Carpet Cleaning For Different Types of Carpets
Carpets provide comfort, warmth and beauty to our homes but they can also trap dirt and stains. Some types of carpet are easier to clean than others.
Bonneting uses a heavy duty motorised machine with a rotating bonnet that is immersed in cleaning solution. This method produces good surface cleaning results but doesn’t get down to the ‘underlying’ fibres.
Wool
Wool carpets have a great reputation for durability and longevity. They are hard wearing, warmth retaining, pile regenerating and sound absorbing. Wool also resists wrinkling, has natural soil resistance and is colour fast. It is also naturally fire resistant, making it an excellent choice for your home.
It is common belief that wool carpets shrink if they are wet cleaned, however this is false, as the fibres are a type of hair and are therefore able to absorb water and cleaning solutions without any shrinkage or damage. To ensure this doesn’t happen make sure to use the correct wet extraction machine and to only apply a small amount of cleaning solution at any one time. Also, be sure to ventilate the room and use air movers where possible to speed up the drying process.
If a stain occurs, always blot (not rub) the spill to avoid spreading it. If you need to treat it, only do so with a wool-safe, pH neutral cleaning product. Always test the product on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first to ensure it is safe. Rinse the area with cool or luke warm water and blot again until all of the moisture is removed. If you are unsure of how to treat your stain, contact your supplier for professional advice.
Olefin
A relatively inexpensive synthetic fiber, olefin carpets are valued for their strength, durability and stain resistance. They are also less prone to sun fading and mildew than other types of carpeting.
Vacuuming on a weekly basis is essential to keep olefin carpets looking good and to help prevent soils from becoming embedded. This can be done by using a commercial vacuum or a powered upright vacuum. Vacuuming olefin fibers with a wand will cause them to crush, so it’s best to use an electric rotary vacuum cleaner.
Olefin carpets have a very low melt point, starting at 225 degrees, so avoid hot water treatment if possible. Because olefin is a manufactured fiber, it’s important to choose a quality cleaning product designed for this type of carpet. Always read the label and follow manufacturer guidelines. It is also a good idea to test colorfastness of your carpet by spraying an obscure area with a spot cleaner and watching for any dye change.
A preconditioner, such as Traffic slam or Boost All, should be applied to olefin carpet before the hot water extraction process begins. This pre-spray helps to loosen the sticky oils and greases that olefin fibers are prone to clinging too, and it contains a neutralizer that can help stop the ugly yellow wick back that many olefin carpets experience after cleaning. An encapsulation rinse, such as Fab set, can be used to prevent spots and lines from reoccurring as well.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene carpets are durable and low-cost making them a popular choice in commercial premises and homes with children. They are easy to maintain and clean, as well as being comfortable to walk on. Regular vacuuming is recommended to keep polypropylene rugs dust-free and looking good, especially in high-traffic areas. Brushing the rug with a soft-bristled brush can also help revive the fibres and restore their appearance.
When dealing with liquid stains on polypropylene carpets, blot the area to remove as much of the stain as possible, without rubbing it. If you must rub, make sure to use a dry cloth to avoid digging the stain in deeper. If the stain persists, try a little detergent with the water mixture or a dry cleaning liquid. Vacuum afterward to remove the detergent and the stain.
Lipstick, rust and oil are a few examples of stains that may be classed as serious carpet abuse and require the services of a professional. If this is the case, a cleaner containing white spirit or turpentine can be used to lift these stains. Simply dip a clean rag into the solvent and dab the affected area until it disappears, then blot away any remaining moisture with a dry towel.
If your polypropylene rug has been soiled beyond a spot-cleaning treatment, it is best to get it professionally cleaned. A carpet cleaner with a hot water extraction machine will spray the pile with a mixture of hot water and detergent that is extracted almost at once, leaving the carpet feeling fresh and clean.
Plant Fibre
Plant fibre carpets such as jute, sisal and hemp are becoming more popular. They are natural, eco-friendly and durable. They offer insulation from heat and cold as well as a stylish appearance. These types of carpets typically require a little more maintenance than synthetic ones as they can absorb moisture that can cause them to shrink. The best option to prevent this from happening is to keep consistent low humidity levels in the area where the carpet is installed.
Regular hoovering and prompt action on wet spillages are the key to keeping a natural fibre carpet in good condition. It is important to blot any spillages rather than rub them. Rubbing can work the spillage into the fibres of the carpet and cause it to stain. It is also important to ensure that the carpet stays dry, especially after being cleaned.
Saxony-cut pile carpets are an example of a cut-pile style where the relatively short fibers stand up straight and close together, which creates a soft, fuzzy surface. The drawback is that these carpets show footprints and other marks on the surface of the carpet. They are better suited for low-traffic areas.
Tencel is another example of a synthetic, but naturally-sourced fiber made from cellulose. It is derived from Eucalyptus trees and has received the European Union’s award for environmental protection. Tencel has a soft sheen and is antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and resistant to mold and mildew.
ALWAYS TALK WITH AN EXPERT IN CARPET CLEANING
If you doubt which strategy is right to remove the odor, it’s always a superb idea to talk with an expert carpeting cleaning-up company. They can evaluate the trouble of your carpeting and likewise encourage one of the most effective cleansing approaches for your demands. We offer free estimates to ensure the best application.
We are a family owned and operated business and we have been servicing families in Fort Worth and Arlington for more than 30 years. We have built a solid reputation based on the sound principle of delivering professional, high-quality cleaning and services to each and every one of our customers. Our team of professionally trained technicians uses only quality non-toxic cleaning products and equipment to clean your carpets. We use all truck mounted equipment or also know as Hot Water Extraction/Steam cleaning, as our method of cleaning. This process is recommended by most major carpet manufacturers as the most thorough and effective method.
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