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Tagged As

• Carpet
• Carpet Cleaning
• Carpet Extractors
• Flooring
• Steam

Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning*, is a cleaning method that begins with dry soil removal (vacuuming) followed by preconditioning. Then, hot water is applied [110° to 165°F (49° to 83°C)] to the carpet from a holding tank or heating coil incorporated into the cleaning unit, often combined with detergent. The pressurized solution is injected into the carpet. Suspended soil is removed by combining the flushing action of injected solutions with wet vacuuming. [Note: Ad or content links featured on this page are not necessarily affiliated with IICRC (The cleantrust) and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by IICRC (The cleantrust)].

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Solution and suspended soil are collected within a wastewater recovery tank or disposal system. This method can be used on carpet whose fibers, dyes and construction are not adversely affected by water-based cleaners, as long as overwetting is avoided and thorough wet vacuuming to remove excess moisture occurs.

*Note that "live steam" is not employed in this cleaning process, only warm or hot water. "Steam cleaning" is commonly used as an accepted term to describe this cleaning method.

About IICRC

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a certification and standard-setting nonprofit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC serves the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan, in partnership with regional and international trade associations.

The mission of IICRC is to identify and promote an international standard of care that establishes and maintains the health, safety and welfare of the built environment.

The IICRC, with industry-wide participation, certifies - and develops certifications and standards for - inspection, cleaning and restoration. The IICRC also serves as a valuable consumer referral source for IICRC-Certified technicians and firms. There are currently more than 53,000 active IICRC-Certified technicians, many with multiple certifications, and more than 6,000 IICRC-Certified Firms around the world.