Carpet Tile Maintenance

Transcription

1 Carpet Tile Maintenance AS EASY AS ABC InterfaceFLOR Nylon carpet tiles are manufactured with stateof-the art technology and highest grade materials. The carpet tiles come with a 15-year warranty when properly installed and maintained. This guide explains how you can maintain the performance and appearance of your InterfaceFLOR products using a simple and effective maintenance plan. WHY CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE ARE IMPORTANT There are two key factors that will affect the appearance of InterfaceFLOR products after installation: 1. Flattening, matting or shading of the carpet fiber. Lightly flattened areas can be easily restored through vacuum cleaning. For best results, an upright vacuum cleaner with rotating brushes should be used. The brushing action will quickly restore the flattened pile back to its original state. Picture of brushes on vacuum cleaner 2. Soiling and general staining of the carpet. These factors are avoidable by implementing a planned maintenance program that emphaisises periodic thorough cleaning on high traffic areas and areas that rapidly re-soil. PREVENTING FLATTENING, MATTING AND SHADING OF YOUR CARPET TILES InterfaceFLOR carpet tile uses high quality solution dyed Nylon fibres in its construction. The fibres are extremely strong and will not breakdown even under the heaviest foot traffic. However in high traffic areas, these fibres will flatten and colour change is visible in the area most walked on. For heavily flattened areas, the application of hot water injection and extraction can be used to restore the appearance. The Nylon used in InterfaceFLOR s carpet tiles has an inbuilt memory system when applied with heat and water, the fibres will restore to its original state. It s a bit like washing your hair. For hot water extraction, it is important that carpet tiles are totally dry after application as any residual moisture will trap dirt very quickly.

2 HOW TO KEEP YOUR CARPET TILES CLEAN Most soil is transferred to the carpet from foot traffic. The use of effective barrier matting will greatly reduce the rate of soiling. Dirt barrier mats or tiles should be installed for the first three meters (minimum) of all external entrances, goods lifts, loading and off-loading docks and adjoining hard areas. It is very important that the barrier system is maintained and serviced on a daily basis. Once the barrier system is full of soil, it ceases to be effective. 2. Stain Removal Protek also provides an effective protection against stains by blocking the stain receptors in the fibres. When dealing with a potential stain, prompt action using a carpet spot cleaning kit assists in easy and complete removal of most spots and stains. If the spill is liquid, blot up as much of the spill as possible with a clean white cloth. If the spill is semi-solid, scrape with a spoon or spatula and then blot with a damp sponge. Work from the edge of the spot towards the centre. Never rub a wet spill; this will only spread the problem. For difficult to remove spills see the guide in appendix 1 Picture - Walk of area 1. Vacuum Cleaning The most effective way to maintain the appearance of your carpet is regular vacuum cleaning. Your InterfaceFLOR carpet tiles are treated with a patented soil and stain protection system called Protekt. Its acts like a nonstick surface preventing soil from sticking to the carpet fibres. When cleaned with an effective vacuum cleaner regularly, up to 75% of soil can be removed quickly and effectively. Picture of spotting 3. Carpet cleaning Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning together with our built-in Protekt soil and stain protection will help to reduce the effects of soiling and staining. However, the carpet will still need to undergo more intensive cleaning periodically. There are three methods of carpet cleaning that we recommend. (i) Dry Powder extraction (Low Moisture Absorbent Powder) Dry powder extraction involves massaging a low moisture absorbent powder into the carpet surface to remove soil and stains. The powder is impregnated with a cleaning agent that absorbs and captures the soil, the residual powder is then vacuumed from the carpet pile.

3 Method: Thoroughly brush the carpet using a rotory brush and vacuum carpet. Spread Dry Powder as per manufacturer s instructions. Brush in the Dry Powder as per manufacturer s instructions. Vacuum Dry Powder residue from the carpet. Note: It is essential that all powder is fully extracted from the carpet. Picture dry powder application (ii) Encapsulation Crystallizing Application The encapsulation crystallizing method of maintenance is a low moisture procedure similar to the dry powder extraction method. Although applied in a liquid form, the chemical quickly crystallizes around the fibres allowing immediate access to the area without the necessity of extended drying time. Method: Thoroughly brush the carpet using a rotary brush and vacuum carpet. Spray the detergent onto the carpet using a manual or electric sprayer as per manufacturer s instructions. Agitate the carpet pile using a rotary brush to brush the solution into the carpet fibres and dislodge accumulated soil. Allow the solution to fully dry and form the encapsulating crystalline around the fibres. Drying time will vary according to temperature, humidity and air flow but will normally be between 35 and 40 minutes. Vacuum the residue from carpet. (iii) Hot water injection and extraction Hot Water Injection and Extraction involved a pre-spraying of an approved chemical into the carpet and then extracting it with clean hot water. The process thoroughly cleans the carpet fibres but needs an extended drying period after application. Failure to fully dry the carpet prior to use will cause rapid resoiling. Method: Vacuum the carpet thoroughly and use a spot cleaner on heavily soiled areas. Prepare cleaning solution - 500ml in 10l of water for normal soiling, and 1l in 10l water for heavily soiled areas. Pre-spray cleaning solution onto carpet treating max m2 at a time. Allow approx.10 mins for the cleaning solution to act. (Do not allow the sprayed area to dry). Agitate the carpet with a rotary carpet brush. Operate the hot water injection and extraction equipment using clean hot water only. The equipment has a solution application valve which injects the water into the fibres. Pull equipment towards the operator for 1 m 1.5 m before releasing the solution valve to eliminate heavily wetted areas. Cover the same area 2 3 times with the solution valve off to ensure as much moisture as possible is removed from the carpet. Overlap approximately 50 mm and proceed on next section of untreated carpet. Leave the carpet to dry. Mechanical air movers should be used to aid the drying process. Place drying fans on wet areas during cleaning and allow to dry for as long as needed. DO NOT ALLOW FOOT TRAFFIC ON THE CARPET UNTIL IT IS DRY. It is recommended that hot water injection and extraction is carried out by trained personnel or an experienced contractor.

4 PLANNING A CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Carpet needs to be maintained if it is to retain its original appearance and stand up to high levels of daily foot traffic. By planning a maintenance program developed around the traffic volume and soiling rates of the different areas throughout the installation, you can ensure that work is concentrated where it is needed most. (See Diagram 1 and Table 1).Our maintenance guide below indicates the type of program required for different areas within an education environment. InterfaceFLOR offers a FREE comprehensive maintenance planning service via the Accredited Maintenance Network just contact us at denys.wang@interfaceflor.com Carpet appearance level utilising a planned maintenance program. Carpet appearance level utilising an unplanned maintenance program. Example of a graded traffic volume plan for a maintenance program. often dirty. It begins to ugly out before it wears out. Update chart to show example maintenance program for a school Example of a maintenance program cleaning schedule EQUIPMENT To be able to implement an effective maintenance program, access to the correct equipment is essential. Cleaning InterfaceFLOR products with incorrect, non-approved methods, equipment and chemicals may result in damage to the product and invalidation of the warranties. 1. Vacuum equipment A commercial canister-type electrically operated vacuum with power head containing a rotating cylindrical will give the best results. The rotating brush agitates carpet fibres to release soil prior to the vacuum, which removes the soil from the carpet. Ideally a twin motor model with filtration system should be used for maximum effect. (See appendix for recommended models) The use of cylinder vacuum systems without powered brushes is not recommended. These models will only remove surface soil and will not penetrate into the carpet fibres.

5 2. Rotary brush Used for the application of cleaning materials, the electrically operated rotary brush has 2 control-rotating brushes that thoroughly agitate the car chemicals to fully penetrate the car for recommended models) 3. Chemicals Car damaged b rpet Spot Cleaning Kit is recommended for day-to- day spot cleaning For spotting and pre-spray, the ph should be bet treatments, optical brighteners, carpet protection chemicals and aggressive solvent-based cleaners are not recommended, please call the InterfaceFLOR Client Ser Technical available from r

6 Appendix 1 GP Spotter Pre-emulsifier P.O.G. Spotter Tannin Stain Remover Red Juice Stain Remover Iodine Spotter Delible Ink Remover Rust Remover Gum Remover Protein Spotter Alkaline Conditioner Adhesive 1 2 Asphalt/Tar Betadine 2 Blood Butter Catsup/Tomato Chocolate Coffee/Tea 1 3 Crayon Excrement Fruit Juice Furniture Polish Glue Solvent 1 2 Glue White Grease/Oil Gum Hand Lotion Inks 1 3 Iodine 1 2 Lipstick Rinse 1. Spot Cleaning and Solution Guide For the following Spot Problems, please try solution 1 first before trying solution 2. If some staining remains, please try solution 3. * Host Dry Powder may be used as a quick, dry, low odour alternative. ** For these spot problems, vacuum first and then follow the solutions suggested. Instructions on how to use spot cleaners Clean up all spills promptly before a spill becomes a permanent stain. Remove excess soil or liquid from the carpet. For soil, gently scrape away surface spill with a spatula or knife, and for liquid spills dab area with an absorbent colorfast cloth. Where possible try to identify the type of stain; look, feel and smell. Always pre-test the spotter in a small inconspicuous area before using. This is to determine if the product is going to have any adverse effects on the surface. Apply spotter with a clean white cloth and gently dab the stain working from the outside towards the centre. For deep stains apply spotter directly to the carpet. DO NOT over-wet the carpet.

7 Rinse the area with water after the stain has been removed. Repeat steps for stubborn stains. Restore the carpet pile to its original shape by combing the carpet. Tannin Stain Remover Apply Tannin Stain Remover to spot. Allow to work for 5-10 minutes. Agitate with a scraper, working from the outside in to keep the spot from spreading. Blot with clean white towels to absorb stain. Repeat if necessary. Extract or rinse with water and blot dry. P.O.G. Spotter Gel Apply P.O.G Spotter Gel to spot. Allow to work for 5-10 minutes. Agitate with a scraper. Re-agitate and blot with clean white towels to absorb stain. Repeat if necessary. Extract or rinse with water and blot dry. Gum Remover Remove as much gum residue as possible with a scraper or dull knife. Point nozzle at 45 angle. Using short quick bursts, spray until gummy substance is frozen solid. Chip or scrape off frozen matter using a putty knife, dull knife or scraper. When using spot cleaners appropriate safety gear such as gloves, goggles and masks should be used and the area should be well ventilated. For spots not easily removed please contact JohnsonDiversey on chinaedu@interfaceflor.com

8 Appendix 2 Maintenance equipment recommendations Vacuum (For twin motor uprights) Power 8 amp Filtration Down to 0.3 microns or lower Vacuum 60 water or 90+ cfm Brush Toothed belt drive preferred Brush speed 2,500 3,500 rpm Brush diameter 2½ x 3½ Brush height adjustment essential; self-adjusting design preferred Working Width Dust Bag Capacity cubic inches Pile Lifting Machines Power Requirements Drive Motor 1/2 Horsepower Vacuum Motor 1 1/2 1 3/4 Horsepower Brush Width Approximately 100mm; Spirals, total width 400mm Vegetable Fill or Nylon Brush Adjustment Self Levelling Dry Extractor and Crystallizing Applicator Power 2-8 amp Width Brushes (2) Brush speed 400 rpm Recommended Models: GLS Series II, R.E. Whittaker Company Several, Racine Industries, Inc. (Host) Hot Water Extractor Power amp Fluid Delivery ½ gallons/minute psi Tanks 8-20 gallon solution 8-20 gallon recovery Vacuum water lift at around cfm Vacuum Shoe wide Wheels Non-marking 4-10 diameter Note: Battery operated equipment is not recommended. chinaedu@interfaceflor.com