Saturday, June 9, 2012

Dirty Carpets


Question: Why does my carpet seem to get dirtier, much more quickly, after I've had it cleaned, than when it was new?

Answer: The reason for premature soiling of carpets after having been cleaned is due to a number of factors.
  
There are four methods of carpet cleaning commonly used. These different methods of carpet cleaning should not be considered equal in either effectiveness or their ability to maintain a carpet in like-new condition.

Bonnet pad, rotary shampoo, dry foam shampoo and hot water extraction cleaning are the most common methods used today to clean your carpet. Some of these methods, such as bonnet pad cleaning or dry foam cleaning are considered low moisture, interim cleaning methods. These methods have the disadvantage of having no extraction capabilities whatsoever, and thus permit excessive dirt and sticky residue to build up in the carpet fiber and backing material.

These methods also rely heavily on potentially damaging physical agitation and abrasion of the carpet, along with the use of harsh detergents or soaps. Soaps are formed by combining animal fats or vegetable oils with a strong alkali. Soaps are nearly impossible to remove from a carpet once they are applied. Detergents rely on phosphates and require high pH levels to clean, but break down the manufacturer's built-in fabric protection.

The carpet manufacturer generally includes an integrated fabric protector during the carpet manufacturing process. The harsh detergents and soaps used by some carpet cleaners can destroy this fabric protection. If this protection is destroyed, the carpet will no longer resist dirt, grease and grime, and stains from contrasting coloured spills. Once the protector is destroyed, the carpet will appear old and soiled, quickly.

As well as destroying the inherent carpet protection, these soaps and detergents stay in the carpet after cleaning. New dirt and grease are attracted to these soaps and detergents. Over time, the leftover soaps and detergents adhere permanently to both the carpet fires and the new dirt and grime. In effect, these harmful cleaning agents become a glue, bonding dirt and grime to your carpet. This causes the carpet to quickly look old and soiled, while making the carpet substantially more difficult to clean properly in the future.

Nothing cleans your carpet more thoroughly, and protects your investment more effectively, than the hot water extraction technique of carpet cleaning. Hot water extraction is the preferred carpet cleaning technique recommended by the majority of carpet manufacturers, including Shaw Industries, the largest manufacturer of carpet in the world.

When hiring a professional carpet cleaner, ask what method of carpet cleaning they use and what type of cleaning product will be used on the carpet. Make sure that the carpet cleaning company is IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified. Be sure they use non-phosphate, emulsified, neutral pH level, cleaners. Most carpet manufactures' warranties now require your carpet cleaning company to be IICRC certified, or your manufacturer's warranty may become void.

Carpet Masters is an independent locally owned and operated company. We are a professional, IICRC certified company. We are a reliable and trustworthy team that offers amazing value along with impeccably high standards of cleaning.

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