The Carpet Cleaning Process

carpetLeaving dirt in the carpet causes it to retain odors and heavy soiling degrades the fibers. To begin cleaning, your technician will vacuum wall to wall and move furniture (if needed). Next, he/she applies an absorbent cleaning compound over the carpet and brushes it in with a machine equipped with counter-rotating brushes. This loosens dirt and stains that the pre-treatment couldn’t get to.

Pre-treatment

The pre-treatment process helps to loosen soils and remove stubborn stains, especially those caused by oil or tar. It also reduces re-soiling. This is one of the most important steps in Carpet Cleaning El Dorado Hills CA process, and it should never be skipped.

A carpet cleaner sprays a special solution over the entire area of carpet that will be cleaned. The solution emulsifies soils, which allows the machine to better suck up the dirt during the hot water extraction process. The solution is usually a low-priced detergent that is safe to use on all types of carpeting.

It is best to test a small area of carpet for colorfastness and sensitivity to chemicals before applying the pre-treatment. After the area has been tested, the solution is applied wall to wall using a pump up spray applicator or a pressure sprayer. This solution will typically contain a solvent and a surfactant that help to break up the toughest soils and oils. It is important to apply the pre-treatment liberally, particularly in traffic lanes and heavily soiled areas.

After the spotting, vacuuming, and application of pre-treatment have been completed, the carpet cleaning pro will inspect the area to point out any areas that require extra attention or may need a stronger solution to remove. A protector is then usually applied to help keep the area looking fresh for longer.

Bonnet cleaning is a quick, economical carpet cleaning method that produces good surface-cleaning results. It is popular in hotels because it can be used without disturbing guests and can dry quickly to prevent inconvenience to hotel guests. It works by soaking up the dirt from the top of the carpet fibers, which is then lifted by a spinning pad that is soaked in cleaning solution.

A high-quality cleaning product is sprayed or brushed onto the carpet and allowed to set for a few minutes. Then, it is rinsed with a specially formulated product that is safe for all types of carpeting and leaves no soapy residue to cause rapid resoiling. The product is also low in VOCs and has the Carpet & Rug Institute’s (CRI) Seal of Clearance for safe use.

Brush Agitation

Regardless of which carpet cleaning method you choose, agitation is an important part of the process. Agitation breaks the soiling down and loosens it from the fibres so that it can be easily extracted by the extraction machine. It also helps to ensure that all the chemical is removed from the fibres and that the carpet is left as clean as possible.

Most agitation methods use brushes that are either attached to an extraction machine or to the carpet. They are usually a wire brush with stiff bristles that break up the laminar layer of the carpet fibres. This is much more effective than a traditional vacuum cleaner which simply relies on air flow to extract the dirt.

This method is often used in hotels as it provides a quick, high quality surface clean that uses less water than other methods. It also allows the carpet to be put back into service faster. Before commencing the bonneting process, it is necessary to pre-vacuum the carpet using a commercial grade powerhead upright vacuum cleaner to remove as much soiling as possible. This will also help to avoid clogs in the vacuum cleaner and allow it to operate at maximum efficiency.

Vacuuming should also be done carefully to ensure that all large items of furniture are moved away from the carpet. This will help to prevent accidental scratches or stains on the woodwork below. The carpet should then be pre-sprayed with a dry cleaning solution or water based spot stain remover to remove stubborn spills and spots. It is then brushed with a CRB (contra-rotating brush) machine to agitate the pre-spray and detach soiling from the carpet pile.

A small amount of a one-to-one mixture of baking soda and salt is then sprinkled over the carpet. The mixture should be worked into the carpet in a grid pattern and then thoroughly agitated with a deck brush or hand brush (either a hand held brush or a small battery powered scrubber such as the i-scrub 21). The carpet should be left with a light milky look as this indicates that sufficient encapsulation chemicals are being applied.

Hot Water Extraction

Hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning, is a very effective carpet cleaning method. It uses hot water mixed with cleaning detergent to remove everything from lingering stains to embedded dirt. It’s safe for most carpets and is an excellent choice for sanitizing because the hot water kills germs. In addition, it leaves carpets with a fresh scent.

This cleaning method involves using a professional-grade tool that generates heat, water pressure and suction. The tool is inserted into the carpet and sprayed with the hot cleaning solution. Then, the machine suctions up 95% of the water and all of the debris from the carpet. This is the only way to thoroughly clean deep into the pile layer of your carpet and remove all the debris.

After the hot water extraction process is complete, the professionals will use a deodorizing product to remove any remaining smells in the carpet. Then, the carpet will need to dry, which can take up to 12 hours depending on weather conditions.

Regular vacuuming is good for removing dirt and dust from the surface of your carpet, but it’s not enough to keep your carpet fully clean. Hot water extraction is the only cleaning method that reaches the bottom of your carpet and removes all the dirt, dust and bacteria that has built up over time.

When conducted by a professional, this is the most effective method for removing difficult stains. It also has the added benefit of killing germs and mites, making it an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. The process of hot water extraction is very efficient and can be used to clean commercial or residential carpets. It’s a great option for removing pet stains and odors as well. However, it’s important to work with a skilled professional because improper hot water extraction can cause permanent damage to your carpet.

High Velocity Air Movers

Once the carpet fibers have been cleaned and the pH levels lowered, it is time to begin the drying process. Depending on the type of cleaning method used, several techniques may be employed to expedite the drying process. Typically, an air mover is utilized to blow hot, dry air over the carpeting for fast and effective drying.

This process helps to remove the remaining cleaning solution, dirt and soil that may have remained in the carpet fibers. This step also assists in preventing the re-soiling of carpet fibers. It is recommended that this step be performed on a regular basis to keep carpets clean and looking their best between professional cleanings.

A carpet protector is applied during the drying process to help protect against future stains and keep the carpets clean longer between cleanings. Carpet deodorizers are also often applied if the carpet has a mild odor, such as those found in homes with pets. These deodorizers are non-toxic and odorless and can be a great way to reduce unhealthy bacteria and odors in your home.

Keeping the carpets clean and in good shape between professional cleanings is easy if you follow these simple tips. Vacuum daily to keep the dirt from settling deep into the fibers of the carpet. It is recommended that you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to avoid clogging the machine. Change the furnace filter at least once a year and have your home’s ductwork cleaned professionally as well. Dirty ducts are often the source of airborne dust that settles on carpeting.

Bonneting is a less expensive cleaning method that uses a motorised machine with a spinning pad that has been immersed in cleaning solution to absorb dirt from the top surface of the carpet fibre. This method is commonly performed in hotels to maintain high traffic public areas without causing inconvenience to the guests.

This Sanitaire 1 HP high velocity floor fan circulates huge volumes of air to quickly dry floors, carpets and walls. The telescoping handle and wheels make it easy to maneuver this unit around the room. The housing stops allow you to position the exhaust in three different directions. This unit is stackable and can be daisy-chained to another unit or easily stored in a closet.

Martha Mack