Does steam cleaning leave the carpet wet?

Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, does use hot water and a cleaning solution to clean the carpet, and it may leave the carpet wet after the cleaning process.
During the cleaning process, a cleaning solution is applied to the carpet and then agitated using a brush. The solution is then extracted using a powerful vacuum, which removes the dirt, stains, and cleaning solution. The carpet may be rinsed with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and dirt. After that, the professional cleaner should extract as much water as possible from the carpet using a powerful vacuum, and use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Even with the extraction and drying process, the carpet may still be damp in certain areas. In this case, it is best to avoid walking on the carpet until it is completely dry to prevent any damage or re-soiling.
The drying time for carpet after steam cleaning can vary depending on a number of factors such as the type of carpet, the humidity and temperature of the room, and the amount of water used during the cleaning process. In general, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours for the carpet to dry completely after steam cleaning. However, professional carpet cleaners use powerful equipment that is designed to extract as much water as possible from the carpet, which can help reduce the drying time. After the cleaning process, the professional cleaner should use a powerful vacuum to extract as much water as possible from the carpet and use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.