Keeping Your Commercial Carpet Clean

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

A carpet or rug adds a touch of luxury to a commercial property.  Proper care helps your carpet keep its appearance and last longer, but small particles of debris can embed themselves deep in the fibers, while heavy traffic in a particular spot crushes carpet fibers and can cause them to fray. Spills that are not mopped up quickly leave behind unpleasant odors as well as staining and those left unattended can support the growth of mildew and mold. Regular vacuuming removes a good deal of dirt and grime but not all of it and eventually, every carpet starts to look tired and in need of the services of a commercial carpet cleaning specialist.

Professional carpet cleaners have a range of techniques and substances at their disposal to match the requirements of different types of carpets and different kinds of problems. The most popular cleaning methods are explained below.

Hot Water Extraction

Hot water extraction involves using very hot water under pressure to break down the dirt molecules which are then brushed together and removed by suction. This is a safer method than using shampoo and gives a deep clean to remove stains and odors. But operatives require specific training to manage it successfully. If done incorrectly, it can leave a carpet saturated with water and therefore at risk of developing mold.

Spin Bonnet

Using this method, either dry, damp or wet pads are fitted to a machine like a floor polisher and the oscillation of these pads detaches and lifts the dirt from the fibers. Where dry pads are used, a cleaning solution is applied directly to the carpet, otherwise, the solution is applied to the pads. This method of cleaning works well with short pile carpets but some manufacturers do not recommend it on the grounds that the oscillating movement can damage the fibers.

Dry cleaning

Dry cleaning is often used on carpets that are not color-fast. A powder containing the active cleaning ingredients is shaken over the carpet and brushed in so it can dislodge and attract the dirt and odor molecules. Then the powder and dirt are vacuumed up together.

Encapsulation

In this method, the cleaning agent works in two ways. First detergents separate the dirt from the fibers. Then special polymers encapsulate the dirt-bearing detergents. As they dry the polymers turn into crystals which can be easily sucked away with a vacuum cleaner. This procedure was developed for commercial applications but is becoming more widely available for domestic situations as well.

The best method for your carpet or rug depends on a number of factors: the material and construction of the carpet, the manufacturer’s instructions, and the source of the dirt and soil to be removed. A professional carpet cleaning technician can advise you as to which method or combination of methods is the most appropriate taking all this information into account. A good thorough clean of your carpet, combined with a restoration of any worn patches, will leave your commercial carpet looking as good as new.