+ Dry foam: The carpet cleaner applies thick foam to your carpet, allows it to dry, and then, without rinsing, sucks the dried foam into a vacuum. The word “dry” differentiates this method from shampoo methods; however, the carpet is still wet when the process is complete. The amount of foam that is left behind and the quality of the product will determine the resoiling rate (the rate at which the carpet will get dirty again) of your carpet after using this method.
+ Spin pad (Bonnet cleaning): With this method, a large absorbent bonnet is placed on the bottom of a rotary machine after being moistened with water and/or cleaning solutions. As it spins across the carpet, the rotating motion causes the bonnet to absorb dirt. This method is also called bonnet cleaning. Bonnet cleaning will tend to smear the dirt and soil throughout the carpet unless the bonnet is changed or rinsed frequently. A heavy residue is left behind, contributing to a very high resoiling rate in addition to possible distortion of the texture of the carpet.
+ Hot water extraction (Steam cleaning): With this method, hot water cleaning solution under high pressure is forced, and then sucked out of, your carpet. You can choose from two different types: Truck-mount extraction, which is done with a large machine mounted on a truck or van, or portable extraction, which is done with a small, hand-held unit. Either way, your carpet is saturated with water and cleaning detergents, left wet for several hours after cleaning, and dirty solution that was not completely extracted can remain in the carpet. All that moisture can lead to mold & mildew growth, rippling in the carpet, loosening of the backing of the carpet, shrinkage & seam splitting, and high amounts of downtime.
+ HOST Dry Extraction Method: This low-moisture method eliminates many of the problems and challenges presented by wet methods of carpet cleaning. The HOST Sponges cleaner uses less than 1 teaspoon of liquid per square foot of carpeting. Working just like your kitchen sponge, it carries the proper amount of moisture and safe cleaning solvent to the carpet fibers, dissolves and absorbs the dirt, soil and other contaminants through agitation, then carries it away into a high-powered vacuum system. Carpet is left clean, dry, and ready for immediate use. The resoiling rate is very slow which means your carpet will stay cleaner longer, spots will not reappear, matted down pile and traffic lanes are lifted, and indoor air quality is improved.
The other methods described mention residue that is left behind. The only thing left behind with the HOST Dry Extraction system is a small amount of HOST Sponges that may lie at the base of your carpet after cleaning. It is dry, not sticky, natural & organic, nonresoiling, safe for people, pets & the environment, and will be easily removed with normal vacuuming.