Steam Carpet Cleaning
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This process involves hot water being fed to a spray-extraction tool or wand, this is coupled to a pump-vacuum power unit. The cleaning solution is injected under pressure into
the carpet through water-jet nozzles. This water penetrates the
fibers all the way down to the primary backing. This action loosens
embedded soils, removes oil and grease deposits, re-emulsifies
detergent residue all of which are immediately extracted by
extremely powerful vacuum systems.
There are many makes and types of steam carpet
cleaner on the market ranging from small portables up to the
extremely powerful and effective truck-mounted units. The principle
is the same whether using a portable or truck mounted unit, hot
water or solution is injected into the carpet under pressure and is
then extracted almost immediately, removing soils, residues as well
as spots and some stains.
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The truck mounted units are designed so that only
the hose and wand are taken into the building being cleaned. These
extremely powerful units, delivering hot water and generating a high
vacuum recovery can be powered by diesel fuel, gas, propane or by
the truck's motor.
Most fibers producers, carpet manufacturers and
professional cleaners endorse this process for achieving efficient
soil removal. With the present state-of-the-art equipment we are
capable of high production with less residue as long as the proper
chemicals are used and the operators are properly trained
The major disadvantage with steam carpet
cleaning are the problems associated with over wetting and
longer drying times. These can be eliminated by a skilled operator
using equipment that is well maintained and in good operating
condition.
There are two methods being used when steam carpet cleaning |
1) |
This first method involves a traffic lane
cleaner being sprayed onto the traffic lanes and then agitated
into the fibers. The entire are is then cleaned using a hot
water extractor that has a cleaning solution being injected
into the fibers through the wand. (Most
Popular)
This method does not rinse the
fiber.
Using this method leaves more cleaning solutions
residue behind. |
2) |
The second method involves a free rinsind
emulsifying pre-spray being sprayed onto the entire carpet.
This is then agitated into the fibers. The entire are is then
extracted using a specially formulated rinsing agent that is
injected into the fibers through the wand.(Proper Way)
This method is more
effective at achieving a cleaner fiber. The main reasons
for this are the improved pre-sprays and the thorough rinsing
of the fiber reduces the amount of residue cleaning solution
left in the carpet. |
Note: The residue cleaning solution
can also cause hoses and jets to become clogged as well as
damaging the water pumps if not flushed out with clear water
after each use. |
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| The cleaning is enhanced by the rinsing ability to:> |
- Neutralize any alkalinity contained in the pre-spray. |
- Lock migrant dyes back into the fibers |
- Stops soils from redepositing back onto the
fibers. This is accomplished by sequestering
agents. |
When a carpet fiber is rinsed using plain water,
the calcium / magnesium particles (present in the water) cause the
detergent molecules to drop the soils they have emulsified. These
detergent molecules then start emulsifying the calcium/magnesium
particles. The soils redeposit back into the carpet fiber which
causes resoiling.
Tip: When a rinsing agent (Use the
Extraction Rinse to prevent resoiling) is used. The chelating
and sequestering agents hide the calcium/magnesium particles from
the detergent molecules. The detergent molecules continue holding
onto the soils they have emulsified. This enables them to more
thoroughly rinsed from the carpet fiber.
Steam Carpet Cleaning : Procedure |
1) |
Prepare equipment and supplies. In a pump or
power sprayer mix free rinsing emulsifying pre-spray (follow
manufacturer's recommended dillutions). In the solution tank
of the extractor, mix the rinsing agent (follow manufacturer's
recommended dillutions). |
2) |
If there is a lot furniture to remove, draw a
floor plan. |
3) |
If the area has furniture, remove as much as
possible. |
4) |
Thoroughly vacuum carpet. If pile is crushed or
matted, using a pile brush will help loosen the soils which
will make the vacuuming process more effective. |
5) |
Pre-spray a generous amount of the emulsifying
pre-spray to an area 400-600 sq. ft. |
6) |
Using a grooming tool, agitate the pre-spray
into the fibers and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. (Make sure
that it does not dry out) |
7) |
Extract area using a portable, truck mounted
extractor or an automatic carpet machine. |
8) |
Repeat steps 5 to 7 until the entire area has
been completed. |
9) |
Groom cleaned area |
10) |
Replace any furniture that was removed (place
protective shields under any legs that may cause rust). |
11) |
Thoroughly clean all
equipment. |
Purpose of Grooming |
It will achieve full fiber contact |
Starts soil suspension |
Helps lift crushed or matted fibers |
Planning to buy steam carpet cleaning machines? Please consider these some tips.
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