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Basic Carpet Cleaning Skills

A Training Program From

RemoteSmarts, LLC

e-mail - [email protected]

RemoteSmarts, LLC, 2015 – All Rights Reserved – Basic Carpet Cleaning Skills 2

Basis Carpet Cleaning Skills

INTRODUCTION This training manual is designed to be used with the Basic Carpet Cleaning Skills Web pagess to provide you with the “basic skills” needed to safely, efficiently and properly clean floor-covering textiles. The manual is set up in four sections. “The Product”– a study in basic carpet construction. “The Challenge” – an analysis of carpet soiling conditions. “Cleaning Science” – a look at the Chemistry used in maintaining carpet. “The Procedures” – an overview of methods and basic techniques used in proper carpet and rug maintenance. The first section, “The Product” is sub-divided into Fibers Characteristics, Carpet Construction and Carpet Styles and Designs. The second section, “The Challenge “ is sub-divided into real soil and apparent soil conditions. Section three “The Science of Cleaning” covers basic cleaning chemistry. The fourth section “The Procedures” is where all the pieces come together. The sections include cleaning methods, the 5 principles of cleaning, and spotting techniques. Finally, a Glossary of terms has been included for your reference. This is not intended to be an all inclusive manual on all there is to know about carpet & rug cleaning, but rather a summary of the most basic knowledge needed to properly provide the level of quality workmanship and customer service our customers deserve. To get the most from this training program, open the manual to a specific section, start the web pages on that section, and work through the material filling in the blanks and reviewing the charts. There is a different web page section for each section of the manual including this one, the introduction. After working through a section, you can test your knowledge by completing the short test at the end of each section of the manual. Try to answer the test questions without looking at the manual. When finished, verify your correct answers by going back through the manual and/or the web pages.


Section 1 “The Product”

Fiber Characteristics There are some cleaning concerns that are directly related to what the Carpet is made out of. To be more specific, the characteristics of the fibers.

Cleaning Concerns Related to Fiber Characteristics Quality of Results – Synthetic Fibers have an affinity for oils, protein (Animal) fibers hold onto protein stains, and Cellulosic (plant) fibers like juices and coffees.

Shrinkage – Shrinkage only occurs when absorbent fibers swell from soaking up liquid.

Yellowing/ Browning – Plant fibers contain cellulose which can brown when overwet. Synthetic fibers might yellow from additives like BHT when exposed to water.

Dyes – Nylon & Wool are dyed with Acid Dyes which can be damaged by high alkalinity in some cleaning chemistry.

Texture Change – Some carpet fibers will shed, pill, met, or felt if exposed to extreme heat or the friction from improper agitation.


I. FIBER CHARACTERISTICS

A. Fiber Types-

1. Natural – Fibers that occur in Nature already in the form of fiber. These fibers require blending, carding, combing, ginning, etc. but to not change form.

a. Plant fibers – also known as “Cellulosic” – These include cotton, jute, sisal, etc. Occasionally these are used as face fibers but usually they occur in the foundation or backing of carpet.

b. Animal fibers – also known as “Protein” Fibers – These include Wool and Silk.

2. Synthetic – Fibers that must be manufactured into fiber from some other

form. The manufacturing process is called extrusion. This is where liquid raw material is pumped through a showerhead – like assembly called a spinneret, to produce streams that solidify into filaments of fiber.

a. Plant (Cellulosic) Raw Material is used to manufacture Rayon, and Acetate.

b. Petroleum (Polymer) fibers are more common. In Carpet these include, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, and Acrylic.

Coire

Sisal

Jute

Cotton

Cellulosic(Plant)

Silk

Wool

Protein(animal)

Natural

Acetate

Rayon

Cellulosic(plant)

Nylon

Polyester

PTT

Acrylic

Olefin

Polymer

Synthetic

Fibers


Cellulosic Fiber – Fiber from plants

Cotton, Jute, Sisal, Rayon

Description: Cotton and jute are natural cellulosic fibers, and rayon (viscose) is a manufactured cellulosic fiber made from wood pulp. The two fibers have similar properties because their basic structures are the same: cellulose. Cotton and rayon are rarely found in wall-to-wall carpets anymore, but are often used in constructing area rugs. Cotton is often used as the foundation in constructing hand-knotted oriental rugs. Jute is often used as a backing material on tufted carpeting. Cellulosic fibers are relatively inexpensive, have high moisture absorption and dry slowly. They have good resistance to alkalies and can be readily dyed in a wide range of colors. There are several disadvantages to cellulosic fibers. They crush easily, have low resistance to sunlight, are readily attacked to mildew and are flammable. Rayon has very poor dimensional stability when wet, which means that it shrinks and distorts easily in wet cleaning. Rayon is called Art Silk in India. Rayon is used as “silk” pile in some handmade rugs. Cleaning Characteristics: Caution – May bleed or lose texture. All cleaning methods are safe, depending on particular item. The cleaning method used for cleaning cotton or rayon rugs depends on 1) dyes used, 2) finishes applied and 3) percent of cellulosic content. Pretesting of all dyes in cellulosic items is vital, as cotton and rayon are often bleeders. If a special finish (e.g. flame retardant) is applied to a rayon or cotton item, ensure that it is not removed or otherwise affected by the cleaning method selected. 100% rayon items should be dry cleaned (absorbent compound or dry foam), as they are highly susceptible to shrinkage. Cellulosic items are also susceptible to browning, especially if cotton fibers are unprocessed and still contain seeds or other impurities. To avoid Browning, use a neutral (pH=7) or acidic (pH<7) detergent and facilitate rapid drying. Common trade names for rayon: Avril, Courtaulds Rayon, Courcel, Tencel, Zantrel.


Fill in the blanks from the web pages: All Cellulosic fibers Contain ______________________ which may be a source for Cellulosic Browning. All Cellulosic fibers are very absorbent which may lead to _____________________. Cellulosic fibers have poor _______________________ and are easily crushed. Of the two common fiber types, BCF and Staple, Natural Cellulosic fibers will always be ___________________.

Protein Fibers – from animals

Wool

Description: Wool is a natural protein fiber obtained from sheep. It is durable, flexible, bulky and resilient. It is naturally flame retardant and can be dyed easily is a wide range of colors. It is sensitive to color change, yellowing and strength loss when exposed to sunlight and loses strength when wet. It is damaged by oxidizing agents and alkalies, and may be susceptible to attack by textile insects such as carpet beetles and moths. Wool stains easily from acid dyes (e.g. food colors) and drink spills.

Wool does not soil easily and has a natural repellency to oily soils. Wool carpets can be safely cleaned by any of the carpet cleaning methods described in this guide. Chemicals used to clean wool should meet the following requirements: They should leave a dry powdery or crystalline residue, they should have a diluted pH between 5.0 and 8.0, they should not contain bleach or fluorescent whitening agents, and the application temperature should not exceed 150 degrees F (65degrees C). Excessive agitation should be avoided as wool fibers can felt in the presence of heat and moisture. The International Wood Secretariat (IWS) has a labeling program for cleaning chemicals. Products bearing the IWS ram logo have been approved for use in cleaning wool carpets and rugs. From the Web pages fill in the following statements: Protein Fibers are made of amino acids and can therefore be damaged by _______________ chemistry. _______________ is a common household chemical that can dissolve wool. Wool has _____________________ and bounces back when crushed. Silk comes from the _________________ of the ___________________.


Synthetic (Man Made) Fibers

The Process of manufacturing Synthetic Fibers is known as Extrusion. Extrusion is where liquid polymer is pumped through a device similar to a shower head, known as a Spinnerette. The Liquid streams of Polymer coming out of the spinnerette are cooled, dried, and hardened into single strands of Fibers known as filaments. These filaments are then crimped to add bulkiness and are known as “Bulked Continuous Filaments” (BCF). Sometimes they are chopped into measured short lengths (Staple fiber) and used in that form.

The synthetic fibers are translucent (light can pass through them) and have a sheen or luster. This translucent characteristic causes them to magnify soil. Therefore soil hiding characteristics must be engineered artificially by controlling light reflection.

Sometimes Pigment is added to the liquid polymer prior to extrusion producing colored filaments. This process is known as Solution Dying and is a very color fast way of adding color to fiber.

The resilience and absorbency of synthetic fibers varies depending on the raw material used to form the original polymer.

Specific Fibers Olefin /Polypropylene

Description: Olefin fibers, primarily made from polypropylene, are popular for use in carpets because they are easy to manufacture, have low moisture absorption and are relatively inexpensive. Polypropylene/Olefin is common as a backing material as well as a face yarn in modern carpets. Because of their low moisture absorption, olefin carpets are resistant to most water-borne stains and dry very quickly. Olefins have excellent resistance to alkalies and acids and are mildew resistant. They have high abrasion resistance, but only moderate or fair to poor resilience. This is often compensated by a tight, dense, loop pile carpet construction. Olefins are sensitive to oxidation by sunlight and have a low melting point. This low melting point can be a disadvantage because heat from a burning ash or seaming iron, or friction from dragging furniture, can melt the fibers and cause permanent damage. Some large carpet mills produce their own olefin fiber/yarn. Cleaning Characteristics: Wet clean, or dry clean, all methods safe. Olefins are generally wet cleaned without any problems. Olefin fibers are oleophilic (attract


oily soils). Some oily stains may be very stubborn and may not be completely removed, or require strong cleaning agents. Diluted bleach (oxidizing or reducing agents) can be used in very special circumstances by trained or experienced technicians, to decolorize difficult spots/stains or to control mold/mildew or other bio-contaminants. This is possible because Olefin is always solution dyed. Caution: Improper use of bleach can cause delamination of carpet backings. Common Trade names: Fibrilon, Heculon, Marquesa, Marvess, Spectra, Vectra.

Fill in the following from the Web pages – Olefin is non absorbent and must be colored by a process known as _______.

Made from a petrochemical known as Polypropylene, Olefin has an attraction for _____________ soils. Olefin/Polypropylene is used in both the ____________ and the ___________ of the carpeting.

Polyester and Acrylic

Polyester and Acrylic are two common fibers used in carpeting. They are often blended with other fibers. Both have a tendency to “Scratch” from abrasion and develop dull, gray pathways that cannot be cleaned off. This condition is known as “traffic lane gray”. Poor resilience causes these fibers to have a reputation for pile distortion like Pooling or Shading.

There is a new form of Polyester introduced in 1999 known under the brand name “Corterra”. Instead of traditional polyester, which is Polyethylene Terapthylate, this is Tripolymethylene terapthylate. It is expected to have the cleanability and color fastness of Polyester and the resilience of Nylon. Fill in the following from the web pages… Acrylic and Polyester can be easily scratched and abraded resulting in _______________________, an uncleanable condition. Pooling is a form of _________ distortion common in Polyester and Acrylic Carpets.


Nylon

Description: Nylon is the most common carpet fiber in North America because of its overall balance of properties and abrasion resistance. It is resilient, has low water absorbency and excellent dimensional stability. Nylon is resistant to alkaline substances, mildew and insect damage. It can be damaged by prolonged exposure to sunlight, strong acids, and tends to pill in staple fiber form, due to its high strength. Nylon can be dyed in a wide range of colors. Solution dyeing is possible, yielding excellent colorfastness. As with all fibers, tighter and denser constructions make better carpet. Cleaning Characteristics – ALL METHODS SAFE. (See Cleaning Methods Section.)

Nylon is easily cleanable and dries quickly. Any of the carpet cleaning methods described in this guide are safe for use on nylon carpets. Old, set stains may be difficult to remove. Colored foodstuffs and drink spills will often permanently dye non-stain-resistant nylon fibers. Highly alkaline detergents or spotters may promote dye bleeding.

NOTE: If the carpet is made of nylon fibers treated with acid dye blockers for stain resistance, and covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, cleaning chemicals used must have a pH less than 10 (or even lower) and they must not contain cationic detergents or agents. If required, use an approved detergent or cleaning system recommended by the fiber manufacturer. Common Trade Names: Anso, Antron, Ultron, Zeftron, in stain resistant carpets known as WorryFree, Stainblocker, Wear-Dated, Luxura, Stainmaster, and others. This listing is only by way of example, and not intended to be all-inclusive.

“Generations” of Nylon

1. Round Filament 2. Soil Hiding through controlled light reflection (Fiber Shape) 3. Anti- Static control – through conductive carbon filaments 4. Soil Resistance- Through application of Fluorochemical 5.Stain Resistance – Through Application of Acid Dye Resistors


Fill in the following from the web pages… The characteristic added to create 4th generation nylon carpet was ________. _______________ was added to create 5th generation Stain resistant Carpets.

In cleaning Stain Resistant Carpets, the cleaning agents must not exceed ____ on the pH scale and should not contain _________ agents. Most carpet manufacturers recommend the ________________ method of carpet cleaning. Air Movers should be used to _______ the carpet following cleaning.

FIBER IDENTIFICATION BURN CHART

FIBER FLAME ODOR SMOKE ASH

Cotton/jute Orange & even, continues to burn

Burning paper

None Irregular & powdery smolders

Wool Orange goes out when flame is removed

Burning hair None Black & irregular, crusty & crumbles

Nylon Blue base, orange tip

Celery, sealing wax

Puffs white, goes out

Round, bead head

Olefin Blue base, orange tip, fast burning

Asphalt None Round, hard bead

Acrylic Orange and sputters

Charred meat acrid; harsh

Black Irregular & crusty


Carpet Construction The primary steps to “Building” a carpet are Spinning (converting fiber to yarn), Construction (assembling the carpet), and Coloring. Let’s look at each step. Fiber to Yarn – The fibers are twisted and spun to create yarn. A bundle of fibers twisted together makes one “singles” yarn. Two or more singles yarns can be twisted together to create “plied” yarn. The Yarn must be “Heat Set” to give it the “memory” of how to stay twisted. The Heat setting process involves temperatures from 250 to 428 degrees Fahrenheit and the heat set memory is highly unlikely to be taken out through traditional carpet cleaning procedures. Yarn to Carpet – There are 4 primary types of carpet construction, weaving, bonding, needle punching, and tufting. Let’s look at each one individually. Woven carpet is made by interlacing yarns together to create the carpet. The pile yarns are woven into a foundation of warp and weft yarns. Woven carpets do not have a traditional backing. To identify an woven carpet from other types of construction, part the face yarns and observe the chain stitch (part of the warp yarns). You will only see these strings on woven carpet. On tufted you will see backing and on bonded you will see adhesive. Woven carpet is made on a machine called a loom. Since the foundation is often made up of natural fiber yarns (cotton or wool) , woven carpet has a reputation for being prone toward shrinkage. Fusion Bonded – Fusion bonded carpet is made by gluing the face fibers to a backing. The backing may be vinyl, rubber, polypropylene, jute, or any other acceptable material depending on the desired product. Many times modular carpet (carpet tiles) are made using the fusion bonding process. Flocked carpet is a type of fusion bonded product popular in health care facilities, retirement homes, schools, etc. Another common use for the fusion bonding process is to create walk –off and entry mats designed to help control soiling.


Since the fusion bonded carpet is held together with adhesive, be careful in using adhesive dissolving dry solvents on this type of carpet.

Needle punched Carpet In manufacturing needlepunched carpet fiber is literally tangled with a backing material (usually polypropylene) to create a matted looking flat or textired surface. Commonly used in exposed areas such as patios, pool areas, entry ways, access ramps, or porches, needlepunch carpet does not generally present any cleaning problems and respons well to Hot Water Extraction cleaning. Tufted Carpet Tufting is by far the most common and popular carpet manufacturing method in North America. This manufacturing process begins with a primary backing material. The face yarns are stitched through the primary backing using needles similar to those on a sewing machine. A secondary backing is then laminated onto the back using latex adhesive. This secondary backing gives stability to the carpet and holds the tufts in place. From the web pages materials fill in the blanks below… The four primary types of carpet construction are: 1._____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. _________________ The process used to put “memory” in yarn so it will stay twisted is called ______________________. Woven carpet is made on a machine called a ____________. The Warp & Weft Yarns make up the ___________ of a woven carpet and are often made of natural fibers and can _________________.


Since Bonded carpets are held together with adhesive, _____________ should be used with extreme caution. Tufted Carpet has ______ backings held together with _________________. Separation of these backings is known as __________________________.

Dye Systems Dye Types used in carpets- There are 4 primary types of dyes used in carpeting. The type of dye used is generally determined by the type of fiber being dyed. If the face yarn is Nylon or Wool, then Acid Dyes are most common, although Nylon can be solution dyed as well. If the face yarn is Polyester or Acrylic, then either pigments (used in solution dyeing) or disperse dyes are used. Olefin face yarn will always be solution dyed. Occasionally a specialty Nylon product will be dyed using a Cationic (Base) dye. Color Systems – How the color is added The dye or pigment may be added at various stages of production. Generally the dye systems are divided into two major classifications. Pre-Construction, where the fibers or yarns are colored before manufactured into carpet, and Post-Construction, where a whole piece of carpet is dyed after being woven, bonded or tufted. The unfinished piece of carpet is called Greige Goods.

Solution Dye Stock or Package Dye Yarn Dye(Space or Skein)

Pre Construction

Beck Dye Continuous Printing

Post Construction

Color Systems


Color/Dyeing Systems

A. Solution – Dye is introduced while polymer is in a liquid state.

B. Skein – Submersing of yarn in dye stuffs.

C. Piece Dying- The entire piece of carpet is dyed (greige goods).

1. Beck – The greige goods are submerged in a large vat called a deck and boiled in the dye liquor.

2. Continuous – Dye is applied to the greige goods from above in a continuous conveyer belt type of assembly.

Griege goods – Finished carpet that has had no color introduced to it at that point.

D. Print – Imposing of a computer generated design on the face of the carpet after the carpet is woven.

Beck Dyeing Continuous Dyeing

Fill in the following section from the web pages… In Stock dyeing, the color is added to the ________ before __________. In Skein or Space Dyeing the _________ is dyed. Beck Dyeing is a _______ - Construction dye system. ________ is when color is added from the top in the form of a pattern.


Dye Migration in liquid form is known as ______________________. ____________ Dyes change color when pH changes. Side match refers to uniform color ___________ the carpet roll. Color Theory- The three primary colors are __________, _____________, and ________. Colors made with two primary colors are called ______________ colors, and include Orange Purple, and Green. Black and Brown use all three Primary colors and are known as __________ colors. Notes:


Style, Texture, and Design Many people identify a carpet by its texture or design instead of what it is made of or how it is put together. A carpet’s texture and/or design might also be a factor in how that carpet should be cleaned. Therefore, the professional cleaner should be aware of not only a carpet’s fiber content and construction, but also what it is supposed to look like when clean and dry. Carpet textures can be classified into three general categories. They are cut pile, loop pile, and cut/loop pile. There are 4 basic cut pile designs, velvet plush, saxony, frieze, and shag. Velvet Plush is constructed from singles yarns that are neither twisted or heat set. Since there is no heat set, cleaning temperatures should not exceed 150 degrees at the carpet and the carpet should always be groomed immediately after cleaning to avoid tool marks and/or streaks. Saxony carpet is constructed from plied and heat set yarns. Saxony should be cleaned as hot as is reasonable. The heat and humidity will actually help the yarn retain its twist and texture. Frieze carpet is constructed from yarns that are very tightly twisted and heat set. The yarns are so tightly twisted that they are “crimped” and bent, creating a nubby appearance. Frieze carpets are known to stand up well under heavy traffic. Like saxony carpet, frieze carpet should be cleaned with very hot solutions to refresh the twisted texture.

CUT PILE CUT/LOOPPILE

LOOP PILE

Pile Design


There are three common loop textures. They are level loop, multi-level loop, and berber. Level loop carpet pile is constructed of tufts that are all looped and all the same height. Very common in high use commercial traffic areas, level loop is known as one of the most durable textures available. Multi-level loop carpet pile is constructed of all looped tufts of various heights. This is sometimes referred to as sculptured carpet. Since the pile is not even, cleaners using hot water extraction to clean this texture need to be careful that the wand’s vacuum seal is not broken in the lower pile areas leaving water in the carpet’s “valleys”. Berber carpet is natural multi-colored earth tones, little or no twist, and large loops. The characteristic berber “look” has become very popular with interior designers. Cut/loop pile is a combination of both textures. This texture can be level, hi-lo, or multilevel. Cut/loop textures hide traffic paths better than cut piles. This style of carpet is found in high use areas where more luxury than level loop is desired.

Summary of Basic Carpet Textures, Styles and Designs

Shag

Frieze

Saxony

Velvet

CUT PILE(Plush)

Random Sheared

Tip Sheared

Hi/lo Cut/loop

CUT/LOOPPILE

Berber

Multi-level Loop

Level Loop

LOOP PILE

Pile Design


Sometimes the pile gets distorted and the carpet takes on a different texture or look. Some examples of pile distortion are: Shading or Pooling – A carpet or rug may seem to change color in certain areas. When you look at the carpet from one angle, these areas will appear to be lighter than the rest of the carpet. Viewed from the other side, these spots appear darker. This condition is called shading. Other common texture changes are corn rowing, felting, matting, crushing, and wear. Fill in the following blanks from the web pages… The 3 general types of carpet texture are _______, ________, and ________. A common twisted, plied, and heat set cut pile texture is ______________. Frieze is a tightly twisted texture with a ___________ appearance. Pooling or shading is a ___________ in the pile grain. Notes:


Section2 The Challenge – Carpet Soiling

“Typical” Carpet Soil There are two general classifications of soil…

Real Soil – Any Material Foreign to the construction of the carpet. (Contamination). 75-80% particulate 10-15% oils –10% water – based 5 – 10% GKW (God Knows What) Apparent Soil – Conditions that make a carpet look soiled (not cleanable) Fiber scratched or abraded Fading or color loss conditions Pile distortion (pooling, shading, etc.)

From the web pages fill in the following… Real soil is made up of __________ , ___________ , ______________ , ______________ , and _______________. Over __________ % of the soil in carpet is particulate making vacuuming a critical step to any cleaning job. Soil gets into the carpet from 5 primary sources. They are: 1. ____________________________ 2. ________________________________ 2. _____________________________ 4. _______________________________

5._______________________________ Color change is an apparent soil that can be the result of ______________ or ____________________.


Word Power What’s in an Image? One of the most common topics in any marketing course is the defining and cultivation of your company image. There is generally a lot of talk about company image on convention and association agendas as well. In fact this topic of image seems to be everywhere in the cleaning and restoration industry. If image is really that important, then it is critical that every owner and manager have a clear idea of what goes into making up a company image as well as a plan for developing and maintaining the desired image. Let’s first have a go at defining just what image is, then we can nail down what goes into establishing one. When I look in the dictionary I find that the first three definitions of image use words like “likeness”, “optical reproduction”, and “resemblance”. These are most likely referring to visual images and not necessarily “company images”, but certainly help to underscore the importance of appearance in establishing an image. It’s the 4th definition, however, that hits closer to what we’re looking for as we discuss company image. This definition is in two parts: “a. The concept of someone or something that is held by the public. b. The character projected by someone or something to the public.” The key words to understanding this definition of image are “concept” and “projected”. Company image is indeed a concept, with all the nebulous, hard-to-nail-down traits that go into any concept. Furthermore, the concept is created or acquired from projections. Well, since I had the dictionary in my hand already, I decided to look up “concept” and “project” to see if I could get a better understanding of where image comes from. Concept is defined as, “A general Idea or understanding, especially one derived from specific instances or occurrences.” Project has many meanings, but the ones that seemed to fit this scenario best are, “To transport in ones imagination.” And “To cause (an image) to appear.” Taking all this dictionary knowledge and boiling it down I can surmise that company image is a concept caused or intentionally created in the mind of the


public. One of the major elements involved in the creation of this image is outward appearance. Another would be attitude and yet another would be reputation and past performance. In order to insure that our company image is what we want it to be, we must first have the concept in our own mind and then develop a plan to “project” that concept into the public’s imagination. We need to take a hard look at everything in our company and make sure that it is consistent with the image (concept) we wish to project. If we find any inconsistencies, we need to correct or modify them to avoid projecting the wrong image. For example, if you are in the cleaning business but your truck and equipment are not clean you’re not projecting a consistent image. When the company image you want to create is that of a highly professional, efficient, quality-oriented Service Company, certain visual clues such as uniforms, certification patches, clean equipment, and personal grooming are very important in projecting the image. Other keys include telephone and scheduling techniques, follow up procedures, adherence to industry standards, and flexible payment programs like credit card or account options. When the image desired is that of a budget-oriented, no frills cost effective service, the idea is to support the image through things that convey efficiency and care should be taken not to convey extravagance.

It is equally important that when you are looking over your business that you note any features or characteristics that could convey a negative or contrary image. For example, while it has no real bearing on cleaning ability or efficiency, heavy tattooing or visibly pierced body parts might be perceived by the customer as negatives and could even erode customer confidence. Remember, the definitions of image were in terms of Public perception.

Therefore, when dealing with the general public it is the public’s ideas and standards that must be considered and not necessarily our own. All our work at creating a good, positive company image can be undone with a single negative impression. This could also include things done outside of the normal business environment such as driving courtesies, never parking your lettered company truck in front of the local saloon, or parking in handicapped areas when not appropriate.

A good place to get ideas is in the general marketplace. Identify other businesses in your community that have the image you want and look closely at how they


“project” that image and create the “Concept”. Take note of everything from how they look to how they talk. Don’t over look things like company name, logos, colors, special selling techniques or offers, clever jingles or slogans, and guarantees. At the end of the day, all you have are your image and your reputation. Take care of them. There is a difference between being a cleaner who finds it necessary to be in business and a businessperson whose business is cleaning.

The cleaner forced to be in business is often a frustrated technical expert who struggles with getting enough money on a job to allow him/her to do the perfect job. What this person sells is cleaning results, the absolute cleanest, healthiest, soil- free textile humanly possible. The best job money can buy. Some customers want this kind of service. Some customers want perfection and price is no object.

While it is true that every cleaning customer is interested in quality results, many are interested in other things as well. The buying decision often hinges on concerns other than cleaning results. In fact, it has been my experience that most customers measure the value of cleaning services in ways that might surprise many cleaners.

The businessperson first determines what it is that the customer wants and then presents the package so that it meets, or exceeds, that expectation. One of the best ways to get a handle on what the customer expects is to listen carefully to the questions they ask when they call in. Now when I say listen I’m referring to more than just hearing the words.

The typical customer calling in for information about cleaning services will ask several questions. Generally the first question is something like “how much does it cost to clean a typical...” Most cleaners hear this as a request for the lowest possible price. I disagree with this interpretation. It is my opinion that this question should be interpreted as “what is it worth …” After all, they didn’t ask how little does it cost but how much. The public has clearly demonstrated that they are willing to open up their pocketbooks as long as the value is there.

When asked in a survey of carpet cleaning customers what factors influenced them most in selecting a cleaning company for the first time. The answers fell into two general categories, Reliability and Convenience. More specifically, under the category of reliability, they looked for credentials such as certification, years of experience, recognized trade names, guaranteed workmanship and proper insurance. In the category of convenience the criteria included quick drying, flexible hours, furniture moving, specific appointments, and local telephone number.


What struck me as odd when I first read these lists is not what was on them. I had answered the phone enough to know that when the customers called they asked how much, how long to dry, could I do it on Saturday, did I move furniture, was I insured, was I certified, and so on. What I noticed was what was not on the list. The customers really didn’t ask very often if I would get the carpet clean, do a good job, make it healthy, or make it last longer. Now I know they didn’t want a poor quality cleaning, so what is going on here?

Well, as naïve as it may seem, the customers are assuming that getting the carpet clean is a given. That it should stand to reason that when you call a cleaner, the carpets will be cleaned and all that remains is to negotiate the terms of the transaction. The reality may be that quality work is not just a given, but the typical customer doesn’t seem as worried about that as they are about prolonged drying time, untrustworthy selling tactics, or missed appointments.

The more I thought about this, the more I realized that in my over 30 years in the industry, I hadn’t really met anybody that went out of business because they couldn’t get the carpet clean. Yet, I knew of plenty that were no longer around because, even though they were great cleaners, they couldn’t seem to get the phone to ring.

The lesson here is that in marketing our services, we need to listen to what the customer is telling us and give her what she wants; Convenience, reliability, and of course quality. It’s the convenience and reliability that we promote to get them to call us the first time and the quality that keeps them coming back.

In the big picture, repeat and referral customers are the foundation of a successful service company and quality work is the key. However, repeat and referral business can never occur unless we get them to call in the first place. Listen to your customers, sell them what they want and provide what they need as a bonus.

Examples of consumer concerns in selecting carpet cleaning firms; (for the first time) Reliability Convenience

Certification Drying Time Years in Business Flexible scheduling Insured Moves Furniture Brand Names Diversified services Guarantees Local phone number Industry Affiliations Credit Card Options


From the Web pages fill in the chart below….

Listen – Don’t just hear the words “How much does it cost?” = “What is it worth?” “How long will it take to dry?” = “When can I use it?” “When can you do it?” = “Can you fit into my busy schedule?” “ Do you guarantee your work?” = “If something goes wrong will you

correct it?”

Instead of saying…. You should say… Dirty _____________ Filthy Heavily Soiled Scrub ______________ ____________ Tannin or Soure

Chemical Cleaning Agent ____________ Extract Pet Accident Biological Contamination


Section 3 The Science of Cleaning

Cleaning Chemistry

The Role of Water The primary chemical we use in rug cleaning is water. Water has two primary functions in the cleaning process. First, we use water as a carrier. Water carries the cleaning agents into the rug and carries the soil and cleaning agents back out. The carrying capacity of water is limited and generally we try to enhance the ability of the water to be a carrier through the addition of heat or rinsing chemicals. The second role water plays is that of solvent. Water-soluble soils are often dissolved and carried away by the water. In our industry, when we refer to solvents we are not usually referring to water but more often to Dry Solvents. However, by definition, a solvent is a liquid capable of dissolving other materials, therefore water is indeed a solvent. Cleaning solvents can generally be divided into to categories, wet (water) and dry (not water). Water is typically used on water-based soils while dry solvents are typically used on oil-based soils. Most dry solvents are not compatible with water and must be used separately. Some however will mix with water, such as the alcohols and glycol ethers. These are often used in pre-conditioning chemicals.

Vocabulary about Solvent Action Solvent – Something that will dissolve something else Dissolve- The action of a solvent on a solute Solute- That which is dissolved by a solvent Solution- The results of a solute being dissolved by a solvent Soluble- Able to be dissolved


Neutralization

What about pH? Water and water-based cleaning agents are very important in carpet cleaning. One characteristic of water-based agents that often proves very useful in cleaning is a factor known as pH. The formal definition of pH given in most basic chemistry textbooks is “ the logarithm to base 10 of the reciprocal of the hydrogen-ion concentration of a solution.” A less formal, but perhaps more functional working definition for cleaners is “the relative acidity and alkalinity of water based agents.” The H in pH stands for the element Hydrogen while the p represents “potential” or “power”. In other words, pH represents the potential reactivity or power of Hydrogen in water based agents. The scale on which pH is measured runs from 0 through 14. Water based agents that register between 0 and 7 on the pH scale are known as acids. Water based agents that register between 7 and 14 on the pH scale are known as bases or alkaline agents. Any water-based agent that registers exactly seven is neither acid nor alkaline and is said to be neutral. The pH of pure water is neutral (7). As agents register up or down the scale, away from neutral, they are more acidic or more alkaline. Each number on the pH scale represents a change by a factor of 10. For example, a pH 6 acid is ten times more acidic than pH7, pH5 is 100 times (10X10) more acidic than 7, pH4 is 1000 times more acidic (10X10X10) and so on out to 0. The same is true on the opposite side. An alkaline agent that registers 8 is 10 times 7, pH9 is 100 times 7, pH10 is 1000 times 7 and so forth out to 14. The largeness or smallness of the number does therefore not determine the strength of these agents but by how far away it is from neutral. (Given equal concentrations). Acids and Alkalines are said to be on opposite “sides” of the pH scale and when combined will “neutralize” (bring to neutral) each other. An acid will “neutralize” an alkaline and vice versa. What actually happens when an acid is added to an alkaline (or an alkaline added to an acid), is a salt is created with a by-product of


water. Salt generally is water-soluble and what was previously not responding to cleaning can now be rinsed away with water. When a water based soiling agent or spot is fresh on the carpet, it can usually be easily rinsed out with plain water. After several days, the spot has dried (lost water) and oxidized (picked up oxygen from the air) creating a soil that needs to be neutralized before it can again be rinsed out. Most soils or spots that originate from plants are known as “tannin” spots and are usually most responsive to acids (tannin spotters), Examples would be juices, coffee, sugar, or wine. Most soils and spots that originate from animals are known as “protein” spots and are usually most responsive to alkaline (Protein) agents. Examples of protein spots would include milk, blood, eggs, or cheese. Generally, the procedure is to apply the tannin or protein agents (or traffic lane cleaner for that matter) to the appropriate soil in amounts approximately equal to the amount of soiling agent, agitate with a tamping brush, spatula, or groomer, and follow with a thorough rinse of water. Typical carpet soil is acidic (about 4-5 pH). Therefore, most general cleaning agents such as traffic lane cleaners and detergents are alkaline (around 9-10). There are certain recommended limits due to fiber and carpet construction characteristics. For example, Wools of New Zealand recommends wool fibers should be cleaned using agents at, or around, neutral (5.5-8), and acid dyed nylon products should be cleaned using agents below pH 10 to avoid damaging the dyes (usually pH2-3). Oil Based Soils Oil (petroleum) based soils are generally cleaned with dry solvents. Dry solvents can be generally divided into two types. Volatile solvents are those that evaporate quickly and leave no residue. Some examples would be Perchlorethylene, 1,1,1, Trichloroethane, and the various alcohol derivatives. Volatile Dry Solvents are typically used on lighter oily spots such as inks or to remove residual POG after they have been used to spot heavier oily spots. Non-volatile dry solvents are those that evaporate very slowly or not at all. Some examples would be mineral spirits, Amyl Acetate, or D-Limonene. NVDS typically is used in one of two forms. Liquid paint, oil, and grease remover (POG), or gel spotter. The gel is used when the objective is to keep the solvent on the surface while it dissolves the spot and not allow it to penetrate where it might


damage latex or other substrates. The gel is also useful when exceptional suspension capabilities are needed to avoid spreading a spot.

Detergents Detergents have the ability to break surface tension, penetrate and suspend. This first action, breaking surface tension is why many detergents are referred to as surface-active agents – Surfactants. When soil is not soluble in water or dry solvents, many times, the best way to remove it is to suspend it using detergents and water. This action of breaking down and suspending soil in a liquid is called emulsification.

Enzymes

Enzymes are naturally produced chemicals that act as catalysts for various reactions. In other words, they cause a specific reaction to occur but don’t actually enter into the reaction. There is a different enzyme for each type of reaction. For example, the enzyme protease will break down (digest) protein, cellulase will breakdown cellulose, etc. In the carpet cleaning industry, enzymes are packaged and sold in two forms. Natural enzymes are packaged as liquids containing live bacteria used to produce the enzyme and are generally for special biological deodorization. Synthetic enzymes are packaged in powdered form and are generally pre-conditioners for greasy protein soil such as in a restaurant. The digestion process is slow and generally enzymes require extended dwell time to do their work.

Volatile Dry Solvent

Light Oils

Non Volatile Dry Solvent(POG or GEL)


Heavy Oils

Oil Based Spots


Preconditioner – (traffic lane spray) Carpeted areas that are moderately to heavily soiled need to be preconditioned before rinsing in order to get the soil into suspension. These preconditioning agents need to address all the components of typical carpet soil. Therefore, they contain a combination of cleaning agents and must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typical preconditioners will contain Alkalinity to neutralize acid soils, dry solvents to dissolve oily soils, and detergent to suspend the particulate and non-soluble soil. All this is generally carried in water. Usually applied by Sprayers, these agents can even be applied through a rotary brush in very heavy soiling situations. From the web pages fill in the following… Water is used in cleaning for two primary purposes, as ___________ and ____________. Neutralization is a “balancing” of a characteristic of water based agents known as _________. The pH scale runs from ____ to _____. Acids register between ____ & ____ on the pH scale while Alkaline agents register between ____ & _____. Water based soils that come from plant sources are typically cleaned with ____________ agents. Water based soils that come from animal sources are typically cleaned with ____________ agents. Dry Solvents are for __________ soils. Non soluble and particulate soils should usually be suspended using ______________. Enzymes break down soils through a process known as _________________.


Section 4 The Service -What we do!

The Five Principles of Cleaning The internationally accepted IICRC carpet cleaning standard (S100) outlines five principles of cleaning that must be accounted for in order for proper cleaning to take place. They are:

Dry Soil Removal- The first principle of cleaning is dry soil removal. Since over ¾ of the soil in carpets is typically particulate, and it is easier to clean dust than mud, dry soil removal is a very important step to any cleaning job. This process is best accomplished with a vacuum cleaner that features both agitation and suction. Air flow is critical so vac bags must be emptied on a regular basis. They should never be allowed to exceed 2/3 full.

Soil Suspension – The second principle of soil suspension addresses our goal of getting the soil separated from the fiber and ready for removal in the extraction step. There are four basic fundamentals that can be utilized in suspending soil. They are Temperature, Agitation, Chemical Action, and Time. These four fundamentals are often called the “cleaning pie”. Together they equal 100% soil suspension. When one is increased another may be decreased. Conversely, when one must be decreased due to certain fiber, construction, or soiling issues, then one or more of the other fundamentals must be increased or 100% cleaning does not take place.

• Dry Soil Removal

• Soil Suspension

• Soil Extraction

• Nap (pile) setting or Grooming

• Drying


Soil Extraction The third principle of cleaning is soil extraction. This is when the soil is actually removed. Common referred to as the Rinsing step, it is important to remember that not only the soil must be removed, but all of the cleaning agents as well. Any residue of cleaning agents left behind will likely attract soil and lead to a more rapid re-soiling of the carpet. Some methods extract the soil by absorbing it while other methods use vacuum (suction) for extraction.

Nap (Pile) Setting – “Grooming” Brushing, raking, and grooming the carpet is the 4th principle of cleaning carpet. This step accomplishes several things. It evens up appearance, eliminates tool marks, accelerates drying, and provides an overall “finished’ look to the job.

Drying The 5th and final principle of cleaning is Drying. Improper drying can be the source of difficult to correct problems such as cellulosic browning, shrinkage, sour odors, mold or mildew growth, and customer complaints. There are three general factors that need to be address for proper dying to occur. They are: 1. Humidity – the amount of moisture in the air (after all that’s where the

moisture has to go – through evaporation). 2. Air Movement – to get the moisture into the air, and exchange it with drier

air from elsewhere 3. Temperature – to increase the air’s ability to hold the moisture and not drop

it on other surfaces (condensation). It should never take longer than 24 hours for a carpet to dry after normal cleaning.

General Spotting Techniques Detailed Spot & stain Removal procedures are covered in another part of this course, but here are the basic steps to spot removal. 1.Identify the Spot 2. Select the Proper Spotting agent. 3. Properly Apply the Agent

4. Agitate to suspend the spot 5. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse


From the web pages fill in the following… The five principles of cleaning are : 1. _______________________ 2. _____________________________ 3. ________________________ 4. _____________________________ 5. ________________________

Vacuum cleaners should feature both ______________ and ______________. The Four fundamentals of soil suspension are ________________, ______________, ______________, and _______________. The Three factors that influence drying are ______________, ____________, and ________________.


Carpet Cleaning Methods There are 5 basic cleaning methods outlined in the IICRC S100 Carpet Cleaning Standard. Which method the cleaner will select is determined by a number of factors. It is up to the cleaner to evaluate the cleaning job and determine which method would be appropriate Some of the factors to consider in selecting which method to use are:

• Type of Carpet – Fiber content, construction, and design

• Soil Conditions – Type and amount of soil present

• Reason for Cleaning – What are the client’s expectations?

• Time Available – When is the carpet expected to ready for service? Site Conditions – Any specific challenges due to where the carpet is located?

There are several things that should be considered in evaluating cleaning methods. Some of the most common characteristics that affect the performance of a cleaning method are:

• Soil Removal • Appearance

• Dry Time

• Cost Effectiveness

• Residue/Re-soil

• Ease of Use

• Safety

• Versatility

You be the Judge!


The Five methods described in the S100 Cleaning Standard are: 1. Absorbent Compound (Powder Cleaning) 2. Absorbent Pad (Bonnet Cleaning) 3. Dry Foam Shampoo 4. Traditional Rotary Shampoo 5. Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) Using the following chart – Go through the web pages and the following pages in this manual and review the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Place your “evaluation numbers” on the chart and see how each stacks up. Remember, we are not looking for a winner or loser, but rather a way to decide which method should be used under which circumstances.


The 5 Methods are: Absorbent Compound (dry powder) – This method involves the application

of an absorbent, sponge-like material, which has been moistened, with a specially formulated mixture of water, detergents and a small amount of solvent. The cleaner is brushed and agitated into and through the carpet pile so that it can emulsify and absorb the soil, grease and spots. When the brushing is complete, the cleaner is vacuumed from the carpet along with the soil it has absorbed. It is important, for best results, to vacuum when the cleaner is dry. Since the dry extraction method employs a controlled amount of moisture, it is particularly well suited to rapid drying and speedy return of the carpet to service. The method is widely used for planned periodic maintenance cleaning and for overall professional cleaning.

There are several different suppliers of dry extraction cleaning compounds (both organic and inorganic based) and related equipment systems. Thorough pre- and post-vacuuming is essential to proper cleaning and soil removal. Use of heavy-duty, or industrial-type, power brush vacuum or power pile lifter is effective in maximizing the removal of absorbent cleaning compound and entrained soil. Dry extraction cleaning compounds also work well on spots that wick up after prior wet cleaning or spotting treatments.

Bonnet – This method relies on an absorbent pad, or “bonnet”. The rotating bonnet or pad absorbs soils and stains from the upper surface of the pile as it is rotated over the surface of the carpet. Either the carpet has previously been sprayed with a pre spray or the bonnet has ween wet out and is damp. The bonnet should be removed and cleaned often during the process.

Do not use a dry or unlubricated bonnet. It is imperative that properly designed bonnet pads be used, to assure carpet texture retention during cleaning. With proper equipment, appropriate pads and solution lubrication, this method can generally be safe and effective. There are several variations of bonnet cleaning; involving carbonated cleaned solutions, “electrostatic” cleaning. “spray brightening”, and more. When well-trained, professional or certified cleaning technicians do bonnet cleaning, it can be a safe and effective cleaning method for properly constructed carpet.


Be careful not to “heel-in” the rotating bonnet when attempting to remove spots or stains while cleaning. There is a possibility you might damage the carpet. Also use a clean disk bonnet each time you change colors of carpet while cleaning. Always perform a colorfastness (dye bleeding) test with your actual cleaning solution before you begin cleaning.

Shampoo – The Shampoo method uses a high-foaming detergent, usually

fed by a shower feed through a rotating drive block and brush. The rotary brush massages the cleaning solution into the upper part of the carpet pile, where the shampoo emulsifies oils, greasy soils and stains. A proper shampoo formulation dries preferably to a brittle, flaky or non-greasy residue. Subsequent, regular vacuuming helps to control additional soiling, while improving the pile appearance. The rotary brush-shampoo method is preferred for loop, cut-and-loop, or dense cut-pile carpets. When used by a trained professional, it is a fast, efficient and effective cleaning method for most types of carpet. This is particularly true in contract (commercial) carpet cleaning applications. Shampoo brushes must be properly “broken-in” or preconditioned prior to use; if in doubt, ask your supplier.

Avoid over-wetting or use of excess

shampoo, and do not “heel-in” the rotating brush on soiled or stained areas. Less dense or poorly made carpets might experience some pile distortion or texture change after any cleaning with mechanical action, including shampooing. Pretest your cleaning solution before proceeding.

Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) - This method involves the

simultaneous injection of wet cleaning solution into the carpet, with extraction (wet vacuuming) of the detergent plus soils, dirt, oils and stains. The cleaning solution may be room temperature, warm, or specially heated to hotter temperatures. Manipulating the cleaning tool does mechanical agitation; some systems use a powered brush or rotating devices. There are two “techniques” of wet extraction cleaning: one that uses detergent-rinse, with or without a prespray and the other that uses a plain water or specialty rinse following prespray, agitation, and dwell time. Immediate maximum extraction improves cleaning effectiveness, controls moisture and speeds drying time. Avoid over-wetting carpet, especially in traffic lanes where soiling and staining are more severe. Prespray stained areas and traffic lanes, during setup, to boost


cleaning effectiveness during overall cleaning. If potential color bleeding problems are suspected, pretest for possible dye bleeding with the cleaning solution(s) you intend to use. Do this before every cleaning job, and then do not or more of the following steps:

1. Use immediate maximum

extraction; 2. Limit moisture and speed

drying with fans, blowers or air movers;

3. Reduce the pH (alkalinity) of the cleaning solution; use an acid (sour) rinse, or

4. Use an alternative cleaning method such as dry foam or dry extraction.

“Steam” cleaning is a popular, but inappropriate, term, to describe this cleaning method, since no steam is used. Hot water extraction, wet extraction, or injection-extraction (U.K.) are better descriptions. Regardless of how your evaluation came out, remember, technicians clean carpets, not machines. The best method can do a poor job if not used properly!


Spot & Stain Removal The first step to successful spot removal is to identify and categorize the spot to be treated. There are four general categories that these spots may fall into.

1. Oil based 2. Water based 3. Non soluble 4. Chemical change Oil Based Spots & Stains Oil (petroleum) based soils are generally cleaned with dry solvents. Dry solvents can be generally divided into two types. Volatile solvents are those that evaporate quickly and leave no residue. Some examples would be Perchlorethylene, 1,1,1, Trichloroethane, and the various alcohol derivatives. Volatile Dry Solvents are typically used on lighter oily spots such as inks or to remove residual POG after they have been used to spot heavier oily spots.

Non-volatile dry solvents are those that evaporate very slowly or not at all. Some examples would be mineral spirits, Amyl Acetate, or D-Limonene. NVDS typically is used in one of two forms. Liquid paint, oil, and grease remover (POG), or gel spotter. The gel is used when the objective is to keep the solvent on the surface while it dissolves the spot and not allow it to penetrate where it might damage latex or other substrates. The gel is also useful when exceptional suspension capabilities are needed to avoid spreading a spot.


Light Oils

Non Volatile Dry Solvent(POG or GEL)


Heavy Oils

Oil Based Spots

Categorize The Spot

Oil Based(Paint,Oil, Ink,Lipstick,Gum,)

Water Based(Foods & Beverages)

Non Soluble(Sand, Graphite,)

Chemical Change(Dyes, Rust, etc.)

Spot/Stain


Water Based Spots & Stains Water Based Spots typically Originate from Plants or Animals. In dealing with these spots, the Cleaner employs the principles Of pH neutralization. Common plant origin spots, also known as Cellulosic spots include coffee, juice, catsup, soft drinks (sugar), and wine. These are generally cleaned with Tannin Spotters.

Common Animal origin spots & stains, also known as protein spots, would include blood, eggs, milk, cheese, mayonnaise, and gravy. These are generally spotted with protein (alkaline) spotters. One major exception to this “rule” that will be discussed later, is urine.

Albumin is a substance found in body fluids, such as blood that will harden (coagulate) if heated. Therefore, all protein spots should be first cleaned with cold water.

Sometimes a spot may contain materials from both plants and animals. An example would be coffee with cream. In cases like this it may be necessary to apply a tannin spotter and a protein spotter to the same spot. They should be applied on at a time and the spot should be thoroughly rinsed between applications (otherwise your spotters may neutralize each other).

The big exception to the plant-acid and animal-alkaline “rule” is urine. When fresh, urine is a liquid acid and conforms to the “rule”. However, as it dries, urine changes both form and pH to become an alkaline crystal (salt) material. Therefore, if urine has been there long enough to change (a couple of days) it must be treated first with tannin (acid) to dissolve the salt crystals. Sometimes this transformation from acid to alkaline will also affect the acid dyes commonly used in carpet and result in color changes or loss. Standard spot removal techniques will not correct this color damage. Sometimes spot dying techniques can be used in these cases with good results.

Tannen(Acid)

PlantOrigin

Protein(Alkaline)

AnimalOrigin

Water BasedSpots


Another factor to consider in cases of urine contamination is the amount (volume) of liquid urine that has been deposited in the carpet and try to match that amount with your tannin. It takes more than a few drops to neutralize a cup (or pint?) of urine. In addition to the discoloration (spot) caused by urine you should also keep the health aspects in mind and use appropriate anti-microbial and deodorizing agents, as well.

A. Steps in Treating Urine Conamination 1. Apply Acid to Neutralize the Alkaline Salts 2. Clean and Rinse Thoroughly 3. Apply Anti-microbial agent 4. Apply Deodorant 5. Any Pad/cushion should be replaced

Even Though it is from an animal, Urine does not follow the rules. Acid Liquid Becomes Alkaline Crystals (salt) as it dries. Therefore, start with an acid (Tannin) for spotting urine older than 12 hrs..


Non Soluble Soils

The process of breaking down and suspending particulate soils that you either can’t or don’t want to dissolve is known as emulsification. Detergents and shampoos are typical emulsifiers for purposes of treating spots in this category. Sand, ashes, and graphite are typical examples of spots in this category. The common procedure is to whip the detergent into lather and suspend the soil in the suds. Extract out the suds (and soil) then thoroughly rinse any residues that remain.

Special Treatment / Chemical Change

This is where you might use your bleaches (oxidizing agents), strippers (reducing agents), or special procedures, such as heat transfer. When you are working on the spots in this category you have a 50/50 chance of removing the dyes, etc. from the textile and should only proceed with the client’s permission and acceptance of liability. Oxidation/Reduction Oxidizing bleaches are those that add oxygen. Examples would be Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide, Sodium Perborate, and Sodium Percarbonate. Most oxidizing bleaches are accelerated with alkaline and slowed (or stopped) with acid. The reactions using oxidizing bleaches are generally very fast and not reversible. Reducing bleaches are those that remove or strip away oxygen, (Hence the name “strippers”). Reducing bleaches are just the opposite of oxidizing bleaches and are generally accelerated with acid and slowed with alkaline. Examples of reducing bleaches are Sodium Bisulfate, Sodium Hydrosulfite, and Potassium Persulfate. The reactions using reducing bleaches are generally slower and more controllable than those of oxidizing bleaches. Most reducing bleaches are sold and stored in powdered form and mixed with water for use. They should be stored in cool, dry locations. If they become contaminated with water in concentrated form, the possibility of spontaneous combustion exists. Control, control, control. Apply only the amount of cleaning agent needed; allow time for it to work. Agitate carefully, and rinse thoroughly. Mistakes can be expensive. Be patient and remember, if a little does a good job, more will not necessarily do any better. In fact, it may make things worse. Wax & Crayons Don’t dissolve colored wax or crayons. Instead, use an iron and a towel or brown paper bag to melt the wax into the towel (paper) without releasing the dyes.


Furniture Stains Some recent efforts with citrus gel and the heat transfer method have been fairly successful on relatively fresh furniture stains. It’s worth a try (with the proper liability caveats). Toner (photocopier ink) The powdered ink from photocopiers should be removed dry (vacuumed) as much as possible. Then any residual that cannot be vacuumed out should be suspended in detergent rather than dissolved with solvent. This will prevent the spreading of the spot.

Procedural Keys From the web pages fill in the following… The 5 Steps to spotting are – 1. _______________________

2. ________________________

3. ________________________

4. ________________________

5. ________________________

The Four General Categories of Spots & stains are: 1. __________________________ 3. ____________________

2. __________________________ 4. ____________________

Application - amount andtechnique

Dwell Time Agitation (Tamping,

spatula…) Rinse, Rinse, Rinse


Oil Based Spots respond best to ___________________ spotting agents. When spotting milk, blood, eggs or other animal source spots use an ___________ spotting agent. For things containing sugar (juices, soft drinks, etc. use ______________ spotting agents. Particulate or non-soluble soil should be suspended using ________________. To neutralize urine salts use a(n) _________________ agent. When agitating a spot, use a __________________ action.


GLOSSARY OF CARPET CLEANING TERMS

Anionic – Substance with negatively charged ions (molecular particles) in solution. Soap and most general-purpose detergents are anionic and repel ions in soil, also negatively charged, away from surfaces to be cleaned. Backing – The rugged woven fabric or yarn constituting the “back” or bottom layer of carpet, into which carpet pile is woven. Soils or stains that extend down through carpet pile into the backing can be quite difficult to remove. Beater – Or beater bar. A cylindrical device with spaced dull lugs or teeth, located on the suction end of a vacuum, that spins and agitates, or “beats’, carpet pile to spread fibers and allow the vacuum suction to more easily remove soil. A beater brush operates according to the same principle but uses less-aggressive brush fibers in place of metal lugs or teeth. Bonnet – A highly absorbent pad that can be attached to a floor machine to perform bonnet cleaning of a carpet. In this method, the carpet is sprayed with a cleaning solution, and the bonnet then scours the carpet fibers and absorbs cleaning solution and dissolved soil. Carpet – Any natural – or synthetic-fiber floor covering, usually with fiber yearn sewn or woven into a backing, that is installed to permanently occupy most or all of a room’s area (in contract to a mat, which is portable and occupies a relatively small area). In many facilities, carpets add safety and comfort, reduce noise and enhance a room’s attractiveness. Carpet sweeper – A mechanical, usually non-electric device used to quickly pick up larger pieces of litter or debris from a carpet does not typically pick up fine soil particles that can be picked up with a vacuum. Carpet Tile – Carpet that can be installed in portable squares, sometimes with self-adhesive backing. Cationic – A substance with positively charged ions (molecular particles). Deflocculation – The suspension of soil in a solution. The soil will stay in solution approximately 15 minutes. Rinsing needs to occur between 5 and 15 minutes of application of solution. Depressions – Carpet depressions are caused by heavy furniture weighing down a carpet over an extended period, creating permanent, unsightly indentations in the carpet pile.


Dry Compound Extraction – Carpet cleaning method using a fibrous or powder-like absorbent material containing cleaning solvents and detergents. The material is sprinkled onto the carpet and then agitated into the carpet pile with a machine that has a brush-like action. The cleaning compound dissolves grease and water-soluble soil, holding it in suspension until the dry compound and soil are vacuumed up. Dry Foam Extraction – Carpet cleaning method in which liquid cleaned is applied to carpet as a foam, agitated into the carpet as a foam, agitated into the carpet pile with a brush machine, and vacuumed. Enzymes – Non-living, complex organic compounds produced by living organisms, which speed up biochemical reactions. As catalysts that are not changed or used up during a chemical reaction, enzymes break down biological substances, such as some odor-producing substances (eggs, milk, grass) in carpet, and in such instances can be useful in cleaning. Extraction – In the broadest sense, any method that inserts any liquid, foam or solid cleaning agent into carpet fibers and follows it with vacuum removal of the cleaning agent and the soil the agent has absorbed or loosened. Often associated more specifically with wet extraction Extractor – Any machine that combines at least two functions: injection or spraying of a liquid carpet cleaning chemical into carpet fibers and removal of the chemical and dissolved soil through a vacuum head. The term can also simply refer to the want containing the vacuum head on an extraction machine. Extracting equipment can be portable or truck-mounted. Loop Pile – A type of carpet pile in which the yarn at the surface consists of uncut loops. Nonionic – A substance that has electrically neutral ions (molecular particles) in solution, and is not affected by anionic or cationic (qv) substances. Some cleaning chemicals contain nonionic ingredients that assist in cleaning. Nylon – Synthetic fibers among those known by chemists as polyamides and constructed of long, protein-like molecular chains. Nylon is the most common fiber used in carpet pile, representing about 62 percent by weight of carpet face fiber manufactured in the U.S. today. Olefin – Same as polypropylene. A synthetic fiber in the plastics family representing about 32 percent by weight of U.S.- made carpet face fiber. Also used extensively in carpet backing material. Optical brightener – Once a chemical component of many carpet shampoos, designed to cause the carpet fibers to reflect more ultraviolet rays and have a


brighter appearance. Now generally not used due to possible yellowing of stain resistant carpets. The pH Scale – 1-5 acidic, 6-8 neutral, 9-14 alkaline – alkaline solutions can cause browning or burning of the fiber tips.

Pile – The surface or face yarns of carpeting which are seen and exposed to wear. They may be cut, looped or a combination of both. Pile Brush – A hand tool used to agitate carpet pile after application of a pre-conditioner and to groom the carpet after cleaning. Also used to raise and separate pile. Pile Lifter – A heavy type of vacuum with a mechanism to aggressively lift and straighten carpet fibers, often used for heavy soiling or wear situations. Pilling – Short, loose fibers forming fuzzy balls on the carpet surface. Polyester – A synthetic fiber that is a type of plastic constructed of long polymers (long, chain-like molecules). Polyester represents slightly less than 6 percent by weight of U.S. – made carpet face fiber. Rayon – A fiber made by processing the cellulose in wood pulp. Rarely used in wall-to-wall carpeting, but sometimes found in area rugs. Shading – Dark and light areas which develop in carpet when traffic or carpet cleaning machines depress pile fibers and cause variations in light reflection. Shading can be minimized by using a pile brush. Spot – Temporary local discoloration in a carpet caused by any very recent spill of a food, beverage or other foreign substance. If not removed quickly, some spots will become permanent stains. Spot/Stain Removal – Any of several techniques, usually starting with blotting, that physically or chemically removes spots and stains in carpets. If daily spot


removal is not done, as concentrated cleaner solution can be applied to spots before general cleaning, to help remove difficult stains. Sprouting – A condition in which small tufts of cut-pile carpet extend above the surface. Stain – A local, more permanent discoloration of carpet caused by the spill of a foreign substance that was not removed quickly and has altered or changed the fiber surface. More difficult to remove than a spot. Static Electricity – A buildup of electrical charge (negatively charged electrons) when two surfaces, such as a carpet and a shoe sole, brush against each other. Most common in cool, low-humidity conditions. Unless the charge can be dissipated through various means, a person in contact with the charged surfaces who then contacts a metal surface such as a doorknob will experience a small spark discharge. Static electricity rarely causes injury, but it can damage computers and other sensitive electronic devices. T.A.C.T. – The four fundamentals of soil suspension T. – Time A. – Action C. - Chemicals T. - Temperature Truckmount – Wet extraction carpet cleaning equipment mounted in a van-type truck. The operator extends a hose and wand attachments into the building from the truck parked outdoors. A common equipment configuration for residential carpet cleaning. Vacuum – A machine, usually portable, that uses the suction of an electric fan motor through a hose or narrow orifice to remove dust and soil from carpets and other surfaces. May also have brushes or other devices to agitate and spread carpet fibers for easier soil removal. What makes water wetter – Anything that allows the surface tension to be broken quicker than just the application of water such as heat. All surfactants (detergents) and enzymes. Enzymes and heat make water much wetter than surfactant and can easily drive the moisture to the backing which can cause shrinkage and cellulosic browning. Wet Extraction – Sometimes called “hot water extraction” or “steam cleaning” (the latter term is a misnomer is most cases due to the fact that actual steam is rarely used). A carpet cleaning method that uses an extractor (qv) to discharge a mixture of detergent, wetting agents and hot or warm water into the carpet pile. The extractor pumps pressurized jets of the cleaning mixture into the carpet and then extracts the solution and soil with a powerful vacuum.

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