Carpet Cleaning Methods Explained: Which One Is Right for You?

Explore different carpet cleaning methods, including dry cleaning, hot water extraction, and encapsulation, to find the right approach for your space.

Carpets play a big role in the look and feel of a space, but they also take on a lot more than most people realise.

Vacuum cleaner on gray carpet showing a clean, light stripe. Background has a coiled hose. Mood is tidy and organized.

From dirt and dust to spills and general wear, carpets act as a filter within a building. Over time, without the right cleaning approach, they can begin to look tired, hold odours, and even impact overall hygiene.

The challenge is that there is no single method that suits every environment. Choosing the right approach depends on how the space is used, how often it is cleaned, and what level of disruption is acceptable.

Why Carpet Cleaning Matters

Regular carpet cleaning is not just about appearance. It also helps to extend the life of the flooring and maintain a cleaner environment overall.

As highlighted in Seldram’s care guidance, dirt carried in from outside can quickly build up within carpet fibres. Without proper cleaning, this can lead to wear, discolouration, and reduced lifespan.

A structured cleaning approach helps protect that investment while keeping spaces looking professional.

Dry Cleaning Methods

Dry carpet cleaning methods are often used where minimal disruption is important.

These systems use specialised powders or compounds that are worked into the carpet and then removed, taking dirt with them.

They are typically:

Quick to apply
Low moisture
Suitable for areas that need to remain in use

While convenient, they may not always provide the deep clean required for heavily soiled carpets.

Hot Water Extraction

Often referred to as steam cleaning, hot water extraction is one of the most effective deep-cleaning methods.

It works by injecting hot water and cleaning solution into the carpet fibres, then extracting it along with dirt and debris.

This method:

Provides a deep and thorough clean
Helps remove embedded dirt and residues
Is suitable for periodic intensive cleaning

The main consideration is drying time, which means it is often best scheduled outside of peak hours.

Encapsulation Cleaning

Encapsulation is a more modern approach that sits somewhere between dry cleaning and extraction.

A cleaning solution is applied that surrounds dirt particles and crystallises as it dries. These particles can then be removed through vacuuming.

This method is:

Efficient for routine maintenance
Faster drying than extraction
Effective at maintaining appearance between deeper cleans

It is often used as part of an ongoing cleaning programme rather than a standalone solution.

Choosing the Right Method

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to carpet cleaning.

The right approach depends on:

Foot traffic levels
Type of carpet
Level of soiling
Time available for cleaning and drying
Budget and maintenance strategy

In many cases, the best results come from combining methods, using lighter maintenance techniques regularly and deeper cleaning periodically.

A Smarter Approach to Carpet Care

Carpet cleaning works best when it is planned rather than reactive.

By understanding the different methods available and applying them at the right time, organisations can maintain appearance, improve hygiene, and extend the life of their flooring.

It is not about choosing the most intensive method every time, but about using the right one for the situation.

If you would like advice on carpet cleaning products, methods, or how to build a practical maintenance plan, the Seldram team is always happy to help.

Heavy Duty Floor Cleaning: How to Get Better Results Without Damaging Your Floors

Public washroom germs. How to protect yourself.

Mar 10, 2025
4 min read

We've long been supporters of the power of hand hygiene, therefore, we believe good hand hygiene is vitally important when using public washrooms, where it can help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.

It's nothing new to hear that sharing amenities such as toilet seats, toilet rolls, sinks, and taps with strangers have been linked to health risks; some claims are credible and others are little more than 'myths'.

Following Steve Palmer from Tork manufacturer SCA's recent article in Cleaning and Maintenance magazine, we take a closer look at what type of infections and viruses you could possibly catch from a public washroom, and importantly, what you can do to protect yourself.

Hands with dark nails washing under a silver faucet with soap lather in a white sink. Background is a warm beige.

What Germs Are Really Lurking In Public Washrooms?

As high traffic areas, it's no surprise to hear that the use of public washrooms means exposure to germs. According to experts, there are any number of bacteria and viruses that could be lying in wait in public toilets – including streptoccus, E.coli, salmonella, typhoid fever and Hepatitis A.

So where are the germs lurking? The sink is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria as it is naturally wet for prolonged periods of time. Avoid touching the inside of the sink and you'll receive little to no risk of contamination. Other areas which receive frequent contact, meaning they are offer high risk include – light switches, door handles, taps, dispensers, and toilet seats, which you can find out more below. If you are responsible for the maintenance of washrooms, always make sure to give these areas your utmost attention.

Can I Catch Diseases From Toilet Seats?

If you've ever used a public washroom which was in need of a thorough clean, chances are you were most concerned about the cleanliness of the toilet seat. However, if you use a toilet seat cover, or cover the seat in toilet tissue, it will provide little more than comfort. The truth is that toilet seats are not a vehicle for the transmission of any infectious agents.

In an article by Huffington Post, Dr. William Schaffner, M.D., a professor of preventive medicine at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, explains...

“Toilet seats were once thought to be a way of transmitting gastrointestinal or sexually transmitted infections, but that idea has since been refuted in research."

What might shock you, is that the toilet seat might actually be the cleanest surface in a public washroom. A 2014 US programme called 'The Drs' investigated the cleanliness of public washrooms by taking swabs of various surfaces and sending them to a lab for analysis. The toilet seat actually came out as the cleanest – beating other washroom surfaces such as taps, sinks, and toilet paper dispensers.

Limiting the spread of germs within an airborne environment can be easily achieved by closing the toilet seat lid when flushing, however many of us forget to do this on a regular basis. A 2011 study revealed that the number of viable C.difficile bacteria on surrounding surfaces following a toilet flush was 12 times higher when the toilet lid was open compared to when it had been closed. So remember to always 'put a lid on it' every time you flush!

3 Steps To Protecting Yourself From Germs In Public Washrooms

Although it might seem shocking to discover the extent of which germs are present in public washrooms, the good news is it's actually one of the best places where you could encounter a surface contaminated by harmful bacteria. With immediate access to soap, water, and hand towels you can easily remove the contamination from your hands.

We consider some tips below which you may wish to consider, whether you're using a washroom on a regular basis or are in charge of its maintenance.

Consider Enclosed Toilet Tissue Dispensers

As an area which receives regular contact, and may receive splashings of water and germs from the toilet bowl, research by Philip Tierno of the New York University Medical Centre recommends using dispensers which almost completely enclose the paper. The Versatwin by Leonardo are fantastic dispensers.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Washing our hands after using the toilet is the most crucial aspect of protecting ourselves from germs in public washrooms. The Centres for Disease Control states that we should wash our hands with running water for 20 seconds and then drying them thoroughly after each visit to avoid becoming ill or spreading germs to others. By doing this, it is relatively unlikely that you will pick up an illness in the washroom provided you practice good hand hygiene.

But methods for drying our hands 'thoroughly' have also been a point of contention recently, with both The European Tissue Symposium (ETS) and The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods paper concluding that from a “hygiene viewpoint, paper towels are superior to electronic air dryers". Take a look at our Infographic Hot Air Hand Dryers vs Paper Towels to discover more.

Use 'No Contact Dispensers'

The risk of cross contamination can be reduced even further by using touch free electronic dispenser systems. Reducing contact points, soap dispensers such as our Merlin Gold Soap Dispeners are both a practical and elegant choice for busy washrooms. Touchless taps, paper hand dispensers and hand dryers are other examples of touchless technology – a logical step forward in the future of washroom hygiene. For extra peace of mind, touch free hand sanitising dispensers are perfect for public washrooms, hallways, offices and receptions alike.