The Dirt on Dirt revisited
Have you ever noticed that the dirtier your carpet is…the dirtier it gets? There is a reason for that, which is because soil is hydrophilic, meaning it is water loving. Soil that is water-loving is sticky (think mud) and becomes attached to your carpet fibers where it attracts more soil that is sticky and water-loving, and then this soil which is sticky and water loving will attract more soil that is sticky and water-loving, and will be attracted to the sticky water-loving soil on your carpet. HUH!? Did I just talk in a circle? Yes, because the soiling of carpet is a vicious circle, carpet must be cleaned and maintained on a routine basis so it stays clean.
A good, dare I even say, a working vacuum and a regular routine of vacuuming is critical to maintaining the appearance of your carpet at your home or office. It never ceases to amaze me, the vacuuming of commercial carpet is performed in such a haphazard way and in some cases “as needed” for basically just litter removal. Unfortunately, these carpets are replaced prematurely because they have “uglied-out.” Had these carpets been maintained, they could have lasted for many years. I teach in my Carpet Cleaning Technician class that the student’s goal is to help their customers get the longest, best-looking life out of their carpet. It is important to remember though that even a good vacuuming program will not stop the effect of impinged or oily soils from becoming attached to the carpet fibers.
Good preventative measures must be implemented such as:
· keep the outside environment leading into your home or building clean,
· keep adjoining, non-carpeted floors clean,
· place proper entrance matting at entry doors outdoors and indoors,
· routine and proper vacuuming is critical,
· remove spots on an as needed basis using appropriate products.
Each of these points is a topic all on their own, but I am only going to spend my time talking about proper vacuuming. Proper vacuuming alone can delay the time professional cleaning of the carpet will be needed. Using proper entrance mats and performing proper vacuuming is very GREEN because you don’t need water or have to dispose of any chemicals.
VACUUMING RULES
Too often vacuuming is done irregularly. Do you know that the rule of thumb for vacuuming carpet in a home is one time per week per occupant in the home? That includes pets. So if there are two adults, two children and a dog in the home, that makes five. Is your carpet being vacuumed five times per week? How about the carpet in your offices, because there are more people walking on that carpet daily.
WHAT SHOULD I USE
What makes for a good vacuum? Weight? Air flow? Brush type? Filter bag? Does the phrase; “It Beats…as it Sweeps…as it Cleans” conjure up any memories of the bygone days? That was The Hoover Company’s advertising slogan which started in 1919. Does your vacuum beat, as it sweeps, as it cleans? This may not be the best way of vacuuming every carpet.
Mind you, this is a sampling of some very good vacuums that can be used in a home or commercial building. How is your carpet installed? What type of backing is on your carpet? If your carpet is installed over a cushion, then using a vacuum with an agitator bar is fine. But if your carpet is glue-direct installed with no cushion, then the agitator bar, which is very common on upright vacuums, is literally beating your carpet to death. The best brush roller to have is one that has brushes only, no agitator strip. It should also be a two motor vacuum, one motor to drive the brush and the other to create the suction. Vacuums with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are important too.
VACUUM FAILS
These are some vacuums I have found in people's homes and businesses over the years.
The best vacuum to purchase of course is the one that fits your needs. Maybe you need a standard size vacuum with on-board tools for detail work and a wide track, battery operated vacuum for large open spaces and corridors. Be certain the manufacturer of your carpet approves the vacuums you are using or better yet look for the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval (SOA) in the specification for the vacuum you want to purchase. Then use it per the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations.
BOTTOM LINE
Is the vacuum you use in your home or being used in your offices working at peak efficiency?
Check the filter (replace when 1/2 – 2/3rds full), don’t forget the HEPA ones.
Check the brush bar - is it adjusted properly for the carpet (run a credit card or drivers license over the slot the brushes protrude through. If they protrude, great, if not, replace the brushes, and cut all the strings and hair collected around the bar).
Check the belt (if it’s cracked or stretched, replace it).
Proper vacuuming is very GREEN and good for the environment. It will also help you get the best-looking, longest-lasting life out of your carpet investment.