Low Moisture Cleaning

Low moisture techniques (no water used in the soil extraction phase) are used for periodic carpet maintenance. The main advantages of low moisture techniques are the drying times and cost of the services. It is used in many commercial settings for periodic maintenance. 24 hour facilities such as airports, hotels, casinos typically use low moisture techniques when there is little down time.

Low moisture cleaning can also be used in residential settings as a periodic solution. These services can be applied quickly, have little down time and can be cost effective. Low moisture techniques should not be used in residential settings when the carpets are cleaned 1 time a year or less. Generally, carpets should be cleaned through hot water extraction at least 1 time each year.

3 Kinds of low moisture techniques are listed.

1. Encapsulation

   Involves the chemistry of the encapsulation agents surrounding each soil particle and crystallizing it so it cannot attract other soil. Additionally, protector is applied to the carpet fiber which protects against future staining. The soil is removed by vacuuming. Any soil not initially vacuumed remains encapsulated, will not attract additional soil and maybe removed by future vacuuming. We use a machine with counter rotating brushes to make sure the encapsulation is applied thoroughly to the carpet.

2. Absorbent Compound

   The absorbent compound method works by the application of a cleaning compound applied to the carpet. This cleaning agent is sprinkled onto the carpet and is worked into the carpet. This compound works like absorbent sponges and binds to the dirt. The soil attaches to the compound and is removed by a specialized machine with counter rotating brushes which removes the compound and attached soil while raising the carpet pile.

3. Bonnet Method

   The first step in the bonnet method is to apply cleaning agents to the carpet. The cleaning agents work by attracting the soil from the carpet fiber. The bonnet cleaner (a rotary brush with a pad on the bottom) is spun over the carpet and the soil is absorbed by the pad. The pads are flipped over and changed once they become full of dirt. Once the carpet dries, the cleaning agents leave a dry residue. The carpets are dry vacuumed to remove this residue.

Summary

Low moisture techniques can play a key role in carpet maintenance. It can be a cost effective interim program that can keep carpets looking clean while preventing damage to the carpet fibers. It is important to understand that a restorative process, hot water extraction should be performed on a regular scheduled basis. Cleaning programs consisting solely of low moisture techniques are not adequate to keep carpets cleaned. Furthermore, low moisture techniques should not be used in residential settings when the carpets are cleaned 1 time a year or less.