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topics
Why does color loss happen in carpet?
Color loss occurs when the dye is chemically broken down. This can happen with bleach, ozone, or when highly acidic or highly alkaline products are used improperly. These types of materials reacting with the dyes can pull them from the carpet or chemically alter the fiber dye site on the carpet, making the dye appear less vibrant.
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What is filtration soiling?
Filtration soiling appears as irregular darkening along walls, seams, or in small, round spots. It is caused by airflow carrying contaminates into the carpet pile and depositing them there, like a big filter. Airflow will occur where there are gaps in the carpet, the floor/wall joists, cracks in the walls or sub floor, and under closed doors. Contaminates may come from air pollution or improperly maintained HVAC systems.
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How can you treat filtration soiling?
Prevent by sealing all cracks in structure, maintaining HVAC system, and rigorous vacuuming along the wall edges. Treat effected areas with a dry product with antistatic properties and vacuum thoroughly. Treat remaining soils with a heavy-duty spotter, intense agitation, and thorough rinsing.
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Why does my carpet rapidly resoil in traffic lanes?
There may be an insufficient amount of matting at the facility’s entrance to trap or scrape off the foreign debris on people’s shoes before it gets into a facility. If there are mats in place, are they properly cleaned and vacuumed on a frequent basis? Also, residue in carpets left behind by continuous bonnet buffing procedures or improper extraction techniques.
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What is wicking and why does it occur?
It is the process by which liquid is drawn up through an object by way of capillary action. Reappearing spots and rapid resoiling can both be results of wicking. These are spots which have apparently been removed but which reappear, either upon drying or over time. A spot remover is used to get rid of a spot. The remover is designed to detach the soil from the fiber and suspend the soil in its liquid state. Then, through a removal process like blotting or a hand held extractor, the spotting agent and the soil are removed. However, if all the liquid is not removed, the soil remains suspended. Over a short period of time, the liquid is drawn up the carpet fiber along with the soil. When the liquid reaches the top of the strand, it evaporates leaving behind the soil which creates a reappearing spot.
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What is the heat transfer method?
Heat transfer is done by applying a spotter to a stain and agitating for 5-10 minutes. Place a white cloth over the stain, and gently move a clothes iron over the cloth. The stain will be transferred into the cloth by heat. Be careful not to leave the iron in a spot for too long as it may damage the carpet fibers.
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How do you remove red stains such as kool aid or punch?
The key to removing that type of spot is speed. The longer the substance stays in the carpet, the more likely it will become a stain, not a spot. Use the appropriate spotter using the cold method first. If necessary, use a heat transfer method.
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What can I use to disinfect my carpet?
Currently, there are no approved methods to disinfect three dimensional surfaces, like carpet and fabrics, only sanitize these surfaces. Sanitization refers to the reduction of bacteria present, while disinfection refers to killing all organisms on a surface.
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Why is there excessive foam in the recovery tank of the extractor?
It is normal for the product to foam when being extracted, either empty the recovery tank often or use a defoaming solution in the recovery tank, not the solution tank.
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How do I remove toner from carpet?
Due to powder copier toner being extremely small in particle size, it can become a challenge to remove. It is important to remove the powder toner as soon as possible. Vacuum using the hose end with no attachments and remove as much as possible of the toner material. Begin by wafting the hose end over the toner initially no making contact. Removal of any left over toner can be accomplished with a general purpose spotter, you will need to vigorously agitate the spotter with your scraper and then rinse well. Rinsing is key as a final step to help lift all the leftover residue out.
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Common Carpet Care Problems and Solutions
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Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
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Doesn’t Look Clean |
Improper cleaning procedures
Improper cleaning frequency
Damaged fibers |
Implement planned maintenance schedule
Use proper products, equipment, & procedures |
|
Salt Residue/Water Rings |
Tracked-in ice melt compounds
Leaks in plumbing, windows, etc. |
Use adequate walk-off matting at outside entrances
Extract carpet with an acidic rinse aid in extractor solution tank
Use a tannin type spotter on rings, agitate, and extract carpet with acidic rinse aid. |
|
Can’t remove spots |
Wrong product or procedure choice
Permanent damage to carpet (dye loss, fiber damage, etc)
Permanent stain |
Properly identify spot
Use proper spotter according to Spot Guide
Treat spots as soon as possible to avoid permanent staining
Repair or replace permanent damage |
|
Rapid Resoiling |
Cleaning product residue left on carpet
Improper cleaning/measuring procedures
Improper equipment maintenance |
Training in proper cleaning procedures
Rinse carpet with acidic rinse aid properly diluted in solution tank of extractor
Use dilution control equipment for cleaning chemicals.
Follow proper equipment maintenance procedures |
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Odors/Smelly Carpet |
Vomit, urine, feces
Mold, mildew, bacteria
Decomposing soils in carpet (i.e. food, etc.) |
Use bacteria based carpet product according to label directions
Use a carpet care odor counteractant or liquid sanitizer according to label directions
Clean carpet thoroughly with carpet prespray and rinse with an acidic rinse aid via solution tank of extractor.
Avoid over wetting carpet
Dry carpet quickly. When cleaning, make sure HVAC system is on | |