Clever Cleaning Methods For Different Carpet Fibers

Not all carpets are made from the same type of fiber and it should never be cleaned in the same way either. It is wise when you buy new carpet to make sure you know its fiber content. But what do you do about carpet that is already installed and you have not a clue what its fiber content is?

It is very hard to just look at a carpet and be able to tell what it is made of. This is why it is important to always test a cleaning method on either a scrap from the same carpet or an inconspicuous area. For example, certain types of mild bleach are designed to be used on olefin-type carpets but if used on nylon carpet could ruin it.

Wool carpet can be cleaned using the most cleaning methods. However wool can be easily damaged by heavy agitation and extreme heat. Also, many bleaches and alkaline detergents will damage wool. So the best cleaning method for wool is a mild neutral detergent and quick drying. Without quick drying on wool, there is a risk of the fiber browning or turning yellow.

Silk carpets are very delicate and if you use wet cleaning methods on this fiber it will weaken. Silk is also very sensitive to sunlight and heat. Your best bet for silk carpet is to hire a professional to clean it.

Carpets made of plant fibers can be cleaned with most cleaning methods but it is recommended that dry extraction be used quickly after the wet suspension. These plant fibers include cotton, jute, pineapple, coconut, ramie, hemp, and sisal. Use a pH in the cleaning solution of less than 7.5. And here again, you are probably best off hiring a professional cleaner.

Carpet made of synthetic fibers can be cleaned using one of five methods. If possible, check the manufacturer’s recommendations when cleaning carpet of this type. Never use strong solutions such as dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent to clean and always vacuum the area prior to any method. There are preconditioning solutions that can be applied to a carpet prior to cleaning in order to begin loosening the soil deeply-embedded in the fiber. Let this solution sit for about 8 to 10 minutes prior to beginning the synthetic cleaning method. These synthetic carpet cleaning methods include:

- Dry Extraction Method. This method involves an absorbent compound applied and brushed into the carpet where dirt and foreign particles will bond to it. Then, when dry, it is vacuumed.

- Dry Foam Extraction Method. Here a detergent foam is applied to the carpet and worked in by the brushes of a special machine. The extraction is done by wet vacuuming.

- Hot Water Extraction Method. This method is also known as steam cleaning. Hot steam or water is injected deep into the carpet to suspend the ground in soil. Then the suspended fluid is extracted through suction. Make sure you use fans to dry the area to prevent mold.

- Absorbent Pad (Bonnet) Method. A large rotary pad is mounted on a machine much like a buffer. It is lubricated with cleaning solution and absorbs while it spins. Keep changing the pad when it is saturated so that soil does not transfer back onto the carpet.

- Rotary Shampoo Method. This is a lot like the absorbent pad method. It injects shampoo through the brushes.

Always remember to be very careful with whatever method you choose. Carpet can be very delicate.

Next article: Carpet Stain Cleaning - Carpet Stains Removal Tips