Glossary · Last reviewed June 2026
What is Hot-Water Extraction (Carpet Cleaning)?
Definition
Hot-water extraction — often called steam cleaning — is a carpet cleaning method that injects heated water and cleaning solution deep into the carpet pile under pressure, then immediately extracts it along with embedded dirt, allergens and staining, and is the deep-cleaning method recommended by most carpet manufacturers.
It outperforms dry cleaning and bonnet cleaning on embedded soil and odours, which is why inventory clerks and letting agents typically expect it at the end of a tenancy. Carpets are dry within 4 to 6 hours.
In Lincoln, professional hot-water extraction costs £75 for the first room and £45 for each additional room with LWR Group — almost always cheaper than the £400 to £800 cost of replacing a carpet left too dirty to recover.
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