Carpet Cleaning

In our introduction we mentioned that the degree of soiling dictates how a carpet should be cleaned.  However a survey must be undertaken so that the correct cleaning system can be utilised:

1. The first step involves gently opening up the pile to check the degree of soiling and whether this soiling is dusty, greasy, compacted or a combination of any of these three.
2. Next the carpet is inspected for draught marks, obvious stains, the condition of the seams and any worn or faded areas.
3. We then look at the construction of the backing, as some carpets are more prone to shrinkage, and confirm that the carpet is well fitted.
4. Now a test is undertaken to see if the dyes are stable enough to be cleaned.
5. Finally we identify the fibres in the carpet to make sure the correct cleaning solutions are used.

Once the survey has been completed we can then start to clean the carpet. 

6. Firstly, any matted pile is combed open for efficient dust and grit removal.
7. Next, the carpet is vacuumed to remove all dry soiling so as to prevent it turning into mud when being wet cleaned.
8. Stains are now treated to ensure effective removal.
9. A correct pre-treatment is applied by pressure sprayer and agitated into the pile to ensure effective removal of greasy soil.
10. The carpet is then uniformly wet cleaned using the correct method and equipment.
11. Stairs and edges are cleaned by hand.
12. The pile is realigned whilst damp and furniture is replaced on to protective pads.
13. If adequate ventilation cannot be ensured then a air mover is introduced to speed up drying.

So what are the different methods of cleaning a carpet mentioned at stage 10 and which do we utilise?  Well the answer depends on how dirty the carpet is:

Low Soiling – under this category there are three ways to clean a carpet:

By agitating a granular dry cleaning compound into the carpet, letting it dwell for a short while and then dry vacuuming it up.  Carpets cleaned this way can be used immediately.

By spraying a non-residual cleaning solution onto the carpet and then using a rotary carpet machine with a cotton pad to absorb any surface soil.  Drying time by this method is about 20 minutes.

By spraying an encapsulating cleaning solution onto the carpet and then brushing it into the pile using a machine with contra-rotating brushes.  When dry, this forms an invisible hard crystalline residue that is vacuumed out.  Drying time by this method is about 30 minutes.

Medium Soiling – we can use two methods to clean a carpet with medium levels of soiling:

By scrubbing in a crystallising foam shampoo with a rotating brush.  The resulting residue is then removed by normal, regular vacuuming.  Carpets can be walked on in two to four hours.

With this method the heavier soiled areas of carpet are sprayed with a pre-treatment and then the whole carpet is rinsed out using a spray extraction machine.  Carpets should be dry within six to eight hours.

Heavy Soiling

This process utilises a combination cleaning technique whereby we scrub in a pre-treatment with a rotary machine and then immediately rinse out with a spray extraction machine.  This is followed up with a cotton bonnet to absorb as much moisture as possible.  An air mover is essential to speed up the drying process.

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