CARPET CLEANING /CARE DURING MONSOON

The rising and scorching heat of summer is out and monsoon is in. The south
west monsoon begins around the start of June and goes on until September.
This monsoon accounts for 80% rainfall of the country. The MET department
predicts poor rainfall this year and this may badly affect the economy of our
country.

With standard of life improving more and more commercial and even houses
uses the carpet. Increased use of carpets makes carpet care an important activity.
Widely carpets are categorised as Woven and Non-woven. Carpet can be made
from, single or blended, natural and synthetic fibers. Mostly wool ,nylon,
polyester and polypropelene materials are used.

Carpets, acts as a warm hard working coverings to our floor. They bring luxury,
fashion and comfort to mind. It reduce noise level and is more comfortable to
walk on. Various colour options and numerous patterns are available to meet
different lifestyles and preferences.

Carpets, especially wall to wall carpets need to be safe guarded from water
damage/dampness and infestation. When raining, too much water condensate
which makes the carpet damp. Water soaks into the bottom of the carpet, some
backing materials cause the carpet to discolour. There are three main types of
backing underlays : felt, foam and rubber. Like carpet, all types are available in
various grades and qualities and these can be matched to your carpet and the
wear characteristics of the place used.

By installing proper backing the carpet could be saved from water damage. This
padding is very important though it is not visible. When the dampness is too
high the carpet has to be removed and only after drying the area thoroughly,
the carpet shall be reinstalled.

A damp Carpet develops foul odour. It is stale and only when carpets become
dry this odour goes away. The moisturised carpet will probably contain disease
causing organism and it needs special care. We must remember health and
safety are very important criterias.

Keeping the carpet clean ensures the occupants are living in an environmentally
healthy atmosphere. Dirty carpets can have devastating effects. Not only they
look terrible, they become breeding ground for disease causing germs and
bacterias. It is important for users to know how to take care of the carpets lest
they become breeding ground for disease causing germs.

Monsoon carpet care should include four rules.

1 A strict vacuuming program

Sand and dirt act like thousands of little razors that cut carpet fibre.Dry soil
extraction using upright vacuum or tank vacuum plays an important role.
During monsoon heavy, yet unseen, soil build up may turn into mud. Dry soil
extraction with agitation removes the dirt and prevents the embedding of dirt
into the fibres of the carpet.

Vacuuming high traffic areas daily helps to keep the carpets in good shape. For
best results, vacuum slowly over an area going back and forth and side to side
in parallel rows. About six to eight strokes are needed in high traffic areas. It
gives an excellent life time to the carpet.

Frequent spotting:

By spotting clean stains quickly and properly. Solvents work best to dissolve
stains, spill, grease, oil, paint, chewing gum etc. When using the solvent work
from outside to the center, apply the solvent in a cloth and do the cleaning.
Ensure that you are not spreading the stain. Pre testing the spotter is a
necessity. This will check colour fastness and performance. Variation in fibre
material, carpet construction and installation methods often requires specialised
chemistry and process.

Low moisture cleaning:

The dry foam shampooing (or) carpet bonneting methods are generally
followed. Using a foam generator dry foam is created and applied over the
carpet. A revolving flat brush does the cleaning. Bonnet Pads are used when
carpet bonneting is done. Carpets must be thoroughly vacuumed after these
processes.

This cleaning helps carpets to sustain appearance. Being low moistured process,
drying time, chemical needs and labour is extensively saved.

In yet another dry cleaning method, chemicals are applied in the form of the
foam or powder. The dirt is absorbed and when dried they become crystals
which is vacuumed using powerful suction. These cleaning practices have some
limitation as they lack ability to extract residue and soil from the base of pile.

Restoration cleaning :
The most recommended processes used during monsoon are “hot water
extraction” and “Steam cleaning”.

Hot water extraction using a spray injection extraction machine is the only
method classified as deep cleaning. They are really capable of removing soil
deeply embedded in the pile. The vacuuming process removes the residues and
helps to do away with dampness. Usage of hot water means fast drying time.

Increased ventillation, reduced humidity, and the usage of air dryers and fans
speed up the drying process.

General conservation:
In case of severe rain fall if the water seeps in and damages the carpets we must
find out the root causes for the water seepage and suitable long term solutions
must be found.
We must remember indoor air quality ( IAQ ) is an important factor in protecting
the health. Sanitizing the wet carpet using appropriate chemicals can minimise
the odour and mildew. After cleaning, keep the area well ventilated for
circulation of fresh air. Most emissions dissipate with adequate ventilation.
Also keep the windows opened for some times every day. Use a deodouriser in
the room to have pleasant fragrance.

Though we are aware of basic dos and donts of the carpet care, manufacturers
may have better knowledge about their product. It would be always advisable
to follow the carpet manufacturer's recommendation.

Keeping the building entrances clean, using sufficient matting prevents the entry
of dirty. The soil brought from outside is filtered by this mats and minimises the
soil load inside the buildings. Let us keep in mind prevention is better than
cure.