Carpet cleaning terms explained a homeowner's glossary
Booking a carpet cleaning service often means hearing unfamiliar terms like hot water extraction, pre-conditioning, or wicking, without a clear explanation of what they mean for your home. Understanding this vocabulary makes it easier to compare quotes and know what you are actually paying for. Low-moisture cleaning Low-moisture cleaning uses significantly less water than traditional steam cleaning, allowing carpets to dry in about one hour instead of a full day. This method reduces the risk of mold growth and shrinkage, which is especially useful in humid climates. Hot water extraction Often called steam cleaning, hot water extraction involves spraying a heated cleaning solution deep into carpet fibers and then extracting it, along with dissolved dirt, using powerful suction. It is effective for deep soil but typically leaves carpets damp for several hours. IICRC certification IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, an independent body tha...