Chem-Dry Compared to Steam Cleaning Carpets
March 19, 2025
Getting your carpets professionally cleaned is the only way to tackle certain kinds of stains. While most people are familiar with steam cleaning, and may believe it is the only solution for deep cleaning, the Chem-Dry process allows carpets to dry more quickly than traditional steam cleaning and makes carpets clean and fresh. This gives us an edge in the industry.
Chem-Dry is set apart due to our proprietary Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process, which has been specifically designed to avoid the drawbacks of steam cleaning. The real difference maker with Chem-Dry is that our process uses millions of tiny bubbles to loosen up the dirt and grime trapped in your carpet. This technique uses less water and less pressure for a gentle clean on carpets.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about the various ways to have your carpet cleaned. Below, we’re busting some myths so you can make the best decision for your home.
Debunking Common Myths About Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning
We’re here to set the record straight about what you can expect from our carpet cleaning services and why our approach is the optimal choice when it comes to revitalizing your home and extending the lifespan of your carpets. Take a look at these common misconceptions:
Myth #1: Chem-Dry uses soap.
Unlike many steam cleaners who use harsh detergents, Chem-Dry uses a gentle detergent-free formula called The Natural® as our core cleaning solution. This solution contains no harsh chemicals.
In contrast, traditional steam cleaners work by pumping carpets full of high-pressured soapy water. This water is filled with chemicals that can leave behind a residue that will be familiar to anyone who has seen their carpets undergo this process.
Unfortunately, this residue has a tendency to attract dirt and can actually cause carpets to re-soil much more quickly after being cleaned — the exact opposite of what you want.
Even worse, chemicals with an aggressive pH can actually end up causing damage to the carpet fibers, thus shortening the life of your carpet. This makes our soap-free process, which relies on millions of tiny bubbles and the natural cleaning power of our special formula, ideal for those who want to protect their carpets while enjoying carpets that have been deeply cleaned.
Myth #2: Chem-Dry uses a dry carpet cleaning approach.
While we may have “dry” in our name, this is not because we employ a dry carpet cleaning method or use the technique of encapsulation. To the contrary, we get our name from the fact that your carpets will dry much faster after being cleaned by our technicians than they would following a steam cleaning process.
Thanks to our soap-free HCE method, reliance on the power of carbonation, and powerful extraction equipment, we can provide our clients with pristine carpets while using up to 80% less water than traditional steam cleaners.
There are a few reasons why this is so significant. To start, it’s simply better for the planet. Far less water is wasted, and yet spectacular results are achieved. Furthermore, using less water is also better for the carpet. Many steam cleaners use high-pressure machines to shoot soapy water to the base of the carpet, where it collects. This can become a breeding ground for mildew and create funky odors that will lead to the need to have your carpets cleaned all over again.
With dry times of just a few hours, rather than the few days that steam cleaning often requires, choosing Chem-Dry lets you quickly get back to your regular routine, so you can enjoy the cleanliness of your carpets.
Myth #3: Chem-Dry “explodes” dirt rather than extracting it.
Our carbonated cleaning solution works on the microscopic level to dislodge dirt particles from carpet fibers and the backing of carpet. Rather than “exploding contaminants,” it propels them to the surface to then be whisked away by our extraction equipment.
Thanks to the activity of all those tiny carbonation bubbles, we can effectively loosen soil, grime, and oils that have become stuck in your carpet. And, since our process uses 80% less water than traditional steam cleaning, there is reduced risk of mildew growth after cleaning. This, combined with our earned reputation as an expert at cleaning and protecting surfaces in your home, is why homeowners across the country rely on Chem-Dry for fresh, clean carpets.
Do you want to learn more about what makes Chem-Dry the ideal choice over steam cleaning? Reach out to our carpet cleaning experts at (800) CHEM-DRY today!