Carpet Cleaning and Commercial Carpet Cleaning Machines

Maintaining the carpet, or other floor covering, in a commercial environment is an important, if sometimes unconsidered, part of any good housekeeping regime. The question is why is it important? And how best to do it?

Carpet in commercial premises represents a significant investment so one major reason for looking after it is to protect that investment, a pretty good reason in itself. One less obvious reason for keeping a carpet well maintained is that it looks better, both from an employee’s and visitor’s point of view. If a carpet is dirty and has the appearance of being uncared for it sends a message to the workforce and others that the company is equally uncaring in other aspects of their business.

So we have established that caring for the carpet is a significant activity, the question then is how is it done?

Getting the basics right

• Starting from first principles, the ease or otherwise of cleaning a commercial carpet depends on the quality of the carpet installed. Selecting the right carpet for a particular application can determine the amount of maintenance required. For instance you wouldn’t put a handmade Turkish carpet in an office environment unless you wanted to replace it on a regular basis.
• The carpet selected should be fit for its purpose – high traffic areas will need one type, perhaps predominately nylon based, whereas in another area, say in a customer facing environment a more luxurious carpet with a wool base may be more appropriate.
• Colour is important as well. As we all know patterned or darker colour carpets show less signs of soiling in between cleaning.

Using carpet cleaning machines

• The most obvious cleaning machine is the vacuum cleaner. The efficient removal of dirt from a carpet is dependent to a large extent on the quality of the vacuum cleaner as well as how it is used. It is important that the dirt is collected in the machine and not allowed to become airborne and settle elsewhere. Particular attention should be given to heavy pedestrian traffic areas as well as the perimeter edges where dirt can build up, if not removed, which can leave dark lines.
• No matter how efficient the vacuuming regime may have been there will be occasions when deeper carpet cleaning is required. This is where a carpet machine to extract the dirt should be employed, which will remove the dirt which has lodged deeper in the pile of the carpet. By introducing chemicals in solution with water and agitating it into the carpet the dirt can be separated from the carpet fibres, which the extractor then removes by means of a vacuum. It is worth bearing in mind that as a carpet extraction machine is not something used every day there is always an option to hire.

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Cleaning commercial wooden floors

The use of wood as a floor covering has grown significantly over the last few years both in the commercial and domestic markets. Whilst using wood is an attractive and decorative material it does present its own problems when it comes to cleaning.

One thing that separates a hardwood floor in a domestic environment from that used in a commercial one is that there is a lot more of it. Most wooden floors have had a seal applied to it to protect against spillages, so regular vacuuming and a wipe over with a well wrung out mop is sufficient to keep the floor clean. In a commercial setting, however, this would be labour and time intensive and this is where floor cleaning machines come in.

To replace the mop the ideal machine is the scrubber dryer which gives the same result as mopping but without the aching back for the person wielding the mop! A scrubber dryer will vacuum, scrub and dry a floor surface in one pass, to reduce cleaning time and minimize any disruption. The machine uses rotating pads to apply cleaning solution and agitate it into the floor surface and the resultant residue is then collected by a system of squeegees and removed into a collection tank. These machines can be used on a variety of different types of floor which makes them an important part of many commercial floor cleaning regimes.

A rotary disc floor buffer is another machine invaluable for ensuring wooden floors are kept to a high standard. This machine uses a single rotating disc which is fitted with a cleaning pad suitable for the appropriate cleaning job. For instance for polishing, a pad with a fine fibre would be used which is specifically designed to achieve a gloss type finish. Other pads can be used with various levels of abrasiveness depending on the depth of cleaning required. Wooden floors are normally sealed to protect the surface from stains and marking but, over time this wears away and needs re-sealing. The old sealant then has to be removed to prepare the surface for a new protective coating and the floor buffer can be used to achieve that. Using a pad of a coarser texture the old seal can be stripped away and the surface made ready for the re-application of the sealant. This type of work is best done by a professional contractor who understands the capacity of the floor buffer and the best type of sealant to apply.

There is a huge variety of different floor coverings available these day and even wood is more complicated than it first appears. For example is the wood solid or a laminate, is it finished or unfinished and to what level can it be abraded if a new coating is required. These types of questions will determine what type of cleaning machine is best suited to the type of floor. Many floor cleaning machines have been developed to be suitable for a variety of floors, so when selecting one it is best to take advice from an expert.

How to Use a Steam Vacuum Cleaner

A steam vacuum cleaner is a very important appliance in a home since its function of extracting steam to kill bacteria while cleaning thoroughly is highly appropriate especially in the case of carpets, floors, soft furnishings and upholstery. The moisture and any residuals and dirt is sucked up by the steam vacuum cleaner.

Step 1 - Read the Instructions Carefully

Although the function of a steam vacuum cleaner is the same for all models, there will obviously be a number of variations from one to another. Hence it is very important to read the instructions accompanying your steam vacuum cleaner carefully and in case you do not fully understand something make sure to ask the supplier or manufacturer. Keep in mind that incorrect use in some way or another may cause the stain you are trying to clean to penetrate further in the fabric, or else you may cause the vacuum cleaner some sort of damage.

Step 2 - Fill with Water and Soap if Desired

A steam vacuum cleaner operates with water. Remove the container where water needs to be placed for the steam cleaner mechanism to operate. Fill this container with water making sure not to exceed the maximum level. Some people also opt to use special soap products made for steam cleaners so as to clean better, remove stains and leave a pleasant fragrance. In such a case make sure to use a good quality product and follow the directions on the package. When ready carefully reinstall the container back in its place inside the steam vacuum cleaner.

Step 3 - Plug the Steam Vacuum Cleaner and Start Cleaning

Plug the steam vacuum cleaner to the nearest or most convenient electrical source and start to rub down on the carpet or other surface with it. It is best to move it in such a way so as to create regular strokes in the same direction, and then alternate the movement. This will ensure more thorough cleaning of the carpet fibers. On the first stroke press the lever or button which will release the steam onto the carpet. When changing the direction release the mechanism which will scrub the carpet and suck the moisture, residuals or dirt.

Step 4 - Repeat the Process

Move little by little, treating small areas at a time until you have cleaned the whole area of the carpet or surface. In areas where there is a persistent stain, you may need to spend more time on this area and go over it more than once so as to scrub more effectively and hopefully manage to remove the stain.

Step 5 - Allow it to Dry Well

Once finished allow the carpet to dry well. It is best to open a window to accelerate the drying process and make sure you avoid walking over the carpet or surface you have just cleaned.

Step 6 - Discard Any Water

Make sure to discard any water or soap that was not used, wipe the container dry and reinstall it in the steam vacuum cleaner.

By following these steps you will deep-clean your carpets or other upholstery effectively.