RESTORATION
Carpet care Experts weigh in on the importance of implementing a carpet maintenance program.
46 INCLEAN July / August 2020
A
common mistake by facilities is failing to implement a comprehensive maintenance program in place. A recent survey conducted by Whittaker Co, found the majority of Americans (93 per cent) would form a negative perception of a company or organisation if its facility had dirty carpet. The survey of 2102 adults, conducted by market research firm, The Harris Poll, found 56 per cent of respondents would look for an alternate facility to patronise after encountering unclean carpet in a public building. A proper carpet care program extends the useful life of carpet while maintaining a high appearance level, reducing water usage and dumping of chemicals. A properly maintained carpet reduces indoor pollutants and allergens because of its particle trapping effect and reduces overall costs of operation. According to Kristine Collins, product manager for SEBO Australia, companies who do not implement cleaning programs, or use incorrect cleaning equipment, appear to do so for two main reasons: budget constraints and poor cleaning knowledge. “Shortcuts could actually cost you more in the long run and companies who just surface clean with ‘suction-only’ vacuum cleaners perform a
grave disservice to their customers, ‘if it looks clean then it must be clean’. Wrong.” To be able to implement a maintenance program access to the correct equipment is essential. “Cleaning soft floor with incorrect, non-approved methods, equipment and chemicals may result in damage to the product and invalidation of the warranties,” says Collins. Another common mistake is not knowing the cleaning or maintenance requirements for the installed carpet. “Carpets are not all the same, the construction, fibre and backing systems vary and some cleaning methods may inadvertently void manufacturer warranties. Different carpet fibres may require chemical usage, which has a pH range that should be exceeded.”
DEVELOPING A CARPET CARE PROGRAM A carpet maintenance program seeks to prevent and anticipate soil before it builds up. It lays out how you will clean and care for your carpet on an ongoing basis and ensure your carpet continues to look its best and help you avoid costly problems down the road. IICRC instructor, Jason Twigg, recommends the planning, development and implementation of a carpet care program be undertaken in the first year of use. “Prevention is always better than the cure, this is so true with carpet care programs,” he says.
