BONNET CLEANING IS NOT WITHOUT CONTROVERSY
Bonnet cleaning offers a carpet cleaning method that, while still used today, is not without its risks or controversies. It’s typically called bonnet cleaning, but this carpet cleaning method can also be referred to as rotary carpet cleaning, a spin pad, absorbent pad, tip cleaning or carbonated shampoo carpet cleaning.
This adaptation of hard floor spray buffing for use with carpet cleaning is sure to cause debate among carpet cleaning companies. Some companies use nothing but bonnet cleaning, others include it as part of a maintenance program and many refuse to use it at all.
Concerns stem from questions around its effectiveness and the fact that it can actually wear carpets faster and even void your carpet’s warranty. While some facility managers think bonnet carpet cleaning can save money between deep, hot-water extraction cleanings, others are reluctant to take a chance on this controversial method.
Let’s examine the facts to determine how bonnet cleaning works, whether it is effective and what risks this carpet cleaning modality might present in your facility.
HOW IS BONNET CARPET CLEANING USED?
As already mentioned, bonnet cleaning was adapted from a hard floor spray buffing machine. A soft pad saturated with carpet cleaning solution is attached to a rotary shampoo machine. As the machine moves across the carpet’s surface, the movement loosens soil, some of which adheres to the cleaning pad.
Although sometimes referred to as a “dry” method, the absorbent pad uses significantly more water than true dry carpet cleaning methods. One of its benefits for carpet cleaning companies is that it is inexpensive and easy to learn.
This can help companies that do not want to invest time or money in onboarding carpet cleaning technicians or those dealing with high employee turnover. Though it might offer a carpet cleaning company a low-cost entry into the marketplace, it has few advantages for offices and commercial facilities.
WHY BONNET CARPET CLEANING RAISES EYEBROWS FROM EXPERIENCED COMPANIES
Bonnet cleaning is no longer used by many carpet cleaning companies for a variety of reasons.
First, while it can dislodge and absorb some surface soil, it can also push dirt deeper into the carpet’s pile. Second, because it agitates and rotates on the carpet’s surface, it can wear fibers and accelerate damage with torn or snagged carpeting.
Third, this type of cleaning can leave behind solvent residue that causes carpet to look dirty faster, reducing the value of your cleaning. Often the solution uses “optical brighteners,” making the carpet appear cleaner but resulting in irreversible yellowing.
Bonnet cleaning can even melt or burn synthetic carpet fibers because of the machine’s high speed. Finally, most carpet manufacturers do not recommend it and using bonnet cleaning may void your carpet’s warranty.
IS YOUR CARPET CLEANING COMPANY STILL USING BONNET CLEANING?
Most carpet cleaners have moved on from bonnet cleaning and opt for methods that both clean better and pose less risk to carpet. Some janitorial companies may still use bonnet cleaning simply because they already own the equipment and do not want to invest in better technology.
Bonnet cleaning is less effective and potentially more damaging. It offers heightened risk with no real rewards beyond saving your janitorial company a couple of dollars.
Many professional carpet cleaning companies are dropping bonnet cleaning from their programs and opting for safer, more effective methods. If your provider still uses bonnet cleaning, contact your carpet manufacturer to ensure you don’t void your warranty.
THE BOTTOM LINE ON BONNET CARPET CLEANING’S COST SAVINGS
Some carpet cleaners may price bonnet cleaning lower because they already own the equipment and it is in less demand. Still, long-term costs outweigh any short-term savings.
Carpet manufacturers consistently advise against bonnet cleaning because it prematurely wears carpets. The longer your carpets look good, the less they cost you—bonnet cleaning shortens that lifespan.
Likewise, bonnet cleaning is simply less effective than superior methods like hot water extraction and encapsulation cleaning. All things considered, there really isn’t a financial benefit to using bonnet carpet cleaning.
BALANCE COST, QUALITY & LONG TERM SAVINGS WITH BETTER METHODS
At Stathakis, we utilize only the safest, most effective carpet cleaning technologies. By investing in technology that makes carpet cleaning better, faster and more cost-effective, we offer solutions that don’t carry the risks of bonnet cleaning.
Our methodologies include truck mounted carpet cleaning, portable machine carpet cleaning, low moisture carpet cleaning and dry carpet cleaning. We choose the right method based on your facility, your carpet’s condition and your budget.
Whether you need a subscription-based program or a one-time carpet cleaning, we can help maintain your carpets in optimal condition.
For more information, please contact Matt Brown, Special Projects Manager with Stathakis at #800-278-1884.
