Any tips on carpet cleaning and stains in office?

Vanity | 11-30-2009 | Frantzie

[Frantzie]

Sorry to post a vanity but looking for tips on carpet cleaning.

[Frantzie]

How did you use shaving cream? Seems like you would have to get the steam cleaners to get the residue out. The other idea with crayons, heat set and bleach is pretty ingenious. Thanks.

[goseminoles]

I wonder if Rosie O’Donnell thinks that.

[Safrguns]

I recommend an enzyme carpet shampoo for the ground in areas.
your local pro carpet cleaner should have some.
I clean carpets professionally,
and if the pro can’t get it out, it’s permanent.

A lot of the ground in “brown” areas are probably from just normal wear, and there’s not much you can do about that except replace it.

If an enzyme pre-spray doesn’t do it, that’s it.

[Semper Mark]

I hate to make light of your question Frantzie...
...but I would defer to experts only when it comes to getting stains out of office carpet...

"Sure, I can handle it."

[get'emall]

Call Stanley Steemer.

[Frantzie]

Thanks. I guess if the enzyme does not work it is time for Barabasol or Burma Shave.

[Frantzie]

Do you blot the vinegar with a white towel or what? 50/50? Thanks.

[budwiesest]

The dark areas are called 'traffic-lane' grey. A professional will pre-spray the area with an emulisifier, allow 5-10 mins. of dwell time and then extract (the truck mount is the best) using a wand or a powerhead (RX20 rotary extraction).

What you have is a commercial grade rubber-backed carpet and the 'brown tinged' areas are from too much cleaning/rinse solution which causes 'wicking' up of fine particles of dirt to the top of the fibers that remains as the water evaporates.

The rubber backing prevents the moisture from going anywhere but 'up' and these talc-sized particles are carried up and deposited on top. Easy to remove, and a 'buffer' system is best when this occurs (happens alot when too much solution is used on this type of carpet).

I own two Chem-Dry franchises in N. California and can highly recommend the 'dryer' cleaning method (hot carbonated extraction) over typical 'steam' cleaners- plus, our pre-sprays aren't as soapy (9.5 pH vs some much higher used by steam cleaners).

A pH higher than 9.5 will destroy any stain resistence and isn't recommended on today's 'fifth-generation' nylon carpets.

Home Depot bought the Chem-Dry company in 2006, but each franchise is still family-owned-and-operated. You can go to Chem-Dry.com and use the link to find the nearest franchise (zip code locater). Look at those who pop-up and steer towards those with a 5 Star Tech rating. Call and ask if they do Home Depot warranty work ('cause if they do, they'll be the best in the area and you'll know they've been cleared by Home Depot's background checking and can be trusted in people's homes). You could have Home Depot schedule the appointment for you, but I think you'll get a better quote if you talk directly with the franchise.

The areas in front of the desks may be damaged by the wheels on the chairs and may not be restorable- those 'protectors' really help against crushing the fibers. Heat in the cleaning process will help as nylon is fairly resiliant and the heat helps it bounce back.

This is a busy time for most carpet cleaning companies. If you can book a week or more out they'll really appreciate it. Hope this helps.

[Frantzie]

Thanks. I will print out your note so I can tell them what I need when I schedule. I will follow your instructions.

I thought it was small amounts oil or grease that may have been in the bottom of their shoes rubber and over time when they turn to pivot in a traffic lane it made it worse. I thought enzymatic stuff might eat the grease. Sounds like you and Chem Dry have the solution to improve the situation.

[P.O.E.]

Put a throw rug over it.

[Freedom Dignity n Honor]

I usually use Simple Green from the auto section to get grease stains and ground in dirt out of stuff.

Grungy whites turn into bright whites using it. I haven't had a problem with it hurting clothes, even colored clothes. Do a spot test to be sure, though.

You might try a spot test to see if it would hurt your carpet.

[RckyRaCoCo]

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03aug04b.cfm

[Palladin]

I’ve used Stanley Steamer for more than 20 years, always with good results.

It’s backbreaking to move all that furniture yourself. These guys move every piece. When they’re done, every square inch is clean.

This is not for cheapskates, though.

[MortMan]

Send the blue dress to the dry cleaners ASAP.

[RckyRaCoCo]

BTW, just as a follow up. I use a Bissell steamvac type carpet cleaner. Hoover, other brands, are probably just as good. I rented carpet cleaners for awhile but thought of where/what the previous renters might have used it on, along with the costs, it was worth it to just get my own.

Lot's of sales today(Cyber Monday)...10% off through BING /newegg promotion, 10% off using Lowes coupon(available in Movers Packs at the post office...can be used at Home Depot, others)...and many other online/brick and mortar retailers, these discounts on top of pretty good deals today(remember Amazon, Newegg, etc....free shipping, NO TAX on many items(depending on where you live).

$130 give/take should get you a good carpet cleaner...one that will pay for itself over time.