Dry carpet cleaning (powder/compound) Dry cleaning uses a low-moisture powder that’s sprinkled onto the carpet, brushed in so it reaches the fibres, left to dwell while it absorbs and lifts dirt, and then vacuumed away. Think of it like a sponge you can sprinkle: the powder grabs soil, dust and light spills without soaking the backing or underlay. Because there’s no saturation, it’s ideal for a quick carpet refresh, high-traffic lanes, and fibres that don’t like water, such as many sisal/coir and some delicate rugs (always check the label). There’s no drying window, so you can usually walk on the area sooner and keep life moving. Wet extraction (machines/shampoo) Wet cleaning, often called hot water extraction, uses warm or hot water mixed with detergent, injected into the pile and then extracted. Done well, it can flush embedded soil and old residues that dry methods won’t fully reach. But it asks more of you and your home: accurate mixing, even application, thorough extraction, and time, heat and airflow for drying. When those pieces aren’t right, you can see problems like wicking (marks rising back as moisture travels upward), browning, or a slightly sticky feel from leftover detergent. It’s a powerful tool, best reserved for heavy restoration when you can properly ventilate and let the carpet dry. Pros & cons at a glance Dry carpet cleaning (low-moisture powder/compound) ✔ Pros Walk-on sooner: no long drying window; rooms back in use the same day Low risk of over-wetting: protects backing, underlay and subfloor from moisture issues. Residue control: soils and compound are removed by vacuum rather than leaving detergent behind. Great for maintenance: perfect for a quick carpet refresh between deeper cleans. Fibre friendly: suitable for wool (with products labelled WoolSafe) and many plant fibres like sisal/coir that dislike water. DIY-friendly: simple kit (powder + brush + vacuum); no machine hire, hoses or tanks. Spot flexibility: target high-traffic lanes or patches without doing the whole room. Less disruption: fewer furniture moves; work in smaller sections. Season-proof: winter or humid weather won’t stall drying. Eco/household fit: low moisture approach; less wastewater to manage. ✘ Cons Not a true “flush”: heavy sticky residues (old shampoos, grease) may need a wet extraction once before switching to dry maintenance. May need two passes: stubborn traffic lanes sometimes benefit from repeat application/agitation. Agitation needed: results depend on brushing the compound through the pile; a decent carpet brush helps. Thorough vacuuming required: incomplete vacuuming can leave a light trace of powder. Go slowly and empty the bin/bag. Not for saturated spills: fresh, heavy liquid spills still need blotting/extraction before a dry cycle. Product suitability check: always confirm compatibility for delicate or unusual fibres/dyes. Wet cleaning (hot water extraction/shampoo) ✔ Pros Deep fibre flush: can lift embedded soil and old detergent film that dry methods won’t fully reach. Reset after big events: useful post-renovation or at the end of tenancy, when time allows for drying. Certain stains respond well: water-soluble marks (mud, some beverages) may clear faster with a proper rinse. Edge-to-edge uniformity: a good whole-room extraction can even out shading/traffic patterns. Odour help with care: warm water and proper extraction can reduce musty smells trapped deep in the pile. ✘ Cons Drying time (hours): rooms can be out of action; airflow and warmth are essential. Over-wetting risk: can cause wicking, browning, backing shrinkage, or musty odour if the technique is off. Residue risk: under-extraction leaves detergent behind, attracting re-soiling (carpet feels tacky sooner). Skill & equipment: mixing, application, and thorough extraction have a learning curve; rental machines vary in power. Logistics & cost: machine hire/ownership, chemicals, filling/emptying tanks, and moving furniture add time and effort. Season/weather dependent: slow drying in cold or humid conditions increases the risk of problems. Fibre sensitivity: sisal/coir and some delicate backings can distort, stain or shrink when saturated. Household risk: splashes or leaks can mark skirting/wood floors; protect metal/wood furniture feet to prevent rust or dye transfer. Noise & disruption: machines are loud and heavy; hoses and cables trail through the space.
Ingredients
Cellulose, anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, preservative, fragrance
