Banks, offices, insurance companies, schools, healthcare institutions and manufacturing operations all have one item in common — commercial carpeting.

Throughout facilities nationwide, there is continual growth in the instances of carpet as a floor surface of choice. According to one industry source, carpet shipments from carpet manufacturers have grown from over 90 million square yards in 1950 to more than 1.5 billion yards in 1997.

Carpet expansion is obvious when you consider areas such as foyers and entryways that previously did not often have carpeting, but that are now carpeted. Or in classrooms, where carpeting was once considered a taboo — they are now resplendent with carpet.

Using the right cleaning chemicals and methods can dramatically increase a carpet’s appearance and lifespan. The correct carpet cleaning chemistry, when used by proactive facilities managers, will lead to excellent results in caring for carpets.

As the carpet industry continues to grow in both scope and application, chemical manufacturers work in tandem with the carpet industry to develop chemicals that meet operational needs of keeping carpets clean and bright in appearance.

Options Abound
Sanitary maintenance distributors should be aware of some of the carpet cleaning chemical innovations that have evolved over the years. Those innovations include:

  • Dry chemicals that can be dispensed onto the carpet surface by a machine that agitates the chemical, then picks up the chemical after use. This system allows for rapid or no drying time, which means the area can be occupied immediately after cleaning.
  • Odor eliminators that do not just mask odors, but actually eliminate or kill the source of the odor. Some of these odor counteractants can be dispensed with the cleaning chemical.
  • Enzyme activated chemicals that literally consume the dirt or the odor.
  • Easy-to-use stain removal kits — steps include identifying the stain, applying the appropriate chemical using a chart to identify the stain and chemical, and then flushing carpet after application.
  • Carpet protection chemicals that allow carpet to be “sealed” or protected to minimize the penetration of soil and liquid into the carpet fiber making cleaning easier.
  • An in-the-works technology that uses dry ice dispensed through a specialized machine that applies the compound to the carpet to remove the dirt. Although not widely in use, this system is environmentally friendly and minimizes chemical use.
  • Use of a carbonated solution system that removes soil while exposing the carpet surface to minimal moisture.


Time-Tested Tactics
Although carpet technology and cleaning chemicals have been changing to keep up with the marketplace demands for increased efficiency and decreased costs, it is important to realize that certain time-tested principles still need to be followed to ensure the carpet is cleaned in an appropriate manner. Such components include:

  • Chemical: The right chemical must be used. Read the manufacturer’s directions for both the chemical and the carpet. The chemical must be mixed in the appropriate manner, and the operator must wear the appropriate protective equipment as indicated on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
  • Time: Contrary to popular belief, few chemicals work instantly. Time is needed for chemicals to work and release the soil. Commonly called “dwell” time, this time is well spent. It enables the chemical to attack the dirt and to release the dirt off the carpet fiber. Coupled with this is speed. Carpet equipment should be operated at the optimal speed to allow the carpet cleaning chemical to work, enabling the entire carpet cleaning system to be efficient and effective.
  • Agitation: All of the carpet cleaning systems mentioned in this article use agitation. After the chemical is applied to the carpet, the chemical attacks the dirt, and agitation works the chemical into the carpet fiber. The combination of chemical, time and agitation enables the maximum amount of soil to be released from the fiber.
  • Temperature: Some systems use heat, and in order for the system to work at its greatest potential, the correct water temperature is needed. The same would apply to systems that utilize carbonation.
  • Residue removal: Do not skip this step — removal of all leftover residue. If a moisture-activated system is used, such as extraction, after the extraction chemical is applied, flush the carpet with clean water. If a dry system is used the area must be thoroughly vacuumed so that the maximum amount of chemical residue and soil is removed.

It is imperative that all chemicals be used in accordance with manufacturer's directions. Failure to do so could violate local, state or federal and ordinances and may cause injury to the operator. Always remember to:

  • Read manufacturer’s directions, dilute chemicals and operate equipment according to directions. Too great of an amount of chemical can damage the carpet by actually making the carpet look duller and by attracting, rather than repelling, dirt. Using too little amount of chemical can leave dirt behind.
  • Never mix chemicals together. Some chemicals, while relatively safe individually, can produce a lethal gas when mixed with another chemical.
  • MSDS’s must be maintained on file and available for employees for quick chemical reference.
  • All persons that use any carpet cleaning chemicals must be thoroughly trained in chemical use and equipment operation. Only such authorized personnel should use carpet cleaning chemicals and equipment.


Take Control
It appears carpet is here to stay. It is the responsibility of the facilities manager to maximize the return on carpet investment. In addition, a knowledgeable distributor can be an invaluable partner to the facilities manager. Carpet will last many years if the carpet is cleaned on a regular basis using the right equipment and the right chemicals.

Evidence suggests that developing and operating a proactive carpet maintenance program can dramatically increase the life of carpet.

The proactive distributor, teamed with the facilities manager that uses the correct carpet cleaning chemicals, will enhance the bottom line for all involved.

Alan S. Bigger is the director of Building Services for the University of Notre Dame, and Linda B. Bigger is a freelance editor.




POSTED ON: 3/1/2001