Low Moisture or Encapsulation cleaning is the most safe and advanced way to clean and maintain carpet. Whether in residential setting or commercial environments low moisture solves many problems associated with carpet cleaning.
- Carpets dry fast. Homeowners are happy because their busy house can get back to normal quickly. Commercial clients experience rapid turnaround times and avoid potential slip hazards that are normally associated with other cleaning methods
- No complex chemical processes. Most all encapsulation cleaners are PH balanced. Not only safe for all face fibers, but they do not require the application of rinsing agents. This leaves carpet fresh, clean without the chance of leaving chemical residues behind attracting unwanted soil. In fact most of the advanced products today will add stain and soil protection to nylon face fibers.
- Environmentally safe. Low Moisture cleaning cuts out waste of thousands of gallons of water reducing water footprints, and eliminates sewage waste allowing soil to be vacuumed up as a dry solid before and after the cleaning process. In addition products like Jacob’s Encap Extra has been scrutinized by the scientific team at the US EPA and carries the DfE logo certifying that it’s safe for humans, pets, and the planet.
Steam Cleaning or Hot Water Extraction
Keep in mind, any method performs well if done properly.
- Steam or Hot Water Extraction: Requires the use of either portable equipment or more common truck mounted systems. Steam extraction is the most common form of carpet cleaning available. As with any other form of cleaning a thorough dry vacuuming should be performed by the technician in order to remove the majority of dry soil in the carpet. This includes a pre grooming or pile lift. 75-80% of dry soil cannot be removed with water or solvent alone. An application of pre-treatments typically a high ph pre-spray is common in most applications. Agitation and dwell time for chemistry is very important. A rinsing process then begins. If a high alkaline pre-treatment was used to release soil from fibers then an acid rinse must be performed to leave the carpet at a ph balance. Not doing so will leave a residue causing rapid re-soiling. Avoiding over wetting is important to. Proper tool and truck maintenance is vital to ensure you perform the cleaning properly. Some companies use fans or air movers to aid in the drying process. Often at a higher cost.
Whether you choose hot water extraction or encapsulation cleaning, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Pre-vacuuming is required by the technician. If you hire a cleaner and they fail to bring in a dry vacuum or special attachment for their truckmount specifically for dry vacuuming, send them packing.
- Make sure you ask what type of chemicals and cleaning process they are using. There are plenty of advanced non-toxic pre-sprays and carpet cleaning detergents available.
- Carpet grooming. The crimp and twist of the carpet is set at the mills with either a wet or dry heat. Often called Heatsetting. You may have heard of Superba. When cleaners clean with heat the setting from the mills can be disrupted. Post Grooming can aid in preventing damage to the fibers. It is also a pre-vacuuming aid to help remove soil from the carpet.
Low-Moisture cleaning ranks at the top for green cleaning carpet cleaning methods. There are some major advantages of using green cleaning techniques around your home and business.
Did you know microfiber towels are simply the best to use for cleaning hard surfaces? They make some awesome microfiber bonnets for carpet too, but you can accomplish amazing results without the use of toxic chemicals.
Microfiber is lint free, safe for most surfaces as its non-abrasive, and its hypoallergenic. Microfiber comes in the form of hand towels, mops, and various other forms. They often come in different colors allowing you to use them in different cleaning applications without cross-contamination. Hard to do with terry cloth towels. Why is microfiber so green? It has tiny hooks that help grab on to soil kind of like Velcro for dirt! Microfiber cleaning systems also help facilities earn credits for LEED certifications.
Cincinnati Maintenance also uses the Procyon Brand carpet and tile cleaning products to produce amazing cleaning results. These cleaners are soap free and derived from various plant based ingredients. This helps eliminate any type of chemical exposure whatsoever.
This company was founded by introducing low-moisture cleaning in the Cincinnati area. We will and continue to be on the cutting edge of green cleaning technologies. Safe, effective, and clean without causing environmental hazards or exposing anyone to toxicity.