Somewhere around 2000 or 3000 BC marked the genesis of carpets made of sheep wool or goat hair with origins tracing back to the Middle East. A longing for comfort while sitting on the ground marked the humble beginning of carpets that have adorned a floors through the ages. Taking a sneak peak into the world of carpet cleaning, Aditya Shroff, Director of Shroff’s Carpets, enumerates various solutions.
The carpet cleaning revolution started with the steam cleaning invention which used high-pressure steam to dissolve dirt and stains. Next came the advent of vacuum cleaners that conveniently removed dust and debris from carpets.
Mid-20th-century, chemical cleaning solutions like shampoos and detergents were formulated to dissolve stains and dirt embedded in carpet fibers. Specialized cleaning agents were formulated to dissolve and remove tough stains, grease, and dirt from carpet fibers. Combined with the use of rotary machines, deeper cleaning was achieved. Hot water extraction or steam cleaning gained immense popularity as a highly effective carpet cleaning method in the 1970s. The technique involves injecting hot water mixed with cleaning agents into the carpet, agitating the fibers, and then extracting the water along with the dissolved dirt and debris. It has become a standard practice for professional carpet cleaning.
Nanotechnology paves the way for the development of self-cleaning carpets that likely repel dirt, stains, and allergens.
Dry cleaning methods such as encapsulation and bonnet cleaning gained traction later as these techniques use minimal moisture and rely on chemical compounds that crystallize around dirt particles, making them easier to remove. The desire to achieve minimum water usage and chemical waste has given rise to green cleaning solutions.
Exciting advancements await the future of carpet cleaning. These include robotic carpet cleaners that are equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence. Nanotechnology paves the way for the development of self-cleaning carpets that likely repel dirt, stains, and allergens. Thus, the carpets would require minimum maintenance and provide a cleaner and healthier environment.
Innovations in carpet cleaning over the years reflect human ingenuity and the desire for cleaner, healthier living spaces. Ancient techniques involving beating and trampling to advanced machinery and cleaning solutions showcase the ever-growing effort to improve cleanliness and hygiene in our surroundings.
