There are two popular ways to clean carpet, dry cleaning and steam cleaning. Dry cleaning is not exactly dry. A high PH chemical is applied to the carpet with a pump sprayer then using a heavy floor buffer,   that usually is for cleaning hard surfaces, the carpet is cleaned. There is no extraction (vacuum) in the cleaning process. Some of the dirt, allergens and bacteria are absorbed in the cotton bonnet of the buffer but then distributed into the rest of the carpet giving the illusion that the carpet is clean.

Steam cleaning is not actual steam. The phrase steam cleaning comes from the appearance of steam as the carpet cleaning wand is passed over carpet. With a truck-mounted steam cleaning extraction system the water is heated to above 200 degrees. The hottest water breaks down oils and soils fastest and effectively. A very important part of steam cleaning is the extraction process. The vacuum in the cleaning wand pulls out dirt, allergens and bacteria then send it back to the truck into a separate water tank.   Steam cleaning is the preferred and recommended method for the most effective carpet cleaning.