At Fresh Floors we use the Very Low Moisture or Encapsulation method to clean carpets. Paired with top of the range cleaning products sourced from an industry expert in Dunedin this method has some key benefits over the traditional hot water steam cleaning method.

 

Shorter drying times

Because we use very little water in this process carpets are dry within 1 -2 hours. Often you can move furniture back into the first room by the time the last room is done! Traditional steam cleaning can take between 6 – 12 hours, sometimes longer in winter months or damp weather. Longer drying times can make it more likely for mould or bacteria to grow or for wick backs to occur (when discolouration rises to the surface of the carpet during the drying process).

 

Better for the environment!

The obvious environmental benefit is that less water is used in this process. Traditional steam cleaning also generally requires a petrol-powered machine. There is also no contaminated waste water being discharged down the drain. The products we use are all environmentally friendly and breakdown completely during drying.

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Flexibility

Since the equipment needed for VLM cleaning is much smaller than the large machines used for steam cleaning, it’s easier to access any space you need cleaned. All we need is access to electricity!

 

So how does it work?

1. First the carpet is thoroughly vacuumed with a powerhead vacuum cleaner to lift and remove soil and debris

2. A pre-spray is applied evenly to wet the carpet well but not soak through the backing.

3. If needed the carpet is agitated with a brush

4. Using a… machine the carpet is thoroughly cleaned. Soil is lifted into the pad and stains and odours are removed. The carpet should be left to dry before pets are allowed on it or before walking in bare feet as some of the products can be a skin irritant when wet.

 

Brilliant results without the big loud machines!