Sometimes called "Steam Cleaning", hot water extraction, as performed by Teddy Bear Carpet Care LLC, is the cleaning method nearly all carpet manufacturers and carpet fiber producers recommend. It is the only cleaning method classified as "deep cleaning". All the others are considered "light surface cleaning" because they are incapable of removing soil deep in the pile. Also, all other methods leave large amounts of cleaning agent in the carpet after cleaning.

In fact, the world's largest carpet manufacturer, Shaw Industries Group, states "Research indicates that the hot water extraction system provides the best capability for cleaning." Since 1987, Teddy Bear Carpet Care LLC has been cleaning carpet via hot water extraction per manufacturer recommendation.

This method is frequently called "steam" cleaning due to the fine spray of water used to force dirt out of the carpet which is sucked up by the vacuum slot immediately in front of the spray. Seldom is steam actually used, however. Teddy Bear Carpet Care LLC's process consists of spraying a solution of hot water and detergent into the carpet pile and recovering the water and soil with a powerful vacuum into a holding tank. This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and floor tool brought inside, or by a portable, system brought entirely into the home or office.