What is the difference between carpet cleaning machines: steaming, shampooing, or other types?

Question:

Answers:
Steaming uses heated water and suction to extract dirt. It will use an agent that helps the dirt release from the fiber, but it is not a foaming soap.

Shampooing uses cold or hot water, a foaming soap, and a rotating brush. It may or may not suction the remaining water back out of the carpet.

Dry cleaning uses a dry chemical and vacuums it back up like a regular vacuum cleaner. No water involved. Some dry cleaning isn't actually dry, but uses a chemical like is used on clothing.

Steaming causes the least damage to your carpet, but dry cleaning is the most effective for over all cleaning. Shampooing is hard on the carpet and can leave it looking a little bit matted, but is good for cleaning small spots.