Pretesting Carpet Cleaning Products
Pretest so cleaning problems will not develop during
cleaning or after the carpet or rug is cleaned.
Not all products can be safely used on all fibers
and dyes. The face yarns of a carpet can be dyed by many
different dye processes using a wide range of dyes. It is
common in multi-colors to have different types of dyes
to produce the desired color. Therefore, a cleaner may be
safe on one color and not another.
To test a product, mix it according to directions or
as it is planned to be used. In an inconspicuous area,
such as in a corner, behind a chair, in back of the
drapery, etc., place approximately one teaspoon of the
solution on a spot about the size of a nickel. Work the
solution in with the fingers, press a white tissue
against the wet spot and hold it there for about ten
seconds. Examine the tissues to see if any dye has
transferred. The amount transferred may be very small and
difficult to see on the tissues, but over a large area
of carpet it could be objectionable. If the small spot
tested does not include all the different colors, then
the others should be tested. Retest any color that may
be in doubt. The wet spots should be carefully examined
as they may show a change not apparent on the tissues.
This testing should show any damage or change that
may take place on the fibers. The chance of damage
occurring with a cleaning solution is very small, but
some spot removal chemicals can damage some fibers. The
fibers may become sticky, soft, or dissolve. Always test
and examine carefully to prevent being sorry later.
If, during testing, a dye transfers or it appears as
though a fiber is being damaged, then this product should
not be used. Try testing other products until a safe one
is found. If none can be safely used, then contact and
explain the problem to a professional.
A second test will determine the type of residue
that remains after the carpet or rug has been cleaned.
The cleaning solution is made up of various chemicals
and liquids. After this is applied, the liquid will start
to evaporate. The drying time will vary from several
hours to several days.
After the liquid evaporates, what type of material
remains on the fibers? If it is a powdery, granular
material, it will be removed with the vacuum. Any other
consistency will remain on the face fibers.
To determine the type of residue, pour one-half cup
of the product as it is to be used in a glass pie plate.
Allow the pie plate to set undisturbed until all the
liquid has evaporated. This may take several days. The
process can be speeded up by placing the pie plate, with
solution, in an oven at 160 F. Watch and remove the plate
when no more liquid is being evaporated.
Examine the residue that remains. Is it sticky? If
so, it will hold onto soil at an accelerated rate and
make the carpet soil faster. The sticky residue will also
hold the fibers together and the surface of the carpet
will be more matted and less resilient. A hard, waxy
residue will not hold onto soil to the same extent but it
will dull the surface and the fibers will not appear
bright and clean.
Once the sticky or waxy residue gets on the fibers,
it usually remains until the residue is flushed out with
a lot of warm water. Another cleaning with the same
solution will only build up the residue. If it is
suspected that a residue is already present on the carpet
yarns, place a tablespoon of warm water on a spot and
work it in with the fingers. A foam or a slippery feeling
will indicate a detergent residue. The best way to remove
it is by the hot water extraction method. Many
professional rug cleaners have this type of equipment or
it can be rented.