Just like our exclusive tri-colour cleaning process, our dry-touch carpet cleaning system combines the newest, most innovative technology in carpet cleaning with a step-by-step system that allows us to consistently deliver the most exceptional standards of home cleaning possible.

dry-touch is exciting precisely because it’s so new. Most cleaning companies continue to use steam-cleaning (actually hot-water extraction) for carpets, which is inferior in so many ways to the new encapsulation technology used by our dry-touch system.

The best thing about dry-touch?

Carpets are dry within an hour of cleaning, and are cleaner and more hygienic than steam or chemically cleaned carpets. A dry-touch clean is deeper, healthier, and longer-lasting than these traditional carpet cleaning methods.

To understand dry-touch, it’s helpful to have a basic knowledge of traditional carpet cleaning methods and how these differ from the encapsulation process used by our dry-touch system.

Steam cleaning or hot-water extraction

When carpet cleaning companies advertise ‘steam cleaning’, they really mean ‘hot-water extraction’. ‘Steam cleaning’ is a misnomer for this traditional cleaning process – still used by 95% of carpet cleaners today – which involves spraying carpet with chemicals and heated water while vacuuming. There is no steam involved in this process (steam severely damages carpets and causes shrinkage).

How it works:

1. Alkaline based chemicals are lightly worked into carpet fibres.
2. A truck-mounted or portable hot-water extraction machine is used over the carpet several times. This combines extremely hot water with acid-based chemicals to neutralise the fibres.

The drawbacks:

• Carpets are damp for hours after cleaning, sometimes causing mildew to form – which leads to severe carpet deterioration later on

• Chemicals remain in the carpet even after the extraction process and subsequent vacuuming, running health risks and leaving the fibres sticky

• Left-over detergent acts like a magnet for future dirt – attracting even more allergy-causing pollutants, dirt and dust mites

• Because of the extremely high temperatures of water used, carpets are often prone to shrinkage

• Hot-water extraction is very labour intensive – increasing the possibility of an inconsistent clean, corners being cut and chemicals left in the carpet

Dry cleaning

Dry carpet cleaning is a popular choice on commercial premises, where carpets need to be in use as soon as possible after cleaning. After using this method, carpets are dry within one or two hours.

How it works: 

More accurately known as ‘very low moisture’ (VLM) cleaning, dry carpet cleaning works by spraying pre-treatments and chemicals onto the carpets before a dry carpet machine – typically a ‘bonnet’ machine, which rubs the carpet using a special pad – is used to agitate and groom the carpet before a final vacuum.

The drawbacks:

• This method, while useful for commercial purposes, is not recommended for residential homes

• More of a surface clean, with limited capability for dirt removal

• The vigorous buffing method used can damage carpets, leaving swirl marks and fuzzy, distorted fibres

• Chemicals are left in the carpet, resulting in rapid re-soiling

• Many carpet manufacturers warn against dry cleaning because of the risk to carpet fibres

Encapsulation cleaning

Encapsulation is the newest technology in carpet cleaning, and provides the most thorough carpet clean out of the dry and hot-water extraction methods outlined above. 

In the 1990s, new polymers were developed to encapsulate or crystallise dirt into a dry residue. Five years ago, this technology was developed for use in the carpet cleaning industry to terrific effect, allowing for a deeper carpet clean without the drawbacks of traditional carpet cleaning methods. 

How it works:

• A cleaning product containing detergent and polymers is applied to the carpet. While the detergent traps dirt and debris, the polymer encapsulates and crystallises this growing detergent-dirt mixture

• Once the mixture is completely dry, the polymer crystals are agitated with a scrubbing machine to clean deep into the carpet. Both detergent and dirt are then easily vacuumed away, without any residue, detergent, dirt or chemicals left behind

The myhome dry-touch encapsulation service involves a unique six step process to guarantee this technology is used to its best advantage and delivered in the most consistent way to our customers.

Our equipment

• German-made, hospital-grade SEBO filtration vacuum (for pre- and post-treatment vacuuming)
• Imported, 12-volt Big B.O.S.S. electric sprayer (to apply encapsulation product)
• HOS orbital scrubber (to massage product into carpet fibres)
• Grandi Groom carpet grooming brush

Encapsulation products

Some of the encapsulation products we use during the myhome dry-touch treatment:

Releasit

• Uses a unique, soil-resistant crystallising polymer called Crystalon3
• Unlike carpet detergents, which continue to attract dirt after cleaning, the crystallised residue from Releasit can’t attract further dirt and is easily removed with a vacuum
• Safe to use on all carpet fibres – including wool, nylon and synthetics
• Minimal impact on the environment

CleanCap

• Special low-moisture encapsulating cleaner
• Provides tough grease-cutting action
• Includes fluorochemicals and unique foaming action to assist technicians during treatment
• Safe to use on all carpet fibres – including wool, nylon and synthetics
• Low odour formula

Carpets are one of the trickiest household materials to maintain, and can also be the unhealthiest. But, for many people, carpet cleaning isn’t considered a priority when it comes to household maintenance.

In reality, carpets need to be cleaned at least once a year by a qualified technician. There are many reasons to regularly clean your carpets, and not all of them aesthetic:

A healthier home

While seen as cozy and comfortable, carpets can become a haven for air pollutants, dust, mould and dust mites. This is especially the case in winter, where closed windows and doors cause dust and pollutants like VOCs (emitted from certain cleaning products) to settle in the cracks. Carpets, especially where they’re a playground for toddlers and young children, can cause allergies, headaches and other health problems if not taken care of. A clean, refreshed carpet means a healthier home with less to worry about.

Carpet renewal

Carpet cleaning brings back the pleasure of a brand new carpet. There’s nothing softer or more pleasant to walk on than plush, fresh fibres. A thorough clean can perk up even the tiredest of carpets, springing up lazy fibres and removing stains. If stains are left to linger, they are more likely to become permanent fixtures in your house – ruining the look of your carpet permanently.

Prevent the build-up of traffic lanes

Regular carpet cleaning prevents the build-up of dirt and ‘traffic lanes’ on your carpets, brought in by muddy, dirty or grease-ridden shoes. Once dirt settles into a carpet, it becomes a magnet for filth – another reason to consistently maintain your carpet with regular cleaning.

Reduce the risk of allergies

Carpets are sinks for allergy-causing proteins, VOCs and dust mites, and have been linked to asthma, eczema and rhinitis. Regular cleaning is important to fight allergies and create a healthier, allergy-free environment for you and your family.

Lengthen the life of your carpet

If left untreated, stains and dirt can wear down your carpet and reduce its carpet life significantly. As with any investment, it’s important to properly maintain a carpet to keep it looking fresh and increase its longevity.

There are three main types of carpet

Loop pile carpets 

Fibres are attached to the carpet backing in loops, creating a firm, uniform and durable finish. Berber, level and multi-level carpets are all examples of the loop pile style. 

Cut pile carpets 

Carpets that are made looped then cut between each loop. These include dense plush carpets and the shaggier styles of Saxony and frieze. Cut pile carpets are generally softer than loop piles, but not as resilient to wear and tear.

Cut & loop pile carpets 

This style combines the loop and cut styles to create unusual and distinct textures.

Carpet material

Depending on the material, carpets can have significantly different feels. Wool – though more expensive – generally outclasses synthetic fibres like nylon, olefin (polypropylene) or polyester for softness and comfort. 

Carpets made from natural products such as wool and jute are also a healthier alternative to synthetic carpets, which, like certain cleaning products and pesticides, can emit volatile organic compounds (known as VOCs) in the household air when first installed. These VOCs – which include gasses like formaldehyde – are emitted from both the carpet and carpet padding, producing not only that ‘new carpet’ smell, but causing or exacerbating health problems like asthma and allergies.