Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Daily vacuuming of carpets and upholstery helps remove dust particles from the surface and over time dirt is worked down into them for which it will take hot water extraction to rinse it out.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

How Often Should I Have My Carpets Cleaned?

It varies on each situation. People who have large families or high traffic should have them cleaned more often then those who do not. Some carpet manufacturers require carpet cleaning every 12-18 months for the warranty to remain valid. Commercial cleaning should be scheduled for a routine maintenance program to properly maintain the carpets and keep a high level of appearance.

What Are The Various Methods?

Spot Cleaning - There are many different steps involved in spot removal methods. Every professional company should have a spotting kit which allows the cleaning technician on site to be prepared to remove certain types of soiled areas on the carpet fibers. It is best when spills or soiled areas are noticed to address them right away. There are times when the spot removal methods do not always totally remove the stains and will only lighten them on the surface and usually restorative cleaning is required.

Hot Water Extraction - A hot water solution, usually containing a cleaning product, is injected into the carpet face and followed with a vacuum system that extracts soil and spent solution. This system uses small portable equipment up to large truck mounts. This method works best with high temperature, good chemical concentration, used with proper pre-spray solutions and time for the product to work along appropriate agitation. This method is usually used as a restorative cleaning method.

Rotary Shampoo - This method has been around for many years and is best used when followed with hot water extraction method. A rotary floor machine along with a nylon bristle brush and a solution tank is used for this process. The chemical solution is fed through the top of the machine and down through the brush and worked into the carpet. This process uses excellent agitation due to the aggressiveness of the brush action of the machine which loosens and suspends soils from the carpet. This method works best by following with the hot water extraction method because the suspended soil is then removed from the carpet fibers. If you do not choice to have the hot water extraction method performed you should always be sure to vacuum the carpets once they have completely dried.

Absorbent Pad - Also referred to as Bonnet Cleaning. The Carpet is pre-sprayed with a detergent solution; a rotary floor machine fitted with a special soft absorbent pad that goes over the sprayed areas to absorb surface soil and gives the carpet a uniform appearance. This method is used as an interim or primary cleaning method.

Absorbent Compound - This system uses an absorbent particulate product that is impregnated with cleaning solutions and solvents. The powder is spread on the carpet either by hand or by a special spreading machine, it is then worked in to the carpet fibers by some sort of agitation such as rotary cylinder brushes. The powder will release the chemical cleaner into the soil, which is then emulsified and suspended. The powder sets between 15 minutes to 1 hour and then the carpet is vacuumed.

Dry Foam - The carpet cleaner applies shampoo to the carpet, which allows it to dry, and then without rinsing, they use a vacuum to remove the dried shampoo. This process is very similar to the rotary shampoo method however the products are dry. The difference between the two methods is the machines used have a cylinder brush to work the foam and agitate the carpets. The foam is produced before hitting the carpet, worked in with the brushes and then with most machines extracted with a vacuum system.

Which Method Is The Best?

According to the IICRC (The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), Hot Water Extraction is the most commonly used method today. If proper utilization of all the principles of cleaning takes place, it is the finding of many independent experts and laboratories that this method removes the greatest amount of soil as compared to other methods.

Should I Apply Carpet Protector?

Carpet protector is a wise decision for those who have heavy traffic in their home or office; it is often a requirement of the carpet manufacturer to uphold the warranty. The benefit of carpet protector is to assist in simplifying the cleaning process as well as prevent stains. Carpet protector will wear off with cleaning, day-to-day foot traffic and should be applied periodically.

How Often Should I Have My Upholstery Cleaned?

Considering over time that dirt will work itself into your furniture, dust can be produced in the air every time someone sits down. We recommend at a minimum that you have your Upholstery cleaned annually.