Hot water extraction (often called steam cleaning) injects hot water and cleaning solution into the carpet and pulls it straight back out with strong suction, lifting dirt from deep in the pile. Dry methods use very little moisture and dry quickly but work closer to the surface. Mr Expert uses hot water extraction.
A machine sprays hot water and a cleaning solution into the carpet, then vacuums it straight back out together with the loosened dirt. It is not dry steam. It is hot water and solution, injected and extracted under vacuum. Because most of the water is removed at once, carpets are typically dry in 2 to 3 hours.
Dry methods use an absorbent compound or a low-moisture pad to pick up dirt, so the carpet is usable again very quickly. They suit light, regular maintenance, but they tend to work on the upper layers of the pile.
| Hot water extraction | Dry methods | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning depth | Reaches deep into the pile | Works closer to the surface |
| Moisture used | Water is injected, then extracted | Very little |
| Drying time | Typically 2 to 3 hours with good airflow | Usually very short |
| Often chosen for | Deep cleans, stains, pet accidents, end of tenancy | Quick refreshes where downtime matters |
For a proper deep clean of a home carpet, hot water extraction is the usual choice, and it is what we use. We check the carpet type and condition first and explain the approach before we start. Delicate or unusual carpets may need extra care, so tell us what you have.
Our carpet cleaning starts from £45 for one room (up to 12m²), with a minimum spend of £65 per visit and no VAT added. See the full price list or our carpet cleaning service.
Yes, steam cleaning is the everyday name for hot water extraction. It is not dry steam; it is hot water and solution injected and extracted under vacuum.
Most of the water is extracted straight away. The carpet is damp, not soaked, and is typically dry in 2 to 3 hours.
No. We use biodegradable, non-toxic products.
