Steam Cleaning Lawrence KS vs Chem-Dry
Searching for steam cleaning Lawrence KS? Steam cleaning, also called hot water extraction, and Chem-Dry are two different ways to clean carpet. Brooke’s Chem-Dry Lawrence uses Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE). This page compares the two on water, dry time, and cleaning solution so you can decide which fits your home.
Steam Cleaning Lawrence KS vs Chem-Dry: The Short Version
The main differences are how much water goes into the carpet and how long it takes to dry. HCE uses about 80% less water than steam cleaning. Chem-Dry carpet dries in about 1 to 2 hours. Steam cleaning can take up to 12 to 24 hours to dry. Both methods end with the dirt being extracted from the carpet. They differ in what is applied first and how much water is used.
Side-by-Side Carpet Cleaning Comparison
| Chem-Dry Hot Carbonating Extraction | Steam Cleaning (Hot Water Extraction) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it cleans | A carbonating cleaning solution is applied. The bubbles help lift dirt from the fibers, and it is then extracted. | Hot water and a cleaning solution are applied, then extracted. |
| Water used | About 80% less water than steam cleaning | More water than HCE |
| Dry time | About 1 to 2 hours | Can take up to 12 to 24 hours |
| Cleaning solution | The Natural®, which doesn’t rely on soapy detergents or harsh chemicals, but rather, uses carbonation to help lift dirt | Varies with the solution the company uses |
| Left in the carpet | No dirt-attracting residue | Varies by company |
What Steam Cleaning Is
Steam cleaning is the common name for hot water extraction. A cleaning solution mixed with hot water is applied to the carpet, and the machine pulls the water and loosened dirt back out. It is a widely used method, and the amount of water involved is the main thing that separates it from Chem-Dry.
Dry Time: About 1 to 2 Hours vs Up to 12 to 24
One factor in how long carpet takes to dry is how much water goes into it. Because HCE uses about 80% less water than steam cleaning, Chem-Dry carpet dries in about 1 to 2 hours. Steam cleaning can take up to 12 to 24 hours to dry. Humidity and airflow in the room also affect drying time.
If you need the room back soon, dry time is the practical difference between the two methods. If you are cleaning several rooms, ask how long each method will keep you out of them.
How Hot Carbonating Extraction Cleaning Works
The Cleaning Solution: The Natural®
The process starts with The Natural®, our core cleaner, which uses carbonation to help lift dirt from carpets. It doesn’t rely on soapy detergents or harsh chemicals.
Bubbles and Extraction
The solution is applied with a carbonating delivery system that produces carbonation bubbles. Those bubbles work into the carpet fibers and help lift dirt to the surface. Extraction equipment then removes the dirt along with the water used. The process also removes non-living allergens.
Questions to Ask Any Professional Carpet Cleaning Company
If you are comparing quotes, ask each company the same questions: How much water does the method use? How long will the carpet take to dry? What is left in the carpet afterward? You can ask us the same. Brooke’s Chem-Dry uses about 80% less water than steam cleaning, carpet dries in about 1 to 2 hours, and The Natural® leaves no dirt-attracting residue.
Chem-Dry Carpet and Furniture Cleaning
Carpet
Hot Carbonating Extraction is our carpet method, and carpet dries in about 1 to 2 hours. Read more about carpet cleaning in Lawrence, KS.
Upholstery and Furniture
Upholstery dries in about 1 to 2 hours. Read more about upholstery cleaning in Lawrence, KS.
What Lawrence, Kansas Homeowners Are Saying
“We are very pleased with the results of our carpets and upholstery after Brooke’s Chem-Dry cleaned them. The carpet looked like new carpet. Plus the two employees were very nice and efficient.”
“We have used Brooke’s Chem-Dry for years and couldn’t be happier. They are personable, professional, and do a fantastic job every time.”
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Ready to see the difference in your home? Call (785) 760-8000 for a free estimate. You can also read our frequently asked questions. We serve Lawrence, Eudora, Lecompton, Baldwin City, and Douglas County.
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