INTRODUCTION
This Technical Bulletin covers maintenance of commercial carpet using the encapsulation/brush cleaning method. The key to the success of this method is to use a properly formulated encapsulating cleaner. The cleaning agent emulsifies oils and loosens soils from the fiber. It then surrounds the soil and fiber with a non-stick polymer that makes vacuuming very effective. The surrounded soil is easily removed from the carpet through subsequent vacuuming.  The surrounded fibers actually retard re-soiling, making regular vacuuming more effective.

PROCEDURES

STEP 1: DRY SOIL REMOVAL
Begin by vacuuming the carpet to remove dry soil. It is easier to remove many soils when dry rather than mix them with cleaning solutions. A quality vacuum cleaner or two motor vacuum such as the HydroForce Pile Lifter is recommended.

STEP 2: PRESPRAY
Apply Encapuclean Green DS or Encapuclean O2 to the carpet evenly using a quality sprayer. If not applied evenly, the carpet can appear shaded after it dries. To assure even application, apply prespray from side to side, turn 90, and make a second application. Cover an area you can clean in 10 to 15 minutes.

STEP 3: AGITATION
Agitation may be provided by a rotary machine using a cotton or Microfiber bonnet. You can also agitate with a rotary machine and a shampoo brush, or the Brush Pro, similar counter-rotating cylindrical brush machine. The goal is to thoroughly work the Encapuclean Green DS into all the fiber and soil. The advantage of using a bonnet is that soil is also being absorbed by the pads as well as encapsulated. The remaining soil, which comes in contact with the cleaning solution, will be encapsulated and easily vacuumed out the following day.

STEP 4: PILE SETTING
Groom the carpet in one direction to remove brush marks and footprints. This creates a good impression, but even more importantly, it aids drying by straightening and separating the fibers.

STEP 5: DRYING
This part happens automatically and usually occurs within one hour, with no extra effort on your part.

STEP 6: VACUUM EXTRACTION
This step of the cleaning can be done the following day.  Again, a high quality vacuum cleaner or a pile lifter like the HydroForce Pile Lifter is strongly advised..  This step can be done by the carpet cleaning technician, the janitorial staff or whoever might regularly vacuum the carpet.

HELPFUL HINTS - The carpet will dry darker as the light will reflect differently until the soil is vacuumed out of the carpet. Do not clean into the middle of the room and stop. Clean the entire room and stop at doorways, as the difference in appearance may be more obvious than that of other cleaning methods.

CAUTION - Some carpet will need a restorative cleaning before using this system.  This system is designed for maintenance with low to medium soiling.

Thoughts To Consider  .  .  .
Encapsulation cleaning has become popular as a system that allows carpet cleaners to provide effective cleaning and a good appearance with a high production rate. This allows a profit while still bidding competitively on larger commercial accounts and providing a service the client values.

Experience has shown there are many other valuable reasons to use encapsulation cleaning. Encapuclean Green DS has proven to be very effective on filtration soil, on removing very small particles such as printer/copier toner; and on preventing spills like coffee and soft drinks from wicking back after cleaning.