CARPET SHAMPOOING

CARPET SHAMPOOING

Cleaning involves the removal of dust and other foreign matter from surfaces. The choice of cleaning methods depends on various factors as listed below:

1.       The nature of soiling.

2.       The nature of surface soiled.

3.       The properties of cleaning agents suitable for the surface.

4.       The best way to clean without dispersing dust to other areas.

5.       The process should be cost effective in terms of the cleaning agent and labour time.

6.       The method should restore the surface to its original sheen and colour.

Carpets are an expensive asset to hotels. They feature in capital budgets. Great care is taken in the selection and laying of carpets in rooms and public areas. The decision to purchase carpets is done by a senior committee including the General Manager and investor. Decisions on carpets have a long-standing impact hence it is important that such decisions are correct ones. Being valuable assets, their care and maintenance have to be regular and follow the correct procedure.

Cleaning can be done by two methods:

1.       Manual method, eg. Carpet brush, boxer, etc.

2.       Electrical method, eg. Vacuum cleaners.

MANUAL METHOD: The common method is with a carpet brush and dust pan. Brush against the piles and make them stand. Use brisk movements between piles to scoop out dust. Re-laying the piles back is time consuming and could be done the next day. Collect the dirt in the dust pan and empty out pan in the garbage bag after every room. Carpet brushing is useful when the noise of vacuum cleaners would disturb sleeping guests especially in the mornings.

ELECTRICAL METHOD: The vacuum cleaner is the principal machine in this category. It has the advantage of sucking dust from between piles. It also lifts piles, smoothens in one movement and removes dust completely. Some modern vacuum cleaners have a “combination floor nozzle” that provides the advantage of cleaning floors as well as carpets at the drop of a switch. Whenever using the nozzle move against the pile first and then along with the pile to remove hidden soil built inside the carpet piles. Use smooth brisk movements with downward pressure for smoothening and positioning the piles. Care must be taken to empty out the vacuum cleaner dust-bag every time a few rooms are done as congestion in the bag would stop the suction.

Carpet shampoo machines use one of two types of shampoos: Liquid and dry foam.

Shampoos are anionic synthetic detergents and should be diluted in the correct measures for optimal performance. Liquid shampoos produce very little foam but tend to leave a residue that traps dirt, making it necessary to shampoo the carpet frequently. Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquids, but they leave a dry foam on the surface of the carpet after application – hence the name. The foam loosens and lifts out the dirt, holding it on the surface of the carpet pile until it can be removed by dry suction. Dry foam shampoos contain some solvent in addition to the detergent to assist in the removal of solvent-soluble dirt. Carpets cleaned with a dry-foam shampoo require less drying time as well.

Carpet shampoo machines are used to dispense both types of shampoos. A cylindrical brush works the foam into the pile of the carpet.

Special points for carpet cleaning

1.       Ensure the power points are functioning properly when using a vacuum cleaner.

2.       When cleaning carpets, pay attention to corners and under edges of carpets as dust normally collects there.

3.       Any pins, needles or glass pieces must be removed with a brush and dustpan first before vacuum cleaning as these could puncture the bag.

4.       Any large objects are also to be removed from the floor as they could damage the suction process.

5.       Keep suction nozzle away facing downwards when on, as other articles like fine garments, jewellery, etc. could be sucked in.

General Carpet shampooing procedure

1.       Remove carpet from the room and spread out upside down on an open concrete surface.

2.       With a carpet beater, beat out dust in slow motions to cover each area at least three times.

3.       Roll the carpet and remove loose dust from surface underneath with a soft broom.

4.       Roll out carpet with the correct side up.

5.       With shampoo machine apply shampoo in circular motions slowly. Ready-made shampoos are available in the market. The carpet specialist will prescribe the mixture.

6.       The extra foam of the shampoo is removed by the carpet brush.

7.       The carpet is left in the sun to dry.

Carpet Shampooing by machine Once your machine is prepared, you will turn it on and get started. Instructions may vary from machine to machine, but most have a similar procedure. Push a button or lever to release the shampoo solution, and push a button or lever to activate the brush and sucking mechanism. Once the solution, brush and vacuum have been activated, pull the machine backward across your carpet at a rate of about 1 foot per second. After making a straight swipe down the carpet, roll the machine back to the other end and begin a new pass. Make sure the new area being cleaned slightly overlaps the strip you just finished. Continue until you've finished the carpeted area. Make sure you refill the cleaning solution and empty the dirty water tank as needed. Allow your carpets to dry for about 24 hours before walking on them.

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING OF CARPET

Keeping your carpets clean is an integral part of good housekeeping. Carpets quickly can grow filthy, trapping dander, dirt, germs and food remnants to be trampled underfoot. Dirty carpeting also lacks luster and vibrancy and can lead to a dull, unappealing environment. If you are interested in cleaning your  carpeting, you'll be glad to know that the process is fairly simple and should only take a few hours to complete. Once cleaned, your carpeting should look new, and the effect on your space should be noticeable.

Things You'll Need

·         Carpet shampooing machine

·         Carpet shampooing solution

·         Scrub brush

·         Oxidizing cleanser

·         Vinegar

Instructions

1 Rent a carpet shampooing machine if you do not own one. They are available for rent from a large number of housekeeping and hardware stores. Inquire at local business to learn more about rates and recommended chemicals.

2 Read the documentation that accompanies your machine to learn about set-up and use procedures. Your machine may have a specific brand of carpet cleaning solution that is required. Once you have procured the correct solution, don't immediately add it to the shampooing machine. You'll want to do a dry clean first.

3 Arrange your furniture so that you have access to as much of the carpet as possible. You may need to move your furniture into another room if you are tight on space.

4 Vacuum the room as normal to remove excess dust and debris. This will also help to reveal stains that may be hidden or forgotten about.

5 Pre-treat large or deep stains using an oxidizing cleanser mixed with warm water. This is called spot removal and will help soften the stain before shampooing. If you do not have oxidizing cleanser, you can use vinegar in warm water, which has the added benefit of fighting odour.

6 Add water and cleaning solution to the carpet shampooing machine. Carefully follow the instructions to avoid the risk of damage or electrocution. Plug in the machine once the solution has been added and slowly vacuum across the entire room. Be sure to repeatedly cover stained areas by slowly circling around the stain. You may need to stop and empty your dirtied water after shampooing for an extended period of time. If there are still visible stains after shampooing the entire room, allow the carpet to dry and then shampoo it a second time. Allow time for the room to dry before moving furniture back into place.