Q & A

The best method of cleaning carpets largely depends on technique and the processes operated by the individual cleaner. However, the best technique is usually steam cleaning, which introduced a degree of moisture into the carpet. Dry cleaning carpeting can also be effective for ensuring carpets are ready for foot traffic as quickly as possible.

The Low Moisture cleaning method uses cleaning compounds. They are mixed with water and sprayed onto the carpet gently. The presence of moisture in the carpet is just about enough to make the cleaning agents work and mix with the soil.

Chem–Dry’s cleaning process is better and healthier than other methods for your carpet and upholstery cleaning. Chem–Dry’s unique hot carbonating extraction carpet cleaning method uses the power of carbonation to extract more dirt and grime from your carpets, giving them a deeper and longer lasting clean, without leaving cleaning agent residues or odours.

Steam cleaning your carpet will get rid of all that dirt and sanitize it as well. Steam cleaning a carpet uses a hot spraying and extraction unit to apply the cleaning agent to the carpet to break down dirt while shampooing uses a detergent. A carpet dries fast when cleaned using steam (usually 2 to 4 hours), while shampooing may take longer for the carpet to dry and if not applied correctly can leave detergent residues and chemical odours.

Steam cleaning is also known as deep cleaning. That’s because it is the only carpet cleaning method known to remove at least 97 percent of dirt and bacteria from carpeting. It is also the only method that reaches all the way down to the lowest layer, or “pile”, of your carpeting to clean it thoroughly.

Dry carpet cleaning systems do work well, but when you’re in need of a deep rejuvenation, it’s usually not powerful enough of a process to revitalize and disinfect a carpet.

Chem-Dry cleaning uses less water than steam cleaning or other carpet cleaning methods. However, some water is still used. The process uses chemical solutions to emulsify dirt, scrubbing to loosen ingrained soiling and stains, and bonnet pads to lift cleaning agents and dirt from the surface and dry carpets of excess moisture. Carpets usually dry in 2 to 4 hours.

Chem–Dry has an extensive catalogue of green-certified carpet cleaning products, including our primary cleaning solution, The Natural. The Natural, which is on the FDA’s G.R.A.S. (Generally Recognized As Safe) list, contains zero phosphates or detergents and is completely safe and non-toxic for kids and pets.

There are many reasons a carpet may look worse after cleaning, amongst which the  main reasons include:
Wicking – Simply put, wicking results from over wetting the carpet, leading to Excessive cleaning agent use-If stains and spots appear a couple of weeks after carpet cleaning, then the most likely cause is excessive soap residue. Marks and stains change colour- this can occur particularly if spills and stains are treated using a detergent based cleaner, which often can appear to lift a stain, but then turn grey over time from detergent residue. When the carpets are cleaned, the grey is removed revealing the original stain colour underneath.

Yes and no. After cleaning, a carpet will not get dirtier more quickly than it otherwise would had it not been cleaned. Yet, that will be the net effect because a cleaner, brighter surface will show more new dirt than a duller, dirtier surface would. In other words, the dirt is more noticeable.

As a general principle, remember whatever is introduced to the carpet must be removed to avoid the risk of staining. The method for removing stains vary, depending upon the source of the stain. If the stain is an alkaline (detergent based) then an acidic compound may neutralise the stain. However acidic staining can itself cause permanent irreversible damage to the colour of a carpet
Whilst there are numerous online resources for home remedies, in general some professional carpet stain removal products, along with professional cleaning equipment for removing treatment product can be of great benefit for combating many types of carpet stains.

While white vinegar can tackle some types of stain very effectively without damaging your carpet, it isn’t always the solution. … Vinegar is an acidic product, so it works best on alkaline stains such as your pet’s urine and wine. On the other hand, it won’t work on acidic stains such as ketchup or soy sauce.

Baking soda can be nature’s deodorizer for your smelly carpets but it can also be harmful to your vacuums and carpets. You hear all the great things about baking soda and its power to remove odours. … Once it is in your carpet fibres and backing, it will stay for a very long time.

There are many online resources, recommending the use of both homemade and off the shelf remedies. Many of them require a “leap of faith” as the process suggested requires the introduction of agents which if not carefully controlled can in themselves be a source of soling or in severe cases permanent damage, including detergent, backing soda and vinegar.

For the pros, there are two effective types of upholstery cleaning: hot water extraction (or “steam cleaning”) and low moisture (or “dry cleaning”). Steam cleaning is the most effective, as it uses low levels of moisture to remove up to 97% of dirt and debris. The best systems use a hot spray and extraction application process to control the amount of moisture used.

While upholstery cleaning may seem like an unnecessary expense, avoiding the upkeep can cost more in the long run. Specifically, this routine maintenance helps furniture last longer so that you don’t have to worry about the cost of frequent replacement.

The method for removing stains vary, depending upon the source of the stain. If the stain is an alkaline (detergent based) then an acidic compound may neutralise the stain. However acidic staining can itself cause permanent irreversible damage to the colour of a carpet. Oil and grease based stains may require the use of mild solvents and heat to remove the source of soiling and then a “hot” rinse to neutralise the solvent and remove odour. 

Using a steam cleaner, the suite should be:

1. Vacuumed firstly to remove excess dust and debris.
2. Any stains and marks should be treated prior to the overall cleaning process.
3. Then a cleaning agent should be applied to the cushions and frame
4. The entire suite should be rinsed using a “hot” spray and extraction machine to control the amount of moisture
5. Let fabric dry fully before use

Most Odour-eating sprays can help a bit, but because they just mask the smell, they are not a permanent solution. Worse, they do not remove urine stains. To remedy urine, a dedicated urea removal treatment is required, working at a microscopic level, they dissolve uric acid crystals. Then the fabric should be cleaned to remove the urine treatment product and to eradicate any staining…. Even better, the same products will work well on human, cat, or dog urine—all mammal urine is made up of uric acid crystals.

For the pros, there are two effective types of upholstery cleaning: hot water extraction (or “steam cleaning”) and low moisture (or “dry cleaning”). Steam cleaning is the most effective, as it uses low levels of moisture to remove up to 97% of dirt and debris. The best systems use a hot spray and extraction application process to control the amount of moisture used.

While upholstery cleaning may seem like an unnecessary expense, avoiding the upkeep can cost more in the long run. Specifically, this routine maintenance helps furniture last longer so that you don’t have to worry about the cost of frequent replacement.

The method for removing stains vary, depending upon the source of the stain. If the stain is an alkaline (detergent based) then an acidic compound may neutralise the stain. However acidic staining can itself cause permanent irreversible damage to the colour of a carpet. Oil and grease based stains may require the use of mild solvents and heat to remove the source of soiling and then a “hot” rinse to neutralise the solvent and remove odour. 

Using a steam cleaner, the suite should be:

1. Vacuumed firstly to remove excess dust and debris.
2. Any stains and marks should be treated prior to the overall cleaning process.
3. Then a cleaning agent should be applied to the cushions and frame
4. The entire suite should be rinsed using a “hot” spray and extraction machine to control the amount of moisture
5. Let fabric dry fully before use

Most Odour-eating sprays can help a bit, but because they just mask the smell, they are not a permanent solution. Worse, they do not remove urine stains. To remedy urine, a dedicated urea removal treatment is required, working at a microscopic level, they dissolve uric acid crystals. Then the fabric should be cleaned to remove the urine treatment product and to eradicate any staining…. Even better, the same products will work well on human, cat, or dog urine—all mammal urine is made up of uric acid crystals.

The dull spots are caused by corrosion of the marble/travertine surface from contact with acidic foods/drinks (coffee, soda, juice, wine) and harsh alkaline cleaning products (most common household cleaners will damage limestone). It’s called “etching.” A stain occurs when something is absorbed into the marble causing a darker spot.

Deep cleaning and polishing can bring back the shine, and you can remove tough stains with a poultice.

There are essentially 2 methods for achieving a high shine finish for marble and travertine. The clean and seal method relies on the application of a sealant coating to the surface of the floor. The clean and polish method relies on the mechanical abrasion of the floor surface to a progressively achieve a highly polished finish.

Both methods start by deep cleaning the floor to remove any debris or residues and the prepare the floors surface for re-finishing.

The deep cleaning & refinishing process is a time consuming and specialist process, usually undertaken by stone restoration professionals. A restoration of a consistent uniform and pleasing finish requires equipment & techniques only experience can provide.

What is the best way to clean marble floors?

This is dependent upon how the marble/travertine floors have been treated on instalment. In most occasions, a marble/travertine floor will have been sealed, in which case, a steam mop cannot be used and careful use of mop and buckets is recommended.

When using a “ wet” system such as micro fibre floor pad or mop and bucket, regular maintenance should use a PH neutral cleaning agent with periodic treatment with a clean & shine product.

If on the other hand, the marble/travertine floor has been machine polished, then a steam mop can be used which very often provides a better finish with less hassle. In both cases, dry buffing is essential, it is important not to let moisture marks dry on the floor as often these leave smear marks.

The best DIY method to make a marble travertine floor shiny and clean is: Wipe the floor any surface dirt. Wet a micro fibre floor pad and wring it out as much as possible, then wipe the marble/travertine floor. For persistent stains a trigger spray bottle can be used to “mist” water onto the soiled area. Wipe clean and then dry buff the area to remove moisture residue.

Use only pH neutral cleaner deemed safe for limestone marble/travertine. NEVER use vinegar, commercial cleaners, bleach, ammonia, or scrubbing pads as they can etch the surface of the marble & travertine.

High heat steam cleaners may cause damage to porous marble/travertine floors, but steam mopping is still an undeniably effective way of removing dirt from limestone. Keep moisture to a minimum, and avoid commercial-strength floor cleaners.

So long as the marble/travertine is light-coloured, you can experiment with hydrogen peroxide. But don’t go near this method if your marble is darker—the bleach could discolour it. The very best way to care for marble/travertine is to prevent stains in the first place.

Depending on the type of marble/travertine stone installed and the type of sealant used, you may have to reseal every three to six year to maintain the appearance of your floor. However, it is advised to not overdo with the sealing between deep cleaning and stripping of the floor sealer.

Our stock answer is that your floor should stay looking good for one to three years. With polished floors, some intermediate treatment can be undertaken to restore a floors high shine appearance, provided the wear isn’t left to long and floors condition deteriorate beyond light refinishing.

However deep restoration maybe required every 3 to 5 years, depending upon floor use and traffic.