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Understanding the science-based principles of effective restorative carpet cleaning will
aid immensely in enhancing the long-term performance of carpet. The appreciation of
the power of these principles begins by understanding the purpose and objectives of
cleaning (Bishop, 2003).
Cleaning is the traditional activity of removing contaminants, pollutants, and undesired
substances from an environment or surface to reduce damage or harm to human health or
valuable materials. Carpet cleaning is the process of locating, identifying, containing,
removing, and properly disposing of unwanted substances from a fibrous surface or
material. A primary objective of carpet cleaning is to maximize the removal of unwanted
or foreign matter from the carpet and to minimize residues in the carpet.
Basic Scientific Principles of Effective Restorative Cleaning
The basic scientific principles of effective restorative cleaning can be divided into five
major steps:
dry soil removal, soil suspension, soil extraction, pile setting (finishing or grooming), and drying.
Principle 1: Dry Soil Removal (Dry Vacuuming) -
Dry soil removal is accomplished in phases:
Pile preparation (using grooming tools) is employed to untangle the fiber of high-pile carpet, and must precede dry vacuuming.
Overall vacuuming with a CRI “Green Label” vacuum cleaner.
Concentrated entry area vacuuming (removal of the destructive build-up of abrasive soil).
Vacuuming the perimeter of the room to remove fine dust and soils that can settle in the crevices around the room, causing filtration soiling.*
Principle 2: Soil Suspension –
Once dry soil has been removed from the carpet, soil suspension (pre-conditioning) procedures begin. Soil suspension and removal are the most critical steps in effective carpet cleaning. The goal of soil suspension is to separate soil from fiber surfaces. Soil suspension is accomplished by the combination of four things: chemical action, elevated temperature (heat), agitation, and time.
*Filtration Soiling is a term used to describe dark, grayish lines that may appear around
baseboards, under doors, along the edges of stairs, and possibly away from walls where
plywood sub-flooring materials have been joined. A technical bulletin can be obtained at
WWW.carpet-rug.com
Chemical action is employed in two phases of the cleaning process.
In the first phase, chemicals are used to prepare the carpet for cleaning by
reducing surface tension and dissolving various soils. This step, called pre-
conditioning, is essential. It is unreasonable to suggest that soils, which have
been ground into carpet, along with oils that have had years to oxidize or dry out,
could be suspended adequately in the few seconds that elapse between the
application and removal phase employed with restorative cleaning method.
Therefore, remember that pre-conditioning takes time.
The second phase of chemical activity occurs when chemicals are mixed or
metered into rinse solutions to suspend light soils that accumulate in non-traffic
areas, along baseboards, or under furniture. Chemicals properly formulated,
mixed and applied during pre-conditioning are essential for effective cleaning.
Elevated Temperature (Heat)– Heat reduces the surface tension of water and enables
faster, more efficient cleaning than cold water. It is merely a matter of thermodynamics:
heat accelerates the molecular activity of chemicals employed, and thus aids in separation
of unwanted matter from fibers.
Agitation
– Agitation in some form is required to accomplish uniform chemical
penetration and distribution. Without agitation, soil suspension tends to be non-uniform,
which is often indicated by soil streaks following the removal process.
Using a common, multi-bristled brush or comb to work in pre-conditioner chemicals is
most effective and time-efficient. Brush agitation refers to the fore-and-aft stroking of
preconditioned carpet pile throughout traffic areas, placing particular emphasis on entry,
pivot, and heavily soiled areas. Mechanical agitation involves the use of mechanized
rotary or cylindrical, nylon-bristled brush action to achieve aggressive agitation and
distribution of pre-conditioning chemicals into the carpet pile.
Time
– The fourth fundamental, time, is often the least considered. Soils deposited and
compacted over extended periods between cleanings take time to dissolve and become
suspended. Pre-conditioner chemicals require prolonged contact or “dwell time” for
adequate fiber penetration and soil suspension to occur. Based on chemical formulation
and application temperature, dwell time can vary, usually 10 to 15 minutes. Follow pre-
conditioner chemical manufacturer’s label instructions.
Principle 3: Soil Extraction
– Soil is an unwanted substance that is foreign to the
construction of the carpet. In order to achieve effective cleaning, suspended soils must be
removed physically (extracted or rinsed) as co
mpletely as possible from the carpet’s pile.
Principle 4: Pile Setting
(Finishing or Grooming) – The term “finishing” refers to any
procedure that enhances the appearance of carpet beyond the physical soil removal
process in order to improve end-user perceptions of cleanliness. Generally, pile setting or
grooming employs one of several finishing or pile-grooming tools (e.g., carpet brush or
comb) specifically designed for this purpose. Most low loop pile carpet does not require
pile setting.
Principle 5: Drying
– Cleaning is not complete until carpet is dry and ready to be trafficked. Drying carpet is essential for three reasons:
First, it is required to return the carpet to use by end-users as soon as possible.
Second, drying carpet essentially eliminates slip-fall hazards, especially in areas
where carpet transitions to hard surfaces.
Third, rapid drying eliminates the potential for microorganism growth (bacteria
and fungi) and associated musty odors, in addition to health hazards that may
arise if carpet stays wet in excess of 12 hours.
Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation during the cleaning and drying phases of
restorative cleaning will speed drying time. The use of commercial air movers (drying
fans), HVAC handling systems, or dehumidifiers greatly reduces drying time. When
properly performed, restorative cleaning methods should leave the carpet dry within six
to eight hours. Humidity or environmental conditions may extend drying time, but under
no circumstances should drying time exceed 12 hours.
A facility-wide restorative cleaning should take place at least twice a year to remove the
accumulation of soil over looked during daily maintenance.
[Note:Inspect heavy use areas for slight dulling of color. This indicates a buildup of soil
and requires more frequent restorative cleaning.]
Precautions:
During restorative cleaning of carpet, follow several common sense precautions:
Always vacuum first.
Apply a pre-conditioner, following chemical manufacturer’s label instructions,
and agitate into the carpet’s fibers allowing a dwell time of usually 10 to 15 minutes.
If using a chemical cleaning agent, it is important to use a rinse system to remove
any potential chemical cleaning residue from the carpet yarn that might result in a
high rate of resoil.
Supply natural or mechanical ventilation during the cleaning and drying phases of
restorative cleaning. Adequate ventilation is necessary to speed drying time. The
use of commercial air movers (drying fans), HVAC handling systems or dehumidifiers greatly reduce drying time.
Follow directions for mixing solutions carefully. Using a solution stronger than the concentration recommended will not improve cleaning efficiency and may leave behind detergent residue that can lead to accelerated soiling.
Limit access to damp carpet until it is completely dry to avoid rapid resoiling.
Furniture should not be moved back into the room until carpet is completely dry.
Note:
If furniture has to be moved back into the room before carpet is completely
dry, be sure to use plastic tabs under the legs of furniture to prevent rust or furniture stains from developing on the carpet.
One of the most beneficial features of restorative cleaning is its capability of removing
deeply embedded soils. Carpet should always be cleaned according to carpet
manufacturers’ specifications.
Many cleaning systems are available; however, their effectiveness varies widely. When
choosing the cleaning system, the important considerations are:
Obtain the carpet manufacturer’s
recommendations, if possible.
It must clean effectively.
It must not damage the texture of the carpet.
It must not leave excessive residues of cleaning materials.

Clean Team