As discussed in Part #1, preconditioning agents (traffic lane cleaners, presprays, etc.) are the most important products that you use in your cleaning process.  However, with so many types to choose from, the decision as to which one or ones are right for the situation may be confusing.

Also, as per the stated purpose of these articles, we are discussing only preconditioning agents that are used for carpet or area rugs as opposed to upholstery fabrics or decorator rugs, which items have far different requirements.

The article is broken down into three sections: Fibers, Soils, and, finally, the Products to choose from. Last week we covered the fibers as you must understand them. This week we examine the soiling characteristics:

SOIL TYPE & ENVIRONMENT

The second consideration with respect to preconditioner choice is soil type and environment. While you might break these soils & their unique environments into more categories than the following six (6), but I believe these cover 98% of the soils you will face . . .

Residential

In owner occupied residences, the soil load will be predominately insoluble, particulate soils, the majority of which can and should be removed by vacuuming.  The remainder of the soils will likely be light oils tracked in from outside, food and beverage spills, cosmetics, and animal "accidents".  After vacuuming to remove dry soils, the remaining soil load in this environment may be suspended and removed without specialty products or the need for high pH preconditioners. 

Rental Property

These properties are called "residences", but the occupants do not own the carpet, and the care shown to the carpet is generally poor to none.  In addition to particulate soils, there will be larger amounts of spills and oily materials.  Do not be surprised if you find large volumes of oil, as motorcycles, lawnmowers, and other power equipment may have oil changes done right in the living room!  Stains from animal urine, colored soft drinks, ink, and paint are the norm.  In many cases, spills are so wide spread that the entire carpet could easily be described as "one large spot"!

Aggressive vacuuming as well as high pH preconditioners, solvent boosters, enzymes, and oxidizers may all be necessary to restore carpets that have been abused in this fashion.

Commercial/Food Service

Restaurants, cafeterias, and banquet rooms all will have large volumes of protein, fat, and starches.  This greasy surface layer will often conceal soft drink and liquor spills, as well as coffee and tea.  In many cases, the major source of contamination is walk off from a greasy kitchen floor.  Carpet in this environment should be cleaned monthly.  Expect difficulty when you are asked to clean such carpet less frequently.

Enzyme products, oxidizers, and high pH products are the best products for this application.

Commercial/Main Street

Small businesses, professional offices, etc. will, much like owner occupied residences, have a high degree of particulate matter, and a low amount of spills, mostly beverages. Treat these in the same manner as residential in most cases.

The biggest challenge in these environments occurs when oil is tracked in from parking area asphalt sealers.  Poorly maintained carpet with this contaminant will turn yellow in traffic areas when these oils oxidize over time.  It is very difficult to completely remove this staining, even with specialty products designed for the removal of oxidized oils. Make sure you get a release from the customer recognizing that this condition exists and in all probability will not look as good as they may desire upon completion.

Commercial/Industrial

Manufacturing facilities, print shops, machine shops, automotive repair centers, tire stores, etc. all have carpet exposed to very high degrees of oily materials, as well as particulate matter.  Maintenance in these areas is generally poor, and vacuum cleaners used by in house staff are usually totally inadequate to the task.

Aggressive vacuuming with a pile brush followed by high pH products with built in solvents, or separate additive solvents are generally necessary.  Expect wicking and recalls unless you use procedures specific for this type of environment.

Commercial/Personal Care

Personal care homes will have, due to the nature of the residences disabilities, higher amounts of urine and food spills than normally encountered.  Spills from protein shakes create difficulties, as well as stains from medicines, urine, feces, and vomit.  Carpets in these environments require a wide variety of cleaners, additives, stain removal agents, deodorizers, and most of all, expertise on the part of the technician.

In our final segment, available next week, the products and procedures necessary to remove the soils and stains encountered in these environments will be discussed in depth.