Dry Foam Method

The dry foam method is an effective low moisture, rapid drying method that has been used in carpet cleaning for decades. The dry foam method is similar to the rotary shampoo method in that brushes are used to agitate the carpet pile. The foam is dispensed into the horizontally rotating brushes. As with all carpet cleaning methods, the more chemical that is applied the longer the drying time. Some machines have their own extraction capability. These machines have the capability to remove shampoo and attached soil particles. Other machines do not have extraction capability. A wet/dry vacuum must be used to remove the shampoo and soil.

The solution used for this method should contain a quality surfactant, an alkaline builder to soften water, and a dry solvent to assist in emulsification of oils. A defoamer is normally used to eliminate foaming in the vacuum recovery tank.

While some dry foam-in-a-can products are sold at large discount stores, their use should be discouraged. Their cleaning results are marginal, but re-soil potential can be heavy.