Shampoo: A rotary scrubber machine with a brush that distributes the foam to the carpet. This loosens and suspends the soil with shampoo and agitation. If the shampoo residue is not immediately removed, the loosened soil and dried shampoo can be removed when the resident vacuums the carpet. Poor quality shampoos will quickly attract new dirt.
	Portable Steam Cleaning: A term for "hot water extraction." Live steam is never used to clean carpet. Hot or warm water and cleaning agents are sprayed on the carpet and immediately vacuumed off, extracting soil and excess water. Customer's hot water and electricity are usually used.
	Truck-Mounted Steam Cleaning: Same principle as above, using controlled water temperature, increased water pressure and a more efficient vacuum system, all contained in a truck. Customer's cold water is usually only required. Water and soil are extracted back to a holding tank in the truck.
	Dual Process: A combination of shampoo and steam cleaning methods.
	Dry Foam: Uses shampoo mixed with air to make a foam that is power-brushed into the carpet. Loosened soil and foam are then vacuumed.
	Bonnet Clean - (Spin Pad or Chemical Dry Method): A cleaning agent is sprayed on the carpet and a rotary scrubber machine (using an absorbent yarn-mop round pad instead of a brush) picks up the soil as the pad is moved across the carpet.
	Powder Clean: This method involves applying a granular or sponge-like compound containing solvents and detergents that can loosen and absorb soil particles when worked into the carpet with a cylindrical rotating brush. Vacuuming is then required to pick up the dried powder containing the soil.
	Vacuum: For maximum appearance and life of your carpet, there is no substitute for good maintenance. Frequent and proper vacuuming will help to reduce cleaning frequency and assure better cleaning results.

All approved methods have a place, each with advantages and disadvantages. A company that offers only one method may not be knowledgeable about other methods, or may be limited by a franchise agreement to certain equipment or chemicals. No equipment was designed to ruin carpet. It's possible for untrained personnel to cause damage with any machine or cleaning agent. A trained technician may choose one or a combination of methods to achieve the best results.

How often should carpets be cleaned?
It depends on (1) the type of use the carpet receives, (2) the nature of the carpet fibers to attract soil, (3) the customer's tolerance of the carpet's appearance. Generally, when traffic lanes begin to show, the exposed areas of carpet need to be cleaned. Airborne soils, as well as tracked soils, need to be removed. Weekly vacuuming can help extend time between cleanings.
 
Will a carpet resoil quickly once it is cleaned the first time?
Quick carpet resoiling may be caused by excessive residue from improper cleaning methods. An older carpet will resoil more quickly than a newer carpet. The first cleaning should be performed when the carpet starts to appear soiled. It's better not to have damaging soil build-up. The use of efficient equipment and cleaning agents will leave the least amount of residue.