Carpet Spotting In Four Steps

Following are four suggested steps for carpet cleaning that can help you achieve better results. 

Tamp: Using a small spotting brush, tamp the area where the cleaning fluid has been applied. This provides the agitation needed to work the cleaning fluid into the face yarns. Tamping means to tap the brush up and down on the fibers. This is preferred to rubbing the fibers with a brush or towel because it minimizes the chance of damage to the face yarns. Certain fibers and construction can fluff or pill if rubbed. This is particularly true of velvet plush construction.

Wait: Remember the second T in T.A.C.T. Time is an important asset in attacking spots. The cleaning chemicals take time to work. Don’t get impatient at this point. Give the chemicals ample opportunity to do their job. Solvents attacking oily stains will need more time (3-5 minutes) to do their work.

Blot: Using a clean, white cotton cloth (or disposable wiper) blot the spot. If there is a discoloration you should see the color start to transfer to the towel. That is your sign that the spot is “moving” to the towel.

Rinse: It is important to remove the chemicals adhering to the carpet fibers since no one can predict the outcome if left on too long. When a person washes their hair, they always rinse the shampoo out since leaving it in would leave the hair matted and attracting soil. So is the same concept with carpet fibers. If you have an extractor, use the hand tool to rinse the area with clear water. If not, small spots, use a squirt bottle to apply water and then blot it up with a towel. Make sure the backing can withstand the amount of water or other fluids in this operation. 

Your comments and questions are always welcome. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean…

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.