There are many different kinds of machines ranging from portables to truck mounts.   These machines can be used with cold water or hot water.  Most people will agree using hot water is more effective in removing heavy soiling.  Some say using cold water is better for your fibers.  How do you know which to use?

There have been serious discussions regarding the extraction process and what is the best temperature for the water. Cold water extraction, based on expert analysis, is somewhat safer than hot water extraction when used on natural carpet fiber; however, it does not dissolve as much of the soil. Heat on the other hand, reduces the surface pressure of water, allowing it to clean faster and more professionally than cold water. In fact, the heat in hot water triggers the movement of chemicals working during the cleaning, which makes for easier soil removal from synthetic carpets.  In addition, to ensure complete removal of residue, use hot water for your rinse. The hot water rinse removes any lingering residue that can be left behind on your carpets.

Cold-water machines generally use less energy, making the machines much more suitable, and often more cost effective for consumers.   When hot water and chemicals are mixed, they can release fumes that can be potentially dangerous to the user. Cold water minimizes this. It really depends on what you want.  Just keep in mind some factors. 

Heat is best and for this reason:

  • Heat speeds up the molecular activity of the chemicals used to clean carpets.
  • Heat improves the effectiveness of the cleaning chemicals.
  • Heat essentially melts many of these soils, allowing “the soapy water to penetrate, detach and surround the unwanted matter.
  • The cleaning solution suspends the soil, which is then removed by the extractor.

This is done with a professional carpet cleaner who knows how to use the products and equipment.  Also depends on the technician who is operating the machines.  He has to know how to agitate the wand to make the cleaning more effective.  You can have a power machine but if your technician is not qualified and experience in the field, you might not get the best results you are looking for.