Cleaning with Care

CLEANING WITH CARE Why soft surfaces like carpet require extra attention

by Joe Bshero

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of facility maintenance. As businesses begin to reopen, customers expect to be met with a new level of clean. During this vulnerable time, it’s crucial that organizations demonstrate their commitment to cleanliness to put patrons and employees at ease. And while thorough hard surface disinfection has recently come under increased focus, soft surfaces like carpet also require attention.

Carpet is often recommended to help improve indoor air quality (IAQ), as it can act as an air filter, trapping dust, pollen, and other particles, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Removing these pollutants and surface stains regularly is crucial because dirty carpet can send the wrong message to visitors as soon as they walk through the door. In fact, a 2020 Harris Poll revealed that 93 per cent of Americans say dirty carpet, with things like stains, animal hair, or food residue, would negatively impact their perception of a business.

To uphold brand reputation at a time when organizations need to secure customer loyalty and repeat business, it’s important that facility managers and their employees understand how to properly care for carpet.

A DEEP CLEAN

In addition to helping improve IAQ, carpet can also reduce noise and enhance comfort and appearance in indoor environments. Although soft surfaces like carpet cannot be disinfected, carpet can be cleaned and maintained with the proper tools and chemistry.

The first step to properly cleaning carpet requires an effective vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters trap 99.97 per cent of airborne particles, reducing the chances of particles being reintroduced to the air. Carpet should be vacuumed daily, especially in high-traffic areas near entrances or hallways.

Due to its absorbency, carpet can easily trap water, which is why it’s important to utilize low-moisture encapsulation. By relying on less water, this method allows carpet to dry in about 20 to 30 minutes without leaving behind any residue. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that facilities remove any visible contamination on soft surfaces like carpeted floors and then apply the appropriate cleaners. It’s also important to look for chemistries that include hydrogen peroxide as an ingredient. While employees can increase dilution rates to achieve a higher concentration, dosages above 4 per cent hydrogen peroxide can potentially damage natural carpet fibers, so proper measurement and dilution is key.

With the right carpet care machine and chemistry, facility managers can effectively lift carpet pile and agitate the chemistry into carpet fibers. Before, during, and even after an outbreak, it’s critical to always pay extra attention to visible soils in carpet. Build-up of soil and particles can settle into carpet over time and become more difficult to remove, potentially impacting the perception of cleanliness. Ensure that staff have access to carpet cleaning tools to quickly address spots as they occur.

MAINTAINING EQUIPMENT

Cleaning carpet is the first step to ensuring facility floors look their best and promote the right image to guests, employees, and visitors. However, it’s equally important to clean carpet equipment after each use to avoid cross-contamination, especially in environments where building occupants may be at high risk of infection, such as long-term care facilities and hospitals.

Before cleaning the equipment, ensure staff has access to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, to help prevent the spread of germs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wipe down the machine with EPA-approved disinfectant wipes or spray. Remove the machine’s brushes and soak in a peroxide or white vinegar solution for several minutes. Allow the brushes to thoroughly dry before placing them back into the machine. Additionally, empty the collection tray to dispose of any potential contaminants and other soils and clean accordingly.

Proper maintenance over time also keeps equipment in good working condition. Regularly flush the machine’s spray nozzles to ensure the cleaning solution is always properly distributed on carpet fibers. Rotate the brushes to increase their lifespan and replace them when the brush indicator notes wear. As organizations adapt and enhance their cleaning routines to clean more frequently, it’s never been more important to have reliable, userfriendly, and well-working equipment on hand.

ACHIEVING A HIGHER LEVEL OF CLEAN

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, facility managers are facing greater scrutiny from customers, employees, and stakeholders regarding cleanliness. According to the aforementioned Harris Poll, 58 per cent of Americans would assume the facility is not clean if it has dirty carpet and 56 per cent would look for an alternative facility to patronize.

Organizations should be doing everything in their power to maintain a top-to-bottom clean and give customers the right impression of their facility. Adhering to a regular carpet care schedule and using the right tools, machines, and chemicals is essential. /

Joe Bshero is director of technical services at Whittaker Co., a leader in interim commercial carpet cleaning systems.