Carpets have been a staple of Bothell-Mill Creek home decor for years. They provide warmth, comfort, and aesthetic appeal to any room. However, with the many benefits of carpeting come the challenges of keeping them clean. Fortunately, over the last 60 years, advancements in carpet cleaning technologies have made it easier and more effective to maintain the cleanliness of carpets.
Back before wall-to-wall carpeting became popular in the 1960’s rugs were used and the common cleaning process was shampooing them. With all the soap residue left in the rugs it unfortunately turned the rugs into dirt magnets.
I still remember back when ads for homes for sale would mention the “wall-to-wall carpeting” as a deluxe feature.
In the 1960s, the primary method of carpet cleaning continued to be shampooing. This involved using a rotary machine that spread shampoo onto the carpet fibers and then removed the dirty solution with a wet vacuum. While this method was effective at removing surface dirt and stains, it was time-consuming and required a lot of water, making it difficult to dry the carpet properly and left a lot of residue.
The late 1960s also saw the introduction of steam cleaning, which is also known as hot water extraction. This method involved injecting hot water and detergent into the carpet fibers, loosening dirt and debris, and then removing the solution with a high-powered vacuum. This method was more effective at removing dirt and stains and used less water than shampooing. Drying times were improved but still took a long time. Initially this was done with portable machines, but soon the truck mounted machines became popular.
In the early 1980s, carbonated cleaning technology was introduced. This method involved using a carbonated solution that lifted dirt and debris to the surface of the carpet fibers, where it could be easily removed with a vacuum. This method was effective at removing deep-down dirt and stains and was environmentally friendly.
In the late 1980s, encapsulation technology was introduced. This involved using a low-moisture solution that encapsulated dirt and other debris. The carpets were scrubbed clean using a rotary or counter-rotating brush machine. This method became popular as it allowed for faster cleaning times, faster drying and reduced downtime for the space being cleaned. The advancements with crystalizing solutions resulted in a revolutionary low moisture carpet cleaning cleaning process.
The 1990s saw the introduction of dry powder cleaning. This method involved spreading a dry powder onto the carpet fibers, which absorbed dirt and debris. The powder was then removed with a vacuum. This method was effective at removing surface dirt and stains but was less effective at deep cleaning.
In recent years, advancements in technology have led to the introduction of new carpet cleaning methods. One such method is the use of ultraviolet light to clean carpets. This involves using a machine that emits UV light, which kills bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause odors and stains.
Another new technology is the use of robotics for carpet cleaning. Robotic cleaners use sensors to navigate and clean carpets, eliminating the need for human intervention. This method is still in its early stages but shows promise for reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency.
In conclusion, over the last 60 years, advancements in carpet cleaning technologies have made it easier and more effective to maintain the cleanliness of carpets. From shampooing and steam cleaning to encapsulation and carbonated cleaning, each new technology has built upon the successes of the previous one. Today, new technologies like ultraviolet light and robotics are changing the way carpets are cleaned, and we can expect even more advancements in the future.