.
Despite its cost, the dry compound method offers unique benefits, particularly for carpets that are water-sensitive, dyed with water-soluble colors, or at risk of shrinkage, such as sisal or seagrass. It also works well in regular carpet maintenance programs, where only light cleaning is needed. However, it may not be as economical for heavily soiled carpets. On the bright side, it's environmentally friendly and operates with low noise levels.
Stay tuned for the final episode in this series, where we'll discuss the low moisture method.
- Colin Saddington