Total Solution Carpet Care Guide
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Proactive Cleaning to
Extend the Life of Your Carpet
Without regular removal, dirt and soil accumulates to grind and permanently damage fibers, so carpets “ugly out” before their time. Carpet by its very nature, will mask soil, stains and abrasion to a certain degree, unlike hard flooring surfaces that
readily reveal these symptoms indicating the need for immediate maintenance.
It is for this reason carpet must be proactively maintained before soiling becomes noticeable to prolong the appearance and life of your carpet.
Proactive cleaning is preventive maintenance before the carpet looks dirty, instead of reactive cleaning after the carpet is visibly soiled. It is the foundation of Beaulieu Commercial Total Solution Carpet Care Guide that proactive daily, interim and
scheduled maintenance can reduce or eliminate the cost and time of reactive restoration required for extreme cases of
badly soiled or damaged carpet while extending the life and appearance of the carpet itself.
Reactive restoration involves water extraction with aggressive agitation followed by thorough rinsing and pile grooming. This procedure may need to be performed several times before any improvement is noticeable. Proactive cleaning provides the best possible carpet appearance day after day, extending replacement due to appearance.
Not only is the proactive nature of cleaning important, so is the overall environmental friendliness of the process. The Beaulieu Commercial is committed to environmental friendliness. We only recommend cleaning systems that are environmentally friendly which is described as containing minimal to no VOCs, biodegradable, non-toxic, non-flammable, non-hazardous and safe for carpet and environment.
Carpet can act as a filter that helps keep dust and dirt out of the air. This can
be a significant health benefit since most people spend a great deal of their time indoors. When removing contaminants from carpet, it’s important to use
equipment that will prevent re-circulation of dust back into the air.
This guide is organized by cleaning frequency (daily, interim, and scheduled). Depending on frequency and traffic, there are different techniques and tools
recommended for best results in your particular facility. All chemicals used must have a pH level of less than nine. Do not use chemicals containing optical
brighteners or d-Limonene (orange terpenes).
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Daily Cleaning
Daily cleaning is necessary for heavy, medium, and light traffic areas, and includes the
following:
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Daily vacuuming of walk-off mats. |
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Daily vacuuming of track-off, funnel, and main traffic lanes. In some instances, frequency may be greater. |
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Immediate daily spot removal with emulsification and agitation, extraction, or blotting to guard against permanent
staining. |
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Recommended Spotters: Windsor Ind. (Pro Spotting Kit) or R.E. Whittaker Co. (Crystal Dry spotter & Roamer). See spot removal section for more details. |
Cleaning walk-off mats as
front line carpet protection
The first step toward a clean carpet is preventing dirt from getting to the carpet. Since 80% of all carpet soil is brought from outside on the bottom of shoes, the Beaulieu Commercial strongly recommends walk-off mats at all entryways and transition areas where soiling is likely. Mats trap or localize dirt, and the longer the mat, the more dirt trapped. Daily vacuuming and
frequent cleaning of mats will optimize mat efficiency and provide front line protection
to keep carpets cleaner longer.
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Vacuuming efficiently and effectively
Vacuuming removes 90% of dry soils that accelerates wear and causes fiber abrasion.
Vacuuming is a powerful method for preserving carpet life
and appearance. The first step in vacuuming is selecting the equipment best suited to your requirements and preferences.
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Two-motor Vacuum
Recommended Vacuum:
Windsor Industries (Versamatic Plus or comparable two-motor vacuum. |
In a two-motor vacuum, there is a separate motor for vacuuming and beater brush drive. Each motor is sized and
configured to optimize the specific function. Operation is generally quieter and dirt pick-up more effective than single-motor vacuums. We recommend a two-motor vacuum for all traffic levels.
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Interim Cleaning
Interim cleaning is a key part of a good maintenance program that most often gets overlooked or is not properly performed. Interim cleaning is designed to eliminate the “sticky stuff” resulting from the deposit of normal oils and soil that hold foreign matter in the carpet while simultaneously performing
low moisture pile lifting. Low moisture pile lifting actually retards the tendency
for contaminants to become airborne due to the action of the pile lifter. This
procedure enhances the ability of the vacuum cleaner to remove loosened foreign matter from the carpet. The graphs on the next page compare carpet appearance levels of a reactive or corrective maintenance program to a well-rounded
maintenance program that incorporates a good interim cleaning plan.
Interim cleaning is a fast, light, easy and safe method to retain a high level of appearance. By cleaning the carpet before soiling becomes noticeable, you will retain high appearance levels and improve upon the wearability of the floorcovering. Interim cleaning will make your daily and scheduled maintenance that much easier to perform giving
your carpet the fresh, clean appearance-enhancing effect you are looking for. |
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Interim Cleaning Method: Low Moisture Pile Lifting
The interim cleaning process approved by the Beaulieu Commercial is
“low moisture pile-lifting with chemical cleaning”. The approved chemical for this system is sprayed into the carpet, applying about one diluted gallon per 1000 square feet. Agitation of the floorcovering is accomplished using a machine that powers dual cylindrical brushes that will lift the carpet fibers as the brushes turn. The solution is allowed to dry (usually about 30-90 minutes) and the crystalline residue removed with the recommended type of vacuum. Productivity rates from 3,000 to 6,500 square feet per hour are attainable depending on machine size and spraying method.
The Beaulieu Commercial does not recommend the use of any type of “bonnet” or rotary shampoo cleaning method for the BOLYU, Cambridge or Aqua commercial carpet brands. Use of the “bonnet” method may void all warranties.
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| Recommended Equipment & Chemicals: R.E. Whittaker Co. (GLS & Crystal Dry) |
The Crystal Dry chemical action breaks down the sticky and oily residue that attracts soil on contact. The GLS machine works the Crystal Dry deep into the pile and loosens foreign solid material, lifting the carpet pile at the same time. As the Crystal Dry chemical dries, it encapsulates the soil in crystals that are then dry extracted by vacuum.
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Scheduled Cleaning
Scheduled periodic overall deep cleaning with hot water extraction is required to keep carpets in all areas looking their best. Water extraction cleans to the base of the fiber. It is our recommendation that on new carpet installations hot water extraction be performed only with clean, clear water and when
necessary, a pH adjusted rinse (depending on pH of carpet fibers) for best
long-term results.
Scheduled Deep Cleaning Method - Hot Water Extraction
The Beaulieu Commercial and other major fiber producers recommend hot water extraction for the periodic deep cleaning maintenance process.
Water extraction cleans to the base of the carpet fibers when performed properly; removing any residual dirt and debris. If left uncleaned, fungus, mold and bacteria could form causing unpleasant odors.
For productivity, hot water extraction simultaneously washes, rinses, and vacuums your carpet. A combination of hot water, and agitation cleans and rinses the carpet, while a vacuum carries away the soiled water.
Selecting self-contained, truck-mounted,
or portable equipment
The variety of equipment ranges from truck-mounted high-powered machines to portable machines that use a hose and wand or self contained extractors. The self-contained extractor can use a hose and wand, but is usually operated using the self-contained spray jets, agitating brush, and vacuum shoe.
Self-contained machines use hot tap water. The temperature is cooler than truck-mounts or portables, which also apply the water at higher pressure. Brush agitation in the self-contained unit makes up for the cooler water and lower pressure so that cleaning commercial carpet is very effective. The temperature of the water should not exceed 120° at the sprayer head.
The following is an average productivity level for each type of extraction method. Truck-mounts or portables can typically clean 1000-2000 sq. ft. per hour. A mid-sized self-contained extractor can clean between 2000 and 4000 sq. ft. per hour.
A large walk-behind wide-area extractor can clean up to 10,000 sq. ft. per hour. |
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Recommended hot water extraction methods
Recommended Equipment & Chemicals:
Windsor Industries
(self contained extractors, examples below)
or Truck Mount Extraction |
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A pre-spray and neutralizing rinse combination is the most effective method for older installations because it allows more time for the chemical action. It also
permits the alkalinity of the cleaning chemical to be neutralized in the rinse,
leaving the carpet looking brighter and more lustrous. For new installations we
recommend following these procedures and extracting with clear, plain water only using a pH adjusted rinse when necessary. The Beaulieu Commercial does not recommend the use of chemicals containing any type of optical brighteners or
d-Limonene.
Step 1: Pump spray a diluted solution of pre-spray chemical onto the area of
carpet to be cleaned about 10-15 minutes before extracting that area.
Step 2: In the solution tank of the extractor, dilute the hot water with a proper amount of neutralizing rinse. Extract the pre-sprayed carpet with this solution. Extract the carpet using this solution. With any extraction method, you can cut
dry time in half by directing an air blower on the wet carpet.
Do not over wet carpet. Over wetting carpet causes slower
drying and wick back, which will allow the spots to reappear. Carpet must also be 100% dry before foot traffic commences
to prevent rapid re-soiling.
When to use defoamers
If foaming occurs, put a small amount of defoamer into the recovery tank of the extractor. Spraying defoamer onto the inner wall of the recovery tank can give faster contact with foam as it enters the tank.
Warning: Never put defoamer into the solution tank. This can clog the spray jets. Also, defoamer residue on the carpet will cause rapid resoiling.
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 Carpet Soil Protectors –
Proven to Slow Down Resoiling
| Recommended Carpet Protector: 3M (carpet protector) |
The Beaulieu Commercial incorporates special fluorochemicals into the fibers during the production process that repel soils and materials that cause stains. This protection can be very effective, but like all topical treatments its performance levels will decrease as a result of hot water extraction. For extra soil protection, you can have new soil protector reapplied on site by a company certified technician trained to
properly apply an approved soil protector. An approved soil protector should only be re-applied after 6-8 hot water extractions. Carpet protectors should be worked into the carpet using a dual cylindrical brush scrubber (GLS) to
maximize penetration and coverage.
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Spot Removal – 7 Rules for Best Results
Recommended Spotting Kits: Windsor Industries (Red Carpet Pro Spotting Kit & Presto spot extractor)
OR
R.E. Whittaker Co. (Crystal
Dry Ready-To-Use Spotter & Carpet Roamer) |
Spot removal can be one of the most confusing and frustrating aspects of
carpet care. Improperly treated or ignored spots can destroy expensive carpet. The following seven rules can help simplify the challenge.
Seven rules of spot removal:
1. The faster you get to a spot the better for removal. At the minimum, spot removal must be a daily routine.
2. Know the fiber make-up of your carpet. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) registry provides a list of certified professional carpet cleaners who have simple tests and capabilities to determine fiber type for you. Nylon carpets will usually contain stain-blocking chemicals, which if properly maintained, can facilitate removal of serious stains.
3. Know and recognize the common spots in your facility. Keep a spotting kit on hand with a general-purpose spotter and specialty spotters for spots specific to your area of responsibility. Offices, for example, often have coffee or copier toner spots. Hospitals commonly have blood or betadine spots. You can expect coffee, tea, and red food dye spots in retail or hospitality facilities. Nursing homes commonly have urine stains. Gum stains are common in public facilities.
4. Many spots are concentrated areas of general soil tracked
into an area. A general purpose water-based spotter will remove these.
5. Greasy spots and tar are best removed by an oil or
solvent-based spotter.
6. Protein or fatty soils such as vomit, feces, or blood can be effectively removed with an enzyme-based spotter.
7. When applying a spotter, never rub the spotted area (see exception). Always carefully blot the spot with a cloth.
To help prevent resoiling, use a spotting water extractor to thoroughly clean the spotted area after blotting.
Exception: Only when using the Crystal Dry Ready-To-Use Spotter and the Carpet Roamer is it recommended to scrub or agitate spots. This is due to the crystalline formation the chemical takes when drying, allowing for easy removal with a vacuum and preventing wick back of spots. (Recommended spotters pictured below)
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Presto® Spotting Extractor |
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| Red Carpet® Professional
Spotting Kit |
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Whittaker ProSpotter
and Roamer Brush |
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Your Map to Total Solution Carpet Care
There are many ways to clean commercial carpeting. To determine the best for your requirements, you should map out the types of traffic in your facility's carpeted areas. Using a copy of your building's floor plan, categorize and label traffic areas as light, moderate, heavy, extra heavy or exteremely heavy.
* The term "traffic" means each time one person walks in the area. The same person walking in the same area 20 times a day equals 20 traffics.
Note: Spotting maintenance should be performed on a daily basis.
You are now on your way to total solution carpet care provided by your partner in business, the Beaulieu Commercial, in an effort to increase your return on investment of your floorcoverings. For assistance with any aspect of these processes, please feel free to contact our Technical Service Department at 800-451-1250.
P.O. Box 1447
1996 Highway 225 South
Chatsworth, GA 30705
800 451 1250
www.beaulieucommercial.com
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