Why Steam Cleaning Is the Best for Carpet Cleaning

You may have noticed that steam cleaning is very much on the rise lately. That is because it is much more sanitary and cleanlier than the traditional methods.

In the past, we relied heavily on a shampooing method to fight toxins in our floor. However, we are starting to see more and more about how steam cleaning is the most effective option.

Other cleaning procedures release high amounts of chemicals into your floor. This can be very bad for the ones in your home. Especially if you or anyone in your home has allergies or asthma, you will want to avoid use other cleaning solutions.

With so many alternatives, it is time to set the record straight on why we all need to permanently switch to steam cleaning.

Read on to learn the ins and outs of the best carpet cleaning procedure that is offered.

What is steam cleaning?

The Process

Steam cleaning is the process of cleaning your floor by applying heated water to the carpet. As opposed to other remedies that rely heavily on shampoo, steam cleaning is the application of hot water and minimal detergent.

The water and detergent solvent soak into the fibers of your carpet or floor. This reduces the debris build up by removing bacteria and germs.

Steam cleaning tools usually have a variety of power levels. If your carpet is more sensitive or delicate, then this process can still be for you. Simply request that your service provider uses a less intense power washing level.

After a few minutes of sitting, the excess water and debris are sucked up into a wet-vac. This removes any rubbish from the carpet and beneath the surface.

The wet-vacs are able to suck up a majority of the water used. Newer models can clear away up to 95% of the water.

The appearance and lifespan of your carpet are improved significantly through steam cleaning. Steam treatment strengthens your carpeting, not weakens it like other cleaning procedures.

Also, it should be noted that steam cleaning is sometimes referred to as ‘hot water extraction’. These two terms mean the same.

How long does steam cleaning take?

Unfortunately, steam cleaning typically takes a fraction longer than the conventional methods. To get the most effective clean, you or your service provider will want to apply the hot water and solution as slow as possible.

After applying, you will want to stay off of your carpet for typically 2 to 8 hours. During this time, you may walk on the damp carpet with booties (provided by your service provider) white socks, or clean, bare feet.

The drying times may shorten or lengthen depending on the professional cleaning service you hire so it’s important to inquire about a carpet cleaning companies average drying time. However, the type of machine and products being used, the drying conditions outside and the ones created within the home such as fans or A/C, as well as the work ethic and knowledge of the technician are all major factors that play a part in carpet drying.

Also, professional carpet steam cleaners are much more effective than any at-home kits or products. In most cases, home remedies and devices end up damaging the carpet fibers and padding and are a massive cause of re-soiling.

What are the benefits and advantages of steam cleaning?

Steam cleaning holds a great number of advantages over competing carpet cleaning procedures.

Sanitary Levels

The first, and most obvious, is that using it means your carpet is getting the most sanitary wash.

That is because traditional cleaning techniques only hit debris at surface levels. Steam cleaning goes beneath that into the fibers within your floor.

Also, by hitting the inside of your carpeting, you will reduce the chance of future build up. You will be able to go much longer without needing additional washes after getting your carpet steam cleaned.

Discoloration

Along with cleanliness, steam cleaning also prevents discoloration that other procedures cause. There are minimal shampoo and detergent used, making it the safest route for maintaining your carpet’s look.

Often times, after a regular shampoo clean, people will use other chemicals to remove discoloration. Yet, this can be dangerous especially if you have any pets and children in the house.

Steam cleaning ensures you are getting the highest quality clean without any scary leftovers. This leads me to further discuss..

Minimal Chemicals

With steam cleaning, you’re getting as close to a chemical-free solution as you can. Since it is mostly water, it is considered the safest carpet cleaning option.

Often times, the excessive chemicals used in dry cleaning or shampooing can be harsh. Kids and pets alike have faced scary consequences to conventional carpet cleaning procedures.

It should be noted that steam cleaning doesn’t mean it is entirely chemical-free.

However, it is still highly recommended to steam clean instead of shampoo. This is especially true if anyone in your home has allergies or asthma.

Cost Efficient

Depending on the company, you will likely be charged by number of rooms or square footage.

Along with space, the type of cleaning you choose will also affect the cost.

While there is no standard price for carpet cleaning, steam cleaning tends to be the less expensive option.

Dry cleaning requires using a cleaning solution paired with minimal water. Steam cleaning is the opposite of that.

Steam cleaning is minimal cleaning solution paired with mostly water. That is why this procedure usually costs less.

Deeper Clean

Steam cleaning gives a much deeper clean than other carpet cleaning alternatives.

Steam cleaning is the only solution that goes beneath the carpet’s surface. When using a steam cleaner, the water solvent hits the fibers within the floor.

When other cleaning methods avoid hitting the fibers, the dirt within the floor is never released. This can cause more dirt to build up, reducing the time between cleans.

Other cleaning methods are considered low moisture or encapsulating. That is because they do not contain the solution necessary to provide a thorough clean.

Where can I find steam cleaning?

Inevitably, your carpeting needs some sort of cleaning procedure to maintain its appearance. This time around, ditch the shampoos and excessive chemicals for a more natural process.

Steam cleaning is the best quality solution for preserving your carpet’s look.

At OCD Home, we offer the best steam cleaning service in Orange County. Our mantra is ‘Think Clean’ and we stand by it fully.

Contact us today to learn about our professional cleaning services! We also specialize in tile and grout, hardwood, and upholstery cleaning.

Check out this interesting article on “5 Simple Ways on How to Clean Carpet by Hand“

The IICRC released a list of guidelines to consider when selecting a carpet cleaner to help educate consumers so they will not become victims of fraudulent practices within the cleaning industry.. and we couldn’t agree with them more. Check out our FAQs to find out more about OCDHome’s standards after reading the IICRC article below.

IICRC Resource Information

Welcome to Orange County’s Best Carpet & Tile Cleaning Service!

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A Professional Home & Commercial Cleaning & Maintenance Company. Our goal is to be the one that raises the bar, that resets the standards, that goes that extra mile & puts in a little more effort to make a lasting impression. To be the most honest, reliable, & diligently thorough service in the industry & the leading provider in our area. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction & nothing less.

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE! 1-844-4 OCDHOME® (1-844-462-3466)

Finding the best local carpet cleaner | Orange County

Having a professional deep clean carpet at home offers a healthier environment for everyone in the family. Yet, maintaining a fresh and dust-free carpet is quite a tough task because you can’t prevent it from getting dirty and dusty at all times.

For most homeowners, they prefer cleaning their carpet with all their might without considering the help of the experts. However, the best thing about working with professionals when it comes to carpet cleaning is that they have the best tools and equipment used for carpet cleaning purposes and end up lengthening the life of your carpet while keeping your home healthy and free of allergens, fleas, and bacteria among other things. Cleaning the carpet yourself may seem like it can save you money but in the end, home remedies and equipment can not extract properly leaving your home susceptive to toxins and usually cause irreparable damage, causing you to replace your carpet before you needed to. Hiring a professional carpet cleaner is the necessary decision a homeowner has to make, but similar to choosing your dentist, you usually do your due diligence research to find the very best service for the money your willing to spend and know that the service provider you selected will deliver the results you expect. After all, you are selecting a company to invite into your home so trust is a major factor.

Just because your carpet looks clean, doesn’t mean it actually is.

While just about everyone would like to lie to themselves and continue to pretend that they’re not dealing with a dirty carpet, doing so can actually be hazardous to your health.

When left unclean for too long, toxins and other pollutants can build up in your carpeting. This can make it difficult to breathe, and may even make you sick.

In this post, we’re reviewing both the hidden and more obvious signs that let you know you’ve got a dirty carpet.

We’ll let you know when it’s time to call in a professional!

It’s Fading

Here’s a nasty truth we don’t enjoy telling you: up to 2,000 dust mites can live in a single ounce of carpet dust.

We know: it’s disgusting.

The truth is though, that your dirty carpet doesn’t just hold onto dirt, hair, and other things you’d rather not think about.

It’s also a habitat for dust mites, bacteria, allergens, mold, and even insects.

If your carpet is fading, it’s true that too much sun hitting it may be responsible.

But especially if your carpet is on the newer side, it’s more likely that a buildup of dirt and other gross things is to blame.

Believe it or not, the age of your home itself can also impact how quickly your carpet gets dirty. Allergens and other small pollutants (even things like old insect skins, yuck!) are lingering in the air more frequently in an older home.

This means that they’ll often end up on your carpet.

If you notice carpet fading, before you replace your carpet, consult a carpet cleaning professional.

Your Vacuum Bag Seems to Be Getting Fuller Faster

While it may be tempting to blame your vacuum cleaner manufacturer, the truth is, your dirty carpet might really be the thing to blame for a full vacuum bag.

If it seems like you’ve been having to change out your vacuum bag more and more frequently these days, your carpet may be responsible. Likely, you’ve got a seriously high amount of dirt hiding in its fibers.

Instead of continuing to run a vacuum with a full bag over your carpet (which won’t be as effective, anyway) consider bringing in the services of a professional.

Your Carpet Or Rug Just Feels Rough

The actual feel of your carpet can be an indication that it’s dirty.

Of course, older carpets may not feel as warm and fuzzy as they did when you first purchased them (especially if they’re in a popular room of the house.)

But if your carpet is still fairly new, and is especially rough or even hard to the touch (again, gross, who knows what’s hardened on there?) you might consider a professional cleaner.

Many services use special carpet shampoos and other cleaning products that can have your carpet feeling like new again. Plus, it’ll look as good as it feels after a cleaning.

It’s Winter

We know – it’s bizarre to think that the time of the year could have an impact on your carpet.

Another gross fact about your dirty carpet? A lot of that “dirt” is actually dried skin that’s fallen off your body.

In the winter, or in a colder climate in general, you’re dealing with a lot more dry skin that you usually would.

Over time, this can really add up, and can be one of the leading causes of a dirty carpet.

You’ve Got Stains That Have Been There for…Longer Than You’d Care to Reveal

While suddenly deciding to “switch up the layout of a room” after a red wine spill on your carpet may work for a while, eventually, you’re going to run out of places to move that sofa.

If you’ve noticed a large number of pesky stains that just won’t come out of your carpet, you already know you’re due for a cleaning.

To help prevent stains in the future, have guests take off their shoes as soon as they enter a room with a carpet.

If you have pets, consider keeping them out of the room with your carpet by investing in a baby gate. (You know just how much damage yet another “accident” from Fido can do to your carpet.)

When it comes to keeping your kids off your carpet, we know it’s trial and error, and that sometimes, you’ll just have to hope for the best.

Encourage them to listen to the family rules, and if they continue to break them, suggest they vacuum the carpet themselves. The threat or “punishment” of chores does wonders for preventing a dirty carpet.

It’s Just Been…Well…Years

It’s not rocket science.

If you were still able to drink more than two glasses of wine without a hangover the last time you had your carpet cleaned, it’s time to got in touch with a cleaning service.

Most people with serious carpeting in their homes should try to have their carpets cleaned at least once a year.

While it might seem like a larger expense than you’d like to be paying now, it’s certainly cheaper than having to pay to have half your home re-carpeted.

Plus, it’s just a good move for your health. If you’ve been feeling a bit sick, or have found you feel stuffy or have trouble breathing in rooms with carpeting, take it seriously.

A carpet cleaning is certainly more affordable than several trips to the doctor, and takes a lot less time.

What’s the Culprit When It Comes to Your Dirty Carpet?

In this post, we’ve identified the most common signs of a dirty rug or carpet.

Now, you just need to know where you can find the best carpet cleaning service in your area. You need someone you can trust to do the job well and thoroughly. After all, the health of your family is at stake, and you’re trying to protect your investment.

If you’ve got stains you just can’t get out, or if you’re just due for your annual cleaning, get in touch with us and let us take care of your dirt!

For homeowners, keeping the floor and upholstery at its best state is one of their main concerns. Well, the truth is that there’s something about a fresh looking and clean home that makes us happy within and clears our minds while giving us satisfaction all day long.

Clean carpet makes all difference, and when dealing with carpet cleaning issues and concerns, we advise to always opt to seek the help of professionals to address your cleaning needs, such as the technicians at OCD Home, Inc. We understand that carpet cleaning companies are everywhere, as it’s a service most homeowners are looking for, so it can tend to be difficult to differentiate and find the best carpet cleaning Orange County experience.

CALL US NOW FOR A FREE QUOTE! (714) 453-4551

We utilize a hot water extraction process, also called “steam cleaning“, along with green sealed products and combine the innovative and effective cleaning techniques that we’ve learned throughout our years of experience and apply them to our method. Also, by using the highest standard of equipment and tools, our cleaning procedure ensures that your carpet remains in its best shape, lengthening the life of the carpet as well.

In many ways, carpet cleaning Orange County can keep your home clean, safe, and healthy. You can maintain a long-lasting clean look in your home without the need of using harsh chemicals or cleaning products that are available in the market. Our solutions have natural and safe cleaning properties that target even the deepest fiber of the carpet with steam temperatures reaching up to 260 degrees, giving you a complete, sanitized clean. We also provide the very best carpet cleaning drying times in the industry, another major factor in the minds of our customers. On average, our customers carpets dry between 2-6 hours, in some cases taking longer due to drying conditions and type of material.

Tile Cleaning Orange County

Among the most essential home decoration aspects is its flooring. Nevertheless, your floor’s longevity will depend on the way you maintain it. One of the best ways to take care of your tile floors is by utilizing our professional tile cleaning services.

To receive the most thorough tile cleaning, trust us at OCD Home. We save homeowners from one of their most dreaded tasks when cleaning their home, the tiles part. Most especially if you have a wide area of flooring, we understand that it would be a herculean task to complete tile cleaning in an effective manner. In addition, it’s very important that you use proper tile cleaning equipment and products for cleaning tiles to correctly restore them without causing damage. Choosing the wrong sealer is also another headache homeowners face when attempting to clean tiles themselves. Thus, the best way of maintaining your floor is by hiring a professional tile cleaning company that focuses on your welfare and benefit, so in other words, leave the job to us.

Upholstery Cleaning Orange County

We also offer upholstery cleaning Orange County and are equipped with the proper knowledge, products, and equipment to handle any type of fabric. Furthermore, we know better than anyone that upholstery cleaning is a tiring process and should be done carefully with precise expertise to not cause any damage to your fabric so leave it to our professionals to ensure a thorough deep cleaning and the prevention of any damage to your furniture or upholstery.

Additionally, we offer a variety of other services for all your cleaning needs. Contact us today for more details.

Call today for a free estimate! (844) 462-3466

or visit us @ carpetcleanerorangecounty.com

Not sure what cleaning carpet service is right for you?

Start by weighing the pros and cons of each type of carpet cleaning service.

A professional deep cleaning lengthens the life of your carpet while keeping your household free of allergens, dust, bacteria, and small insects.

They are many benefits for you, and for your family that comes with professional carpet cleaning.

Most people try cleaning their carpets using home remedies. However, typical methods not only end up damaging the fibers, but also fail to remove stains and extract dirt and dust properly. The carpet is then susceptible to wear patterns and permanent damage from grounded in dirt.

There are two types of cleaning carpet services: dry and wet cleaning.

Check our list of 5 methods of cleaning carpet services, and you’ll see which one is best for your household.

1. Steam Carpet Cleaning Service

This method uses high pressured hot water, agitation, and intense velocity suction that penetrates deep through the carpet fibers allowing it to kill and extract all the insects, bacteria, dust mites and pollutants within your carpet.

The green cleaning agent in the pre-spray disinfects and santizises the carpet, while the agitation and pre-spot treatments begin to loosen and remove the soil.

After the first phase is finished, what follows next is rising with steam of up to 240 degrees and high velocity truck mounted suction, leaving the carpet refreshed.

The pros and cons of steam cleaning:

Pros

• Removes stains, dirt, dust, and insects
• Able to extract pet urine and odor
• Heat and cleaning agent kills bacteria and toxins
• Dry times are generally 4-8 hours.
• The green cleaning solution breaks down the grime and build up
• The deep rising process gets rid of the cleaning solution, leaving no sticky residue
• Only method recommended by carpet manufacturers and industry cleaning experts and professionals

Cons

• Depending on material and drying conditions, could extend drying times

2. Bonnet Cleaning

This carpet cleaning service is usually requested by people who are looking for a quick fix. It’s mainly used in hotels since it dries very quickly, and it doesn’t create any inconvenience to the guests.

The carpet is first vacuumed, and then a cleaning agent is sprayed onto it with a pump or an electric sprayer.

An antibacterial solution is allowed to stay on the carpet for a short amount of time.

To make sure the solution is impregnated into the carpet, a rotary machine with an absorbent pad or a bonnet is used on the carpet surface.

This technique does not clean the carpet deeply. The dirt that lies beneath the carpet will go back on the surface in a small amount of time.

Another disadvantage is the chemical residue that remains in the fibers of the carpet due to the fact that the carpet is not deeply rinsed.

The primary advantage of this carpet cleaning service is the fast drying process for commercial applications.

The pros and cons of bonnet cleaning:

Pros

• Fast drying process
• For carpets who need light maintenance
• Inexpensive

Pros

• It doesn’t clean the carpet deeply

3. Dry Cleaning

This carpet cleaning service is a popular choice because of its lack of drying time.

A powder is mixed with cleaning agents and is spread on the surface of the carpet. A machine with counter-rotating brushes works the powder deeply into the carpet fibers.

The powder used is biodegradable, but it might build up over time when used frequently.

The powder absorbs the soil in the carpet. After only 15 minutes, the carpet is vacuumed.The advantage of dry cleaning lies in how fast and simple the process is. However, it doesn’t get rid of the soil buried deeply in the carpet.

The pros and cons of dry cleaning:

Pros

• No drying time required
• Inexpensive
• The powder is biodegradable

Cons

• It doesn’t remove stains
• It doesn’t deeply clean the carpet fibers

4. Shampooing

Shampooing is one of the oldest cleaning services out there.

The dirt and debris in the carpet are brought to the surface by a cleaning agent.

The cleaning agent transforms itself into a foam and it’s worked into the carpet with brushes or special machines. After a few minutes, the foam is vacuumed.

This method is perfect for superficial cleaning. The foam dries fast—and it’s inexpensive.
One of the downsides is the fact that after the foam is applied, there is no rising. Also, sometimes the foam becomes sticky when it dries and leaves residue.

The pros and cons of carpet shampooing:

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Fast drying

Cons

• No rising
• The foam becomes sticky when it dries and it could leave residuals
• Out dated method

5. Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning

The first step is spreading a special powder all over the carpet which contains small crystals mixed with cleaning agents.

The crystals absorb dirt, soil, and stains like a sponge, leaving no residue and improving the appearance of the carpet. Encapsulation is generally used in commercial buildings with light maintenance.

This low moisture method doesn’t require rinsing. Therefore, the drying process is quick.

The major downside of this method is that it can lead to dust and powder build up over time.

The pros and cons of encapsulation carpet cleaning:

Pros

• Fast drying
• Removes stains

Cons

• Powder build up over time
• Commercial

Wrapping up

Knowing which carpet cleaning service is right for you is quite important if you value cleanliness and your health.

Over time, dust, fleas, and bacteria build up, causing serious allergies and respiratory problems.

Vacuuming does not get rid of the nasty bacteria, and homemade solutions are usually too harsh on the carpets. Over time, the fibers are destroyed.

If you want your home to have professionally cleaned carpets and yet you don’t know what’s your next step, contact us or take a look at our blog for more information.

We’ve all been there. Between work, school, the kids, the guests, and everything else, it’s easy to let cleaning the kitchen go. But when the sink starts to smell and you can just feel the germs wiggling around the appliances, you know it’s time to put on the rubber gloves and give the kitchen a good deep cleaning.

However, there are a lot of spots in the average kitchen that even the most seasoned kitchen-cleaners miss. We put together a guide to the eight nastiest spots in the kitchen that are often overlooked so you can really give your kitchen a deep clean.

Check out our guide to kitchen deep cleaning below!

Eight Gross Spots To Clean During A Kitchen Deep Cleaning

These nasty kitchen spots may have been safe in the past. But thanks to this guide, they won’t stand a chance during a kitchen deep cleaning.

8. The Refridgerator Door Seal

From accidental splashes of food or drink to fingers touching it constantly, the refrigerator door seal can get pretty gross. It’s also very close to the food stored inside, which makes it a breeding ground for bacteria.

During your fridge deep clean, remember to wipe down the seals of the doors with a vinegar solution or disinfectant. Get all the folds, nooks, and crannies. Don’t forget to dry it with a clean towel as well– nobody likes mold or yeast.

7. The Coffee Pot

Think about it. Your coffee pot is constantly heating up and cooling down water on a daily basis. Sometimes more often than that if you’re a caffeine fiend.

Water is a breeding ground for bacteria. And nobody wants a shot of bacteria in their morning brew.

Follow the coffee machine’s manufacturer guide to properly clean out your coffee pot. If you don’t have the guide handy, try adding four cups of vinegar to the pot’s reservoir and letting it sit for about twenty minutes.

Run the vinegar through the machine, then run clean water through three cycles or so as well to really thoroughly clean the unit out.

6. Sponges And Towels

These may be easy to overlook. Rags, towels, and sponges need to be washed and replaced often.

If any towels or rags in your kitchen smell less than wonderful, it’s time to throw them in the laundry.

Rinse your sponges well after every use and allow them to dry in a drainable soap dish. After a couple weeks of use, swap out that sponge for a new one.

Over 75% of sponges hold a form of coliform bacteria like salmonella. This can be owed to poor cleaning and replacement. Since your sponges can be just as dirty as your kitchen floor (which also should be deep cleaned often) it’s important to not let these germ-ridden tools come in contact with your dishes once they are past their prime.

5. The Kitchen Sink

You probably give your sink a quick wipe down with a sponge, right? Your kitchen sink, unfortunately, needs a lot more than that.

The sink is by far one of the nastiest spots of the kitchen. It accumulates microorganisms, mold, and other unsavory stuff.

During your kitchen deep cleaning, fill your sink with a mixture of bleach and water. Let it sit for a bit, let it drain, then scrub is well with rubber gloves and a fresh clean sponge.

Toss some garbage disposal cleaners in there as well. The most notable source of germs and odor comes from an unclean garbage disposal.

You can keep up with your sink by giving it a good quick weekly cleaning. Use a tablespoon of bleach, a spritz of disinfectant, and water to keep your sink consistently clean.

It’s also important to regularly deep clean curtains and upholstery near your kitchen sink, as splashes of dishwater over time can cause odor and mold.

4. The Veggie Drawer

If you clean out your drawers every few months, it may seem to do the job. This may not be the case, though.

Vegetable drawers are one of the biggest sources of germs in your fridge and kitchen. Salmonella, listeria, yeast, mold– all love to accumulate in veggies drawers. Especially if vegetables aren’t properly cleaned before going into the fridge.

Give your veggie drawers a good vinegar and water cleanse every few weeks. If you can make it once a week, even better.

3. The Meat Drawer

Like the veggie drawer, the meat drawer can be a horrid landscape of germs and mold. Even you keep mostly cooked meats and cheeses in there, there’s still a chance for harmful bacteria to accumulate.

Like your veggie drawer, a good cleaning with vinegar and water is key. For the meat drawer, you’ll need to be more vigilant. A weekly cleaning is strongly recommended.

2. The Can Opener

You probably don’t think about the tiny appliances when performing a kitchen deep cleaning. However, the can open is one of the nastiest little things lurking in your kitchen.

Your can opener comes in contact with food particles every time you use it.

If you rarely clean it, it could be a breeding ground for bacteria that could spread to other things in your kitchen drawer.

If you give it a good wipe down every once in a while, that’s still not enough. Soak your van opener in some vinegar overnight and scrub it down with a toothbrush in the morning.

1. The Knife Block

Even if you clean your knives well, the knife block can be a nasty little breeding ground for bacteria. Tiny remaining fragments of food can hide in blade hilts, as well as water. Once that water runs into the knife block, the wood will absorb it.

The result could be mold or germs on your clean knives.

To clean your knife block, remove the knives and wash the entire block in soap and water. Use a baby bottle brush or other tiny brush to dig into the slots of the block. Soak the block in a solution of a tablespoon of bleach and a sinkful of water.

When properly rinsed, remember to let it dry upside down so the water will drain out instead of deeper into the wood.

Take the time to evaluate the quality of your knives. Bad knives will trap water and debris in the hilt. If there is rust and the handle is wiggly, it’s time to find a better set.

How was our guide to kitchen deep cleaning? Got a tip you’d like to share? Drop us a line in the comments section below!