Why Choose VLM Carpet Cleaning?
Is it REALLY possible
to get a carpet cleaned
using way less water?
Just like people used to think that front-load washing machines couldn’t clean clothing as well because they had only ever seen top-load machines use a lot of water and chemicals, most people think that’s the only way to clean a carpet. That’s because they’ve only ever seen most carpet cleaning companies use a lot of water and chemicals
… and park a van outside with a big 1,000 PSI pump
… and drag hoses through an open door
… and need long drying times. (Did I mention, LONNNG drying times??)
Hopefully you get the point.
Front-load wash machines changed perspectives about low-moisture cleaning then – and VLM carpet cleaning is changing them now!
Prepare to get your perspective changed with the very low moisture (VLM) encapsulation carpet cleaning method!
Get highly effective results on all carpet types, including wool, with drying times as low as 30 minutes!
Contact me to book a cleaning or get an estimate OR keep scrolling to learn more
Do you still need more convincing about VLM? Below is a deep-dive into why Neat Freak Cleaning has chosen it.
“I had some guy clean our carpets one time with that low-moisture stuff and it didn’t look much different. Some of the stains even came back. I’m going back to steam cleaning next time.”
If this has been your experience, then it’s most likely that the encapsulating product was applied using the wrong machine, wrong technique, and/or a second-rate product was used.
Neat Freak Cleaning uses the industry’s top VLM system, the proper techniques, and the cleaning products designed to work best with them!
How did I learn about VLM carpet cleaning?
When researching the best methods for carpet cleaning, I started with the high-moisture methods (what I’ll call HM) that almost everybody already knows about: “steam” cleaning or truck-mount. (Another term is hot water extraction/HWE, but all of these are technically called spray extraction. Shampooing is another popular high-moisture method.)
But during the course of more intensive research, I was most surprised – even shocked – when I eventually learned about VLM and the effective results despite using way less water (and cleaning product)!
What sold me on VLM?
The #1 most mind-blowing realization: encapsulation!
With VLM, a cleaning solution comprised of a detergent and a liquid polymer is mixed with water, then lightly applied and gently agitated into a carpet, right down to the backing (when done with the proper machine – NOT one with a bonnet or pad).
After the detergent lifts the soil (i.e. dirt, dust, grease, stains, etc.) from the carpet fibers, the liquid polymer traps or “encapsulates” each soil particle and molecule.
As the liquid polymer dries (the “encapsulant”), it hardens or crystallizes around each trapped soil particle and molecule.
** NOTE: encapsulation is the popular term used for the process that is technically called “crystallization” **
Once dry, the microscopic-sized crystals are simply removed at the next regular vacuuming! Until then, they’re harmless. You can’t see them. They won’t stick to the carpet. They also won’t break apart, i.e. the trapped particles won’t get released back into your carpet.
What this ultimately means: With properly-done VLM encapsulation, new soil has nothing to stick to and so it gets removed a lot easier even with regular vacuuming!
High-moisture cleaning (HM) leaves behind a residue layer (soap scum) at the carpet backing/base, no matter how powerful the vacuum suction, that dries and gets sticky and actually attracts new soil.
** After an initial VLM “deep” clean, with regular VLM “interim” cleanings – which cost less than HM – your carpet looks better in between cleanings … AND you extend the life of your expensive carpet! **
If you’re looking for quick turnaround times and a way of cleaning that’s safe for you AND your carpets, then there’s no better choice than very low moisture carpet cleaning!
More VLM facts and benefits
- VLM cleaning uses roughly 80% less water than high-moisture cleaning (HM). This means drying times as fast as 30 minutes on low-pile carpets versus several hours for HM. On a 1,000 sq. ft. carpet, for example, that means about 1 gallon of water for VLM versus about 5 times more water for HM!
- VLMs low water usage can prevent mold growth, carpet shrinkage, and wastewater.
- VLM cleans high-traffic areas faster than HM.
- VLM uses very little cleaning product compared to HM. (And Neat Freak Cleaning uses ones with no VOCs and no added dyes or fragrances – perfect for those with allergies or sensitive to chemicals. Most other VLM cleaning products cannot claim the same!)
- VLM is gentle on your carpet, prolonging your investment. If cleaned too frequently, the heat and pressure from a hot water extractor can cause wear and tear on your carpet, and too much water can cause carpet backing delamination.
- VLM cleaning is safe and effective for many carpet types, including synthetic fibers, wool, and blended fabrics. HM cleaning solutions need to be chosen very carefully depending upon carpet type.
Contact me to book a cleaning or get an estimate
