Carpet Cleaning Specialist in Auckland – While contract cleaners handle daily upkeep tasks like vacuuming and trash removal, occasional calls about spots or stains require immediate attention.
For contractors without day porters available, tackling unknown spots or stains can be a challenging task, especially if the wrong cleaning technique is used, potentially exacerbating the issue.
First and foremost, carpet cleaners differentiate between spills, spots, and stains. A spill refers to any foreign substance dropped on the carpet, while a spot can be eliminated through cleaning. Stains, on the other hand, are typically permanent as they have altered the color of the carpet fibers.
Common culprits for carpet spotting include soda, coffee, candy, greasy food, ink or printer toner, and dirt tracked into high-traffic areas. As professional carpet cleaning specialists in Auckland, we have access to a range of cleaning products specifically formulated for different types of spots and carpets.
Proper Cleaning Techniques
A fundamental spot removal strategy involves scraping away solid matter, such as coffee grounds or candle wax. Next, gently blot the area with a cleaning solution. Avoid pouring the cleaner directly onto the spot, as it may cause the dirt to sink deeper into the carpet fibers. Work from the outer edge towards the center and refrain from brushing the carpet, which can cause wear. Instead, use a damp cloth to blot the area.
If excessive carpet cleaner or water is used, the carpet can become saturated, reaching the backing. During the drying process, the moisture mixes with the spot and may resurface, resulting in the reappearance of the stain.
Stain reappearance can also occur if the cleaning agent is not thoroughly rinsed from the carpet, leaving behind residue that attracts soil, making the area appear dirty again quickly.
Dealing with Discolored Stains
Different strategies are necessary for stains that have discolored the carpet fibers. A stain indicates that the dye of the carpet fibers has been altered. Unfortunately, dye-strippers, which are formulated to remove dye, cannot differentiate between carpet dye and the stain itself.
However, a heat-transfer process can be employed to address the stain. Assuming the spill is not as deeply set as the carpet color, applying heat with a steam iron over a towel allows the dye-stripper to draw the less-fixed discoloration into the towel. Timing is crucial, and the process should be stopped before all the staining has been removed, as the stripper continues to work for some time after application and may remove the carpet dye if left on for too long.
Advancements in Carpet Cleaning
The carpet cleaning industry has undergone significant changes due to innovations in carpet manufacturing, specific cleaning solutions, and new safety regulations.
Manufacturers now offer stain-resistant carpet fibers that repel soil rather than attracting it. Stain-resistant carpets also facilitate easier stain removal during the cleaning process.
Ironically, as carpets become more stain-resistant, cleaning solutions are becoming less potent. Environmental and safety regulations have necessitated the removal of petroleum-based solvents from cleaning products. Unfortunately, solutions without these solvents may be less effective at removing oil-based stains.
Despite these challenges, cleaning solutions are becoming increasingly specialized. For more information on how we can assist you, please call us at 0800 800 382.
