Carpets are the largest filter in your house, therefore it is important to keep them clean. A good maintenance plan for keeping your carpets clean is to have a hot water extraction cleaning done at least once every 12-18 months, which is necessary to be able to maintain most warranties. Our carpet cleaning machines are state of the art with patented technology. All of our products are VOC compliant (volatile organic compounds), meaning they are not harmful to your family, your pets, or the environment. Additionally, we use a variety of solutions specially formulated to address pet stains, odors, traffic lanes, wool, and those with sensitivity to fragrance.
For Residential Properties:
Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning or carpet cleaning, is the primary method of cleaning residential carpets. It is a highly effective and efficient process that involves the use of hot water, along with cleaning agents and vacuum suction, to remove dirt, stains, allergens, and contaminants from various materials.
For Commercial Properties:
Encapsulation
Encapsulation carpet cleaning, also known as encap, or Very Low Moisture (VLM) is highly effective for commercial carpets due to its unique cleaning process. In this method, a specialized cleaning solution is applied to the carpet, which encapsulates dirt and grime into tiny, crystalline particles. These particles are then easily vacuumed away, leaving the carpet clean and dry within a short time frame. This process is efficient, as it minimizes the use of water and reduces drying time, allowing businesses to resume normal operations quickly. Moreover, encapsulation cleaning leaves behind a protective residue that helps prevent future soiling, making it a cost-effective and efficient choice for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of commercial carpets.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation cleaning is also known as “Very Low Moisture” cleaning. It is designed as an interim cleaning method between Hot Water Extraction cleanings. It works especially well with commercial carpets when you have a large area to clean and a short window of time to do it. It is also budget friendly since you are able to clean up to 10 times more square footage per hour than with Hot Water Extraction.
The process of encapsulation is simple. We use a counter-rotating brush system utilizing an encapsulation solution made primarily of a polymer that when it attaches itself to dirt surrounds (encapsulate) the particles and holds them in suspension until dried. At that point, it becomes very brittle and allows you to vacuum up the soil and the solution. The advantage is that it also leaves behind a stain guard so that, quite literally, the more you vacuum, the cleaner your carpet actually becomes because you are continuing to break up the soil load. This system does require that you follow up the cleaning by vacuuming your carpet 24 – 48 hours after the cleaning. It does not void any type of Stain Master warranties.
Our Process
Carpet Preparation
Both Cleaning Methods:
- Pre-Grooming: Because constant use causes the fibers of carpets to bend and trap dirt underneath them, we begin by lifting the fibers which allows the total cleaning to be more effective.
- Dry extraction: Now that the fibers are lifted, we vacuum the carpets to remove insoluble dirt before we start cleaning. 70-80% of the dirt in the carpets are insoluble; such as stones, gravel and miscellaneous items.
Solution Application
HWE:
We apply a pre-spray to break down the organic soils and dirt within the carpet. It is given time to dwell and begin the cleaning process.
Encap
The solution is either sprayed directly onto the carpet, or it is metered out through the encapsulation equipment.
The Cleaning Process:
HWE
- Fiber Rinse: We rinse the carpet with a fiber rinse (acid based) that breaks down the alkaline of the pre-spray. This is an important step that neutralizes the alkaline cleaner so you do not have residue left in your carpet when we are finished. Leftover residue becomes sticky over time attracting dirt, debris, and soil in the same spot, which makes it appear like the same stain is coming back time and time again.
- Extraction: All of the dirt, soil, and materials are extracted from the carpet onto our onboard waste tank where it is disposed of. Your carpets are left clean as well as deodorized.
Encap
Once the solution is applied to the carpet, a machine with brushes or pads is used to agitate the encapsulation solution. This mechanical agitation helps to further loosen dirt and stains from the carpet fibers and ensures that the cleaning solution is evenly distributed. This is allowed to dry. Once dry, the carpet should be vacuumed within 24-48 hours after application to remove any soil and solution.
Grooming
HWE:
Our final step is to groom your carpet to ensure the fibers are upright and your carpet looks fresh and clean.
Encap:
No grooming is necessary with commercial carpets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the carpets to dry and how soon can I walk on them?
Drying time varies based on airflow and humidity levels. It is recommended that you give the carpets at least 4-6 hours to dry, however in some cases, it may take longer. We will provide shoe covers for you to use in case you must walk on it before it is dry. Furniture can be replaced when the carpets are dry; however, some people will wait till the next day to put furniture back in place.
Do I need to move the furniture from my room(s)?
Our “Quoted” rate is based on having the space ready and cleared. We are able to move couches, chairs, etc. However, we will not move large, fragile or expensive items due to liability restrictions. This may include china/curio cabinets, entertainment centers, TVs, aquariums, desks, file cabinets, oversized plants, pianos, pool tables, bookcases, grandfather clocks and appliances. We will clean around these large pieces.
Is stain guard really necessary?
Although most carpets carry a warranty against staining, an occasion mishap will occur. Stain guard allows enough time to get the spill out of the carpet before it causes further staining. It is not required, but highly recommended.