There are four factors to be considered when it comes to effective carpet cleaning. I use the word “effective” because cleaning carpet is not just soap and hot water. They only account for half of the equation.
- Cleaning solution strength
- Water temperature
- Dwell time
- Mechanical agitation
The strength of water based carpet cleaning solutions is measured in Ph. Solutions with a Ph range of 7.5-9 are common but it’s always wise to consult the manufacturer’s warranty information. The wrong Ph can cause a host of issues including harm to the face fibers and backing materials, removal of factory applied spot and stain protection, rapid re-soiling and discoloration.
Dwell time, or the length of time the active cleaning solution is allowed to act on the soil being cleaned, is a crucial to the cleaning process. Today, professional carpet cleaning companies apply pre-sprays before performing the actual cleaning process. Dwell times will vary from product to product but should range from 5-15 minutes. Rinsing agents are usually then employed to eliminate soapy residues, leaving the carpet clean, soft and not sticky.
In addition to solutions and dwell time, mechanical agitation and heat also play an equally important part in the cleaning of carpets and rugs. Mechanical agitation can be the high pressure spray from an extractor wand’s jets, a rotating bonnet, brush or pad or the use of a groomer. Care must be taken not to over wet the backing of the carpet being cleaned and to not disturb the natural twist and lay of the carpet’s face yarns.
The way in which a carpet lays is due in part to heat setting by the manufacturer. Excessive heat either created through friction from a brush or pad or from the temperature of the cleaning solution being used, can permanently ruin your broadloom. Water temperatures within the range of 120-200°F are usually considered normal for hot water extraction; however that is not the actual temperature of the atomized mist once it reaches the face of the carpet.
In closing it should be noted that the science of carpet cleaning is continuously evolving. The changes in environmental regulation, new types of construction materials and customer expectations continue to drive these changes. The four main factors for effective carpet cleaning will always play a critical role in the just how well the job gets done! Finding the correct balance of “Cleaning Solution”, “Heat”, “Dwell Time” and “Mechanical Agitation” is the key to effective cleaning.