Hot Water Extraction also called Steam Cleaning

Hot water extraction is sometimes referred to as 'Steam Cleaning'. Actually this is a misapplied term, because real steam is too dry and hot to clean carpet properly. Hot water extraction is recommended and used by many carpet manufacturers and professional cleaners. In this method, hot cleaning solution is sprayed under pressure deep into the fibers and is immediately extracted with a vacuum source. The tool's vacuum then sucks all of the dirt, cleaning agent, and other particles into a recovery tank and is usually poured into the sanitary waste system. Because this method removes more contaminants than the other cleaning methods, hot water extraction is recommended by all major manufacturers.

This is the A&P primary method of cleaning.

Bonnet Cleaning also called Dry Cleaning.

Although often called a " dry cleaning method", the bonnet (also known " absorbent pad") method of cleaning actually uses more water than the true " dry methods". The cleaning product (sometimes mixed with carbonated water) is misted onto the carpet in the form of a spray. Next, bonnet cleaning uses a machine that looks somewhat like a buffer for a hardwood or tile floor. The machine has a large rotating pad goes over the carpet in a circular motion and absorbs the soil as it is moved over the carpet. The soil attaches itself to the pad and the pad is changed often, to reduce re-soiling, and is kept lubricated with a detergent solution aimed at reducing the distortion of the pile.This method has the advantage of drying very quickly because of the small amount of moisture used. It generally does a good job of cleaning the top 1/3 of the carpet pile that is visible to the eye. This method may be considered as an interim cleaning between more effective deep cleanings.

A&P will use the Bonnet cleaning method upon request

Shampoo, foam and dry foam.

The theory of this process is to first loosen the dirt from the fiber with the use of a brush and high foaming, sudsing soaps and detergents! Secondly, to surround the dirt particles through the use of anti-redeposition agents such as carboxy methyl cellulose, and finally to vacuum out the dried and surrounded dirt particles. Tests and literature by various companies confirm the fact that the ingredients used in these processes never completely dry, but cling to every fiber actually attracting more dust and soil. Housekeepers continually tell our businesses how quickly carpets resoil after they were shampooed.

A&P does not use these methods.