Following the 4 golden rules of commercial carpet maintenance will save you money and protect your investment.
Overall, the price of commodities has increased 326% over the past four decades. However, the price of carpet has increased by only 77.8% according to The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the national trade association for the carpet and rug industry in Dalton, Georgia. Commercial carpet is of tremendous value, but it is still one of the largest purchases you will make for your business. The greatest enemy to the longevity of your commercial carpet is what you can’t see.
The Invisible Enemy
The durability and soil-hiding characteristics of today’s carpet can disguise the need for maintenance. Proper commercial carpet care not only enhances the appearance but also extends the useful life, protecting your investment. Clean carpet contributes not only to the overall aesthetics of a structure but also to Indoor Air Quality.
The Four Golden Rules
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the Certification Body for the professional carpet and upholstery cleaning and restoration industry, Vancouver, Washington, offers the following 4 steps to proper commercial carpet maintenance:
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the Certification Body for the professional carpet and upholstery cleaning and restoration industry, Vancouver, Washington, offers the following 4 steps to proper commercial carpet maintenance:
Controlling Soil: Most abrasive particulate soil accumulates within the first few feet of major entries to commercial buildings. Once inside, this soil takes its toll on carpet fibres and on the general appearance of the structure. It also contributes to airborne particles that affect overall air quality. Effort is needed to keep this soil accumulation outside using properly selected entry mats. Entry mats that collect or absorb soil and moisture should be placed adjacent to carpeted areas in entries and, if possible, not on top of the carpet. They must be maintained by periodic vacuuming, shaking, and cleaning.
Vacuuming: Routine vacuuming with properly maintained, quality equipment is the single most important step a business owner can take to extend the life and appearance of the carpet. A top-fill upright vacuum with brush agitation or a canister vacuum with a “powerhead” incorporating brush agitation should be selected and used with routine frequency. Equally important, soil that is loosened and vacuumed from carpet must be collected in the vacuum recovery system and not allowed to re-enter the air within the structure. For this reason, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtering vacuum.
Immediate Spotting: Most spots can be easily removed by blotting with plain water or with spotters containing a neutral pH. If ignored, those spots, or components thereof, may bond with fibre dye sites, forming permanent stains. Immediate spotting is essential.
Cleaning: Commercial carpet exposed to routine use requires cleaning at least annually. Carpet subjected to extreme soiling or heavy use, particularly high-traffic areas, or carpet installed in places occupied by persons with allergies or respiratory problems requires increased cleaning frequency. Carpet in low-traffic areas needs less frequent cleaning. Cleaning frequency recommendations are available from the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) or the manufacturer of your commercial carpet.
Routine Care
One of the most critical, though often neglected, responsibilities of carpet owners involves routine care. The useful life and appearance of carpet are affected substantially by the type, quality, and frequency of maintenance procedures. If you are searching for a commercial carpet cleaning service in Victoria, BC, Tapestry can help ensure your carpets provide many years of beauty and service.
