A plant and chair in the waiting area of a business

Contributed by Whittaker

More or less moisture? Regular or occasional cleaning? As a facility maintenance professional, it can be overwhelming to keep track of carpet care best practices. To help facility managers and their employees, Whittaker, a leader in low-moisture carpet cleaning, unveiled the truth behind five carpet care myths.  

“Misinformation and inadequate training can result in myths that have an impact on the appearance and lifespan of flooring assets,” says Joe Bshero, director of technical services at Whittaker. “Facility managers must ensure that employees understand the steps of proper carpet care and provide workers with the necessary knowledge, machines, tools and chemistry.”  

1. Use matting seasonally

Preventative maintenance in the form of matting is essential year-round. Some areas of the country experience harsh winters that bring salt, sand and excess moisture into facilities. While snow typically doesn’t impact warmer climates, rainfall can bring muddy and wet shoes indoors and onto carpet. Thus, facilities need matting during all 12 months and must prioritize vacuuming and as-needed matting replacement. 

2. Regular vacuuming is sufficient

While vacuuming is an essential part of every carpet care program, regular interim maintenance helps remove stains and embedded soils. According to a survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Whittaker, among 2,012 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, 93 percent of Americans say dirty carpet with things like stains, animal hair or food residue in a facility would negatively impact their perception of that business. Thus, having a comprehensive carpet care program in place is critical for maintaining customer satisfaction. 

3. Chemistry should always lift stains immediately

While it’s true that high-quality chemistry will have a quick and noticeable effect on certain stains, others may reappear several days after chemistry application. Don’t give up on tough stains like blood, red wine or clay, or assume your chemistry has failed you. In these cases, it’s important to reapply the chemistry and agitate it to lift stains from the carpet pile.  

4. More moisture is more effective

While moisture is an essential component of carpet care, it’s important not to over saturate flooring, as this can lead to mold, mildew, odors and fiber damage. Low-moisture encapsulation uses much less water and allows carpet to dry within 20-30 minutes, making it a more sustainable and productive process. Additionally, facility managers must understand that the use of certain machines and chemicals may void their manufacturer’s warranty. Thus, they should take a close look at how a machine operates and whether it negatively impacts carpet fibers or warranties.    

5. Overcleaning damages carpet

Some facilities extend the time between vacuuming and interim maintenance to avoid wear and tear. However, if carpet care is done properly, regular and thorough maintenance does not lead to damage. Carpet is designed to withstand foot traffic, spills and mechanical agitation for decades. Using an ergonomic, lightweight machine and following the manufacturer’s instructions on proper system and chemistry use, helps extend the lifespan of carpet.