What are the pros and cons of encapsulation carpet cleaning? For a clean and well-maintained carpet, hot water extraction and encapsulation are two popular methods for carpet cleaning. Encapsulation has some added advantages in carpet cleaning.
What is Encapsulation carpet cleaning?
Encapsulation cleaning is a method to maintain a clean carpet. The process is divided into pre-vacuuming followed by encapsulation. An encapsulating chemical is thoroughly sprayed over the carpet.
Then the chemical is brushed evenly by making use of a rotary or cylindrical brush bonnet or machine. The chemical crystallizes the soiled particles by surrounding them.
This way it does not take in more soil particles. This is encapsulation. These particles are eliminated through regular vacuuming. This process is done at scheduled time intervals.
Pros and Cons of Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning
As with any method, encapsulation also has some pros and cons.
Pros
Drying time is quick- The method of Encapsulation cleaning involves the least amount of moisture. Therefore the drying time is quick. Encapsulation is a completely different process as compared to dirt-extraction with hot water.
Since it does not involve soaking of the carpet, there won’t be a long duration of waiting and drying. The time required for the carpet to dry is around 20 minutes. Workers can get back to cleaning in a small period.
The wait time is less and about 20 minutes. Service workers can work to their fullest potential and also in a very less time-span.
No re-soiling or wicking- Resoiling of carpet occurs due to wicking. This is because the stain-removal processes involve a lot of water. The water gets evaporated and makes the soil visible on the top.
Another advantage that comes with lesser drying time is that there is no re-soiling. This is because Encapsulation cleaning has the capability of using water in minimum amounts. Thus, it does not let the soil travel upward.
This is done by vacuuming the polymers where the soil particles are stuck within the fibers.
Improved Carpet Appearance- This is an appreciable advantage that comes with the Encapsulation cleaning process. It makes the carpet more beautiful in its look as well. It also enhances the durability and life span of your carpet.
Using Encapsulation cleaning at regular intervals helps the prevention of more soil-stains and residual-formation. This is because it involves the elimination of soil particles which makes your carpet look beautiful.
This can also be the reason for the lack of durability of the carpet. Hence, Encapsulation cleaning extends the carpet’s life span when regularly done.
Cost-efficient- When compared to the tools required for hot-water extraction, the equipment, and tools used for encapsulation cleaning are cheaper. Despite this fact, Encapsulation cleaning is efficient in its work.
High production rate- More carpet area is covered in a short time with encapsulation.
Eco friendly- In the encapsulation cleaning method, recovered soil is collected during carpet through vacuuming. The extraction method of carpet cleaning discharges the collected soiled water into the sewers.
Water usage- The encapsulation method of carpet cleaning uses 4 times lesser water to the extraction method. This saves a vast amount of water.
Learning is easier- This method is easy to use and easy to learn unlike the extraction method of cleaning carpet.
Cons
Whenever low-quality encapsulation products are used for cleaning, the scrubbing during the cleaning process is not sufficiently deep.
This method of encapsulation carpet cleaning is tougher on carpets that have grease filled on them. Even after a thorough vacuuming, there is a high chance that some soiled particles are left on the carpet.
To eliminate crystallized or soiled particles, a very extensive vacuuming has to be done. Vacuuming more than one time may be needed to eliminate the particles that hold the suspended soil.
Encapsulation is not suitable for deep and heavy soiled carpets. Deep restorative cleaning is needed. This can be also combined with other cleaning methods to get the best results.
Pros & Cons of Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning – Bottom line
Owing to its pros and cons, Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning has obtained popularity on the domestic front as compared to commercial cleaning. This commercial cleaning method is cost and time-efficient.
As this is a cleaning system that uses a low-moisture consumption method, the cleaned carpets can be restored to use very quickly. Using this cleaning method, several maintenance companies can provide high-quality carpet maintenance and carpet appearance.
This can be conveniently obtained at a lower cost as compared to other cleaning methods for carpet cleaning. This generates a high productivity rate. To keep your carpet maintained, the encapsulation cleaning method for carpets has to taken up periodically.
At least 2- 3 encapsulation cleanings are required to get the desired results.