Hot Water Extraction (HWE)

After the preconditioner is applied through a pump sprayer, in-line sprayer or rotary shampoo machine, it is flushed from the carpet, along with the soil using a detergent and either a portable or >truck mount. This process can be repeated several times depending on how heavily soiled the carpet may appear to be.

It is recommended that heavily soiled carpet may need several flushing passes, followed by overlapping extraction only passes. Carpet should be completely dried within 6-8 hours, not exceeding a 24 hour period. Multiple extraction passes, good ventilation and air movers can help to speed up this process.

Encapsulation

This method of carpet cleaning is becoming more and more popular in commercial carpet maintenance. It should be used as an interim maintenance method and should be followed periodically (every 2-3 cleanings) by a thorough hot water extraction.

The encapsulating chemical (a liquid cleaning agent) is sprayed on and then brushed into the carpet using a cylindrical or rotary brush machine or bonnet. The encapsulation chemistry surrounds each soil particle and crystallizes it so it can't attract other soils. The encapsulated soil particles release from the carpet fiber and are removed by normal vacuuming which will generally be done by the janitorial staff at regularly scheduled times.

Since its a low moisture system, carpets can be put back into use promptly. This process allows maintenance companies to provide a continual high level of appearance at a lower price than other traditional methods while generating high levels of productivity. Encapsulation is designed for commercial maintenance only.

Shampoo

A high-foaming carpet detergent is applied to the carpet though a shower or channel-feed, nylon bristled brush at a speed recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment in use, safe for the carpet that is being cleaned. The agitation of the brush on the surface of the carpet creates a foam that pulls the soil from the carpet. Depending upon the detergent used, either a wet vacuum extracts the soil upon drying or other detergents require that detergents are dry vacuumed. A preconditioner may or may not be used prior to application.

Absorbent Pad (Bonnet Pad)

Dry-solvent based or carbonated or non-carbonated water-based carrier is sprayed onto pad and the carpet. The pads can be square or round and may contain fabrics such as cotton, rayon, synthetics or any combination. Instead of spraying, the pad can be dipped in a bucket of cleaning solution. During the agitation (spin buffing/oscillating) phase, the bonnet (pad) will attract and absorb the soil from the carpet. It is the job of the technician to monitor how dirty the pad is getting to replace or flip it as soil accumulates for maximum soil removal. A preconditioner may or may not be used prior to application.

Dry Foam

Dense foam, produced by a dry foam machine through mechanical aeration of a liquid detergent is distributed and agitated via machine brush action. The soil within the carpet and foam is then extracted by wet vacuum or using the same machine. A preconditioner can be used prior to application.

Absorbent Compound

Normally incorporates the use of an organic or synthetic carrier that contains detergents, solvents and some form of moisture.

This compound may be preceded by a preconditioner and spread on by hand or a machine specifically designed to apply absorbent compound.

Brushing is used to spread and agitate the compound evenly so that is absorbs the suspended soil. After the compound dries, it is removed by dry vacuuming.