Carpet Care Demystified

Carpets are magnets for dust, dirt, allergens and stains. Even with a traditional vacuum cleaner, it can be difficult to thoroughly remove these elements embedded in the fibers. This is where the carpet extractor comes into play.

Unlike a simple vacuum cleaner, an extractor uses water and sometimes cleaning solutions to penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, removing embedded dirt and stubborn stains.

Here are some commonly used types of carpet extractors:

Injection/Extraction Extractor: This type of extractor uses a process of injecting water and cleaning solution into the carpet fibers, followed by powerful extraction to remove dirt and residue.

Steam Extractor: These extractors use water vapor to remove dirt and stains from carpets. The steam heated to a high temperature helps break down residue and kill bacteria and mites.

Bonnet Extractor: This type of extractor uses a rotating bonnet soaked in cleaning solution to scrub and absorb dirt from the carpet fibers. It is often used for surface cleanings and regular carpet maintenance.

Shampoo Extractor: These extractors spray a special shampoo solution onto the carpet, then use rotating brushes to agitate the fibers and remove dirt. They are effective for heavily soiled carpets, but often require a longer drying time.

Dry Extractor: Unlike other types of extractors that use water, dry extractors use chemicals or absorbent powders to clean carpets. They are often used for delicate carpets or in environments where humidity is a problem.

Different types of fibers and their cleaning method:

Knowing the fiber of the carpet to clean it correctly is also important information to know before starting deep cleaning.

NYLONS: These rugs are very strong and durable, often with stain protection. All types of cleaning can be recommended. Extraction cleaning is the most common process for deep cleaning. For quick or surface cleaning, bonnet or dry cleaning may be sufficient.

POLYESTER: Polyester responds well to cleaning by extraction and encapsulation, especially if the fiber has a high density. Dry cleaning with powder or foam is also a safe way to clean the carpet surface quickly. Avoid washing with a bonnet and steam, since these apply too much stress to the fiber, especially if its density is low.

POLYPROPYLENE: Being generally less durable than nylon or polyester, polypropylene rugs can however be cleaned in the same way as these. However, being less durable, particular attention should be paid to the strength of the products and the quantity of water used.

WOOL: The maintenance of this type of fiber is case by case because it requires good knowledge of its origin and the way the carpet was designed. Although most types of cleaning can be used, it is important to be careful.

HIGH FIBER DENSITY:

Since these rugs are generally designed for high traffic and are often stain resistant, most types of cleaning are safe to use.

LOW DENSITY:

Although these rugs are often softer and more cushiony, they are also more fragile. A cleaning method that is not aggressive and does not use too much water should be used.

Product types:

Carpet Cleaning Solution: These solutions are specially formulated for use with carpet extractors. They are often available in concentrated form and must be diluted with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Carpet Stain Removers: These products are designed to specifically deal with stubborn stains such as wine stains, coffee stains, grease stains, etc. They can be used before or during the cleaning process with an extractor.

Deodorizing Products: Some carpet extractor products contain deodorizing agents to eliminate unpleasant odors such as pet odors, smoke, etc.

Anti-foam products: reduce or eliminate foam from recovery tanks, commercial and industrial equipment used to collect water or foaming liquids, such as wet vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners and scrubber dryers.

Neutralizing products: Neutralizes harmful alkaline residues and eliminates road salt, calcium deposits and urine salts. Inhibits browning and dye bleeding.

Eco-Friendly Products: For those environmentally conscious or with allergy concerns, there are eco-friendly cleaning solutions specifically designed for use with carpet extractors.

Disinfectant products: These products ensure the elimination of certain odors in addition to completely getting rid of microbes and germs that could survive surface cleaning (Bonnet or dry cleaning).

How to use a carpet extractor?

Preparing the Carpet: Before beginning the cleaning process, be sure to remove all objects and furniture from the carpet to be cleaned. Also vacuum to remove surface dirt.

Choosing the cleaning solution: Select a cleaning solution adapted to your type of carpet and the nature of the stains. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the carpet fibers.

Filling the extractor: Fill the extractor tank with clean water and cleaning solution according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Deep Cleaning: Run the extractor over the carpet in a back-and-forth pattern, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Focus particularly on the dirtiest or stained areas.

Drying: Allow the mat to dry completely.

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Common errors:

1- Avoid excessive use of water on carpet. Especially during steam cleaning, some will tend to soak the carpet, which extends the drying time and can damage the carpet fibers, sometimes irreparably.

2- Be careful with aggressive methods on carpets that have a low fiber density, that are very thick or that are very cushiony. The bonnet method, for example, creates a lot of friction on the carpet and can cause the carpet to crush or even damage the fibers. The water extraction method can also damage certain high-end carpets by detaching the carpet fibers.

3- Some luxury rugs in pale or vibrant colors are at risk of tarnishing or whitening when too aggressive a product is used. It is important to always check the type of fibers and protections applied to the carpet before starting a deep stain removal job. Get into the habit of testing the product in an inconspicuous place first to ensure the result.

To your carpets and happy cleaning!

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Cleaning methods: https://momcleaning.com/carpet-cleaning-methods/

Types of fibers: https://cplsolutions.ca/en/blogs/news/comprendre-les-differentes-fibres-de-tapis-commerciaux

Maintenance by type: https://www.balta-carpets.com/en/Maintenance/Fibre_types/

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