Total Solution Carpet Care Guide
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Proactive Cleaning
to Extend the Life of Your Carpet
Without regular
removal, dirt and soil accumulates to grind and permanently
damage fibers, so carpets “ugly out” before their time. Carpet
by its very nature, will mask soil, stains and abrasion to a
certain degree, unlike hard flooring surfaces that readily
reveal these symptoms indicating the need for immediate
maintenance. It is for this reason carpet must be proactively
maintained before soiling becomes noticeable to prolong the
appearance and life of your carpet.
Proactive cleaning
is
preventive
maintenance before the carpet looks
dirty, instead of reactive cleaning after the
carpet
is visibly
soiled. |
Proactive
cleaning is preventive maintenance before the carpet looks
dirty, instead of reactive cleaning after the carpet is
visibly soiled. It is the foundation of bc group Total
Solution Carpet Care Guide that proactive daily, interim and
scheduled maintenance can reduce or eliminate the cost and
time of reactive restoration required for extreme cases of
badly soiled or damaged carpet while extending the life and
appearance of the carpet itself.
Reactive restoration
involves water extraction with aggressive agitation followed
by thorough rinsing and pile grooming. This procedure may need
to be performed several times before any improvement is
noticeable. Proactive cleaning provides the best possible
carpet appearance day after day, extending replacement due to
appearance.
Not only is the proactive nature of
cleaning important, so is the overall environmental
friendliness of the process. The bc group is committed to
environmental friendliness. We only recommend cleaning systems
that are environmentally friendly which is described as
containing minimal to no VOCs, biodegradable, non-toxic,
non-flammable, non-hazardous and safe for carpet and
environment.
Carpet can act as a filter that helps
keep dust and dirt out of the air. This can be a significant
health benefit since most people spend a great deal of their
time indoors. When removing contaminants from carpet, it’s
important to use equipment that will prevent re-circulation of
dust back into the air.
This guide is organized by
cleaning frequency (daily, interim, and scheduled). Depending
on frequency and traffic, there are different techniques and
tools recommended for best results in your particular
facility. All chemicals used must have a pH level of less than
nine. Do not use chemicals containing optical brighteners or
d-Limonene (orange terpenes).
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Daily
Cleaning
Daily cleaning is necessary for heavy,
medium, and light traffic areas, and includes the
following:
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Daily vacuuming of walk-off mats. |
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Daily vacuuming of track-off, funnel, and main
traffic lanes. In some instances, frequency may be
greater. |
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Immediate daily spot removal with
emulsification and agitation, extraction, or blotting to
guard against permanent staining. |
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Recommended Spotters: Windsor Ind. (Pro Spotting
Kit) or R.E. Whittaker Co. (Crystal Dry spotter &
Roamer). See spot removal section for more details.
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Cleaning walk-off mats as front line
carpet protection
The first step toward a clean carpet
is preventing dirt from getting to the carpet. Since 80% of
all carpet soil is brought from outside on the bottom of
shoes, the bc group strongly recommends walk-off mats at all
entryways and transition areas where soiling is likely. Mats
trap or localize dirt, and the longer the mat, the more dirt
trapped. Daily vacuuming and frequent cleaning of mats will
optimize mat efficiency and provide front line protection to
keep carpets cleaner longer. |
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Vacuuming efficiently and
effectively
Vacuuming
removes 90% of dry soils that accelerates wear and causes
fiber abrasion. Vacuuming is a powerful method for preserving
carpet life and appearance. The first step in vacuuming is
selecting the equipment best suited to your requirements and
preferences. |
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Two-motor Vacuum
Recommended
Vacuum:
Windsor Industries (Versamatic Plus or
comparable two-motor vacuum.
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In a two-motor vacuum,
there is a separate motor for vacuuming and beater brush
drive. Each motor is sized and configured to optimize the
specific function. Operation is generally quieter and dirt
pick-up more effective than single-motor vacuums. We recommend
a two-motor vacuum for all traffic levels.
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Interim
Cleaning
Interim cleaning is a key part of a good
maintenance program that most often gets overlooked or is not
properly performed. Interim cleaning is designed to eliminate
the “sticky stuff” resulting from the deposit of normal oils
and soil that hold foreign matter in the carpet while
simultaneously performing low moisture pile lifting. Low
moisture pile lifting actually retards the tendency for
contaminants to become airborne due to the action of the pile
lifter. This procedure enhances the ability of the vacuum
cleaner to remove loosened foreign matter from the carpet. The
graphs on the next page compare carpet appearance levels of a
reactive or corrective maintenance program to a well-rounded
maintenance program that incorporates a good interim cleaning
plan.
Interim cleaning is a fast, light, easy and safe
method to retain a high level of appearance. By cleaning the
carpet before soiling becomes noticeable, you will retain high
appearance levels and improve upon the wearability of the
floorcovering. Interim cleaning will make your daily and
scheduled maintenance that much easier to perform giving
your carpet the fresh, clean appearance-enhancing effect
you are looking for. |
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Interim Cleaning Method: Low
Moisture Pile Lifting
The interim cleaning process
approved by the bc group is “low moisture pile-lifting with
chemical cleaning”. The approved chemical for this system is
sprayed into the carpet, applying about one diluted gallon per
1000 square feet. Agitation of the floorcovering is
accomplished using a machine that powers dual cylindrical
brushes that will lift the carpet fibers as the brushes turn.
The solution is allowed to dry (usually about 30-90 minutes)
and the crystalline residue removed with the recommended type
of vacuum. Productivity rates from 3,000 to 6,500 square feet
per hour are attainable depending on machine size and spraying
method.
The bc group does not recommend the use of any
type of “bonnet” or rotary shampoo cleaning method for the
BOLYU, Cambridge or Consort commercial carpet brands. Use of
the “bonnet” method may void all warranties.
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| Recommended Equipment &
Chemicals: R.E. Whittaker Co. (GLS & Crystal
Dry) |
The Crystal Dry chemical action breaks down the sticky
and oily residue that attracts soil on contact. The GLS
machine works the Crystal Dry deep into the pile and loosens
foreign solid material, lifting the carpet pile at the same
time. As the Crystal Dry chemical dries, it encapsulates the
soil in crystals that are then dry extracted by
vacuum.
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Scheduled Cleaning
Scheduled periodic overall deep
cleaning with hot water extraction is required to keep carpets
in all areas looking their best. Water extraction cleans to
the base of the fiber. It is our recommendation that on new
carpet installations hot water extraction be performed only
with clean, clear water and when necessary, a pH adjusted
rinse (depending on pH of carpet fibers) for best long-term
results.
Scheduled Deep
Cleaning Method - Hot Water Extraction
The
bc group and other major fiber producers recommend hot water
extraction for the periodic deep cleaning maintenance
process.
Water extraction cleans to the base of the
carpet fibers when performed properly; removing any residual
dirt and debris. If left uncleaned, fungus, mold and bacteria
could form causing unpleasant odors.
For productivity,
hot water extraction simultaneously washes, rinses, and
vacuums your carpet. A combination of hot water, and agitation
cleans and rinses the carpet, while a vacuum carries away the
soiled water.
Selecting
self-contained, truck-mounted, or portable
equipment
The variety of equipment ranges
from truck-mounted high-powered machines to portable machines
that use a hose and wand or self contained extractors. The
self-contained extractor can use a hose and wand, but is
usually operated using the self-contained spray jets,
agitating brush, and vacuum shoe.
Self-contained
machines use hot tap water. The temperature is cooler than
truck-mounts or portables, which also apply the water at
higher pressure. Brush agitation in the self-contained unit
makes up for the cooler water and lower pressure so that
cleaning commercial carpet is very effective. The temperature
of the water should not exceed 120° at the sprayer head.
The following is an average productivity level for
each type of extraction method. Truck-mounts or portables can
typically clean 1000-2000 sq. ft. per hour. A mid-sized
self-contained extractor can clean between 2000 and 4000 sq.
ft. per hour. A large walk-behind wide-area extractor can
clean up to 10,000 sq. ft. per hour. |
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Recommended hot water extraction
methods
Recommended Equipment &
Chemicals:
Windsor Industries
(self
contained extractors, examples below)
or Truck
Mount
Extraction | |
A pre-spray and neutralizing rinse combination is the
most effective method for older installations because it
allows more time for the chemical action. It also permits the
alkalinity of the cleaning chemical to be neutralized in the
rinse, leaving the carpet looking brighter and more lustrous.
For new installations we recommend following these procedures
and extracting with clear, plain water only using a pH
adjusted rinse when necessary. The bc group does not recommend
the use of chemicals containing any type of optical
brighteners or d-Limonene.
Step 1:
Pump spray a diluted solution of pre-spray chemical onto the
area of carpet to be cleaned about 10-15 minutes before
extracting that area.
Step 2: In the
solution tank of the extractor, dilute the hot water with a
proper amount of neutralizing rinse. Extract the pre-sprayed
carpet with this solution. Extract the carpet using this
solution. With any extraction method, you can cut dry time in
half by directing an air blower on the wet carpet.
Do not
over wet carpet. Over wetting carpet causes slower drying and
wick back, which will allow the spots to reappear. Carpet must
also be 100% dry before foot traffic commences to prevent
rapid re-soiling.
When to
use defoamers
If foaming occurs, put a
small amount of defoamer into the recovery tank of the
extractor. Spraying defoamer onto the inner wall of the
recovery tank can give faster contact with foam as it enters
the tank.
Warning: Never put defoamer
into the solution tank. This can clog the spray jets. Also,
defoamer residue on the carpet will cause rapid
resoiling.
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 Carpet Soil Protectors – Proven to Slow
Down Resoiling
| Recommended Carpet
Protector: 3M (carpet
protector) |
The bc group incorporates special
fluorochemicals into the fibers during the production process
that repel soils and materials that cause stains. This
protection can be very effective, but like all topical
treatments its performance levels will decrease as a result of
hot water extraction. For extra soil protection, you can have
new soil protector reapplied on site by a company certified
technician trained to properly apply an approved soil
protector. An approved soil protector should only be
re-applied after 6-8 hot water extractions. Carpet protectors
should be worked into the carpet using a dual cylindrical
brush scrubber (GLS) to maximize penetration and
coverage.
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Spot Removal – 7 Rules for Best
Results
Recommended Spotting Kits:
Windsor Industries (Red Carpet Pro Spotting Kit &
Presto spot extractor)
OR
R.E. Whittaker Co.
(Crystal
Dry Ready-To-Use Spotter & Carpet
Roamer) |
Spot removal can be one of the most confusing and
frustrating aspects of carpet care. Improperly treated or
ignored spots can destroy expensive carpet. The following
seven rules can help simplify the challenge.
Seven rules of
spot removal:
1. The faster you get to a
spot the better for removal. At the minimum, spot removal must
be a daily routine.
2. Know the fiber
make-up of your carpet. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning
and Restoration Certification (IICRC) registry provides a list
of certified professional carpet cleaners who have simple
tests and capabilities to determine fiber type for you. Nylon
carpets will usually contain stain-blocking chemicals, which
if properly maintained, can facilitate removal of serious
stains.
3. Know and recognize the
common spots in your facility. Keep a spotting kit on hand
with a general-purpose spotter and specialty spotters for
spots specific to your area of responsibility. Offices, for
example, often have coffee or copier toner spots. Hospitals
commonly have blood or betadine spots. You can expect coffee,
tea, and red food dye spots in retail or hospitality
facilities. Nursing homes commonly have urine stains. Gum
stains are common in public
facilities.
4. Many spots are
concentrated areas of general soil tracked into an area. A
general purpose water-based spotter will remove
these.
5. Greasy spots and tar are
best removed by an oil or solvent-based
spotter.
6. Protein or fatty soils
such as vomit, feces, or blood can be effectively removed with
an enzyme-based spotter.
7. When
applying a spotter, never rub the spotted area (see
exception). Always carefully blot the spot with a cloth. To
help prevent resoiling, use a spotting water extractor to
thoroughly clean the spotted area after blotting.
Exception: Only when using the
Crystal Dry Ready-To-Use Spotter and the Carpet Roamer is it
recommended to scrub or agitate spots. This is due to the
crystalline formation the chemical takes when drying, allowing
for easy removal with a vacuum and preventing wick back of
spots. (Recommended spotters pictured below)
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Presto® Spotting
Extractor |
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| Red Carpet® Professional Spotting
Kit |
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Whittaker ProSpotter and Roamer
Brush |
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Your Map to Total Solution Carpet
Care
There are many ways to clean
commercial carpeting. To determine the best for your
requirements, you should map out the types of traffic in your
facility's carpeted areas. Using a copy of your building's
floor plan, categorize and label traffic areas as light,
moderate, heavy, extra heavy or exteremly heavy.
* The term "traffic" means each time one person
walks in the area. The same person walking in the same area 20
times a day equals 20 traffics.
Note: Spotting maintenance should
be performed on a daily basis.
You are now on your way to
total solution carpet care provided by your partner in
business, the bc group, in an effort to increase your return
on investment of your floorcoverings. For assistance with any
aspect of these processes, please feel free to contact our
Technical Service Department at 800-451-1250.
P.O. Box 1447
1996 Highway 225
South
Chatsworth, GA 30705
800 451 1250
www.beaulieucommercial.com | |
