Free House Repair Tutorials - Clean your Furniture and Upholstery

Hot Water Extraction Cleaning

A solution of hot water and special detergent is sprayed on the upholstery under pressure, to flush out soil. Then the vacuum action of the machine immediately extracts the dirty solution. This is sometimes called "steam" cleaning though there is no steam. This may be done professionally in the home or at a plant, or equipment may be rented, or even purchased.

If done at home special detergents for this process must be used. It can get out heavy soil, and detergent residues from previous shampooing, The equipment is heavy and bulky, it is usually more expensive to do, and one has to be careful not to overwet the upholstery and padding, thus damaging it.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus with references from Wisconsin Extension bulletin, Care and Cleaning of Upholstered Furniture.

Learn about Shampoo Cleaning
Learn about Solvents Cleaning
Learn about Hot Water Extraction Cleaning
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