Cleaning Method The cost is affected by how long it takes to clean the carpet, the cleaning solutions needed, and what type of equipment is required. The most common cleaning methods are shampooing, dry cleaning, hot water extraction, encapsulation, bonnet, and carbonated cleaning.

Steam cleaning is believed to remove over 90% of all of the dirt and bacteria from your flooring.

If you're trying to avoid chemicals in your home, Zerorez is your best bet, and ChemDry is another no-chemical option that's great for those with pets. If you want a carpet cleaning service with a proven track record (and you don't mind using a lot of water), try Stanley Steemer.

Steam cleaning is a method that can be used periodically but should not be used regularly, as it can wear on the carpets unnecessarily. Finally, steam cleaners can often leave moisture in the carpet, which can take upwards of 24 hours to dry.