Dealing With ICE MELT ISSUES

Dealing With ICE MELT ISSUES

Nearly all ice melts or deicers on the market are made from one of (or a blend of) five materials. Calcium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and urea are all used as ice melts or to create ice melt compounds. Calcium chloride and Sodium chloride (rock salt) are the most popular. In general, ice melts are very hygroscopic (meaning they draw moisture to them and hold on to it) and can influence the re-soiling process in carpets. Along with that, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride ice melts tend to leave behind an oily residue that can damage urethane and acrylic finishes. Prior to doing any work, identify the flooring manufacturer and follow manufacturer recommendations. There may be great variation in maintenance procedures from one manufacturer to another. It is possible that a manufacturer does not follow the below recommendations. FOR CARPETED AREAS: If the Area is Free of Moisture 1 Vacuum area with dual motor upright vacuum, pile lifter or counter rotating brush machine equipped with collection bins (using CRB machine with collection bins can cause material to go airborne and dusting will occur). 2 Assess area to determine if area needs further cleaning. Along with ice melts being tracked in, road oils often become an issue, so if area is soiled or not all of the ice melt was removed, extraction will be necessary.

If the Area is Wet or Still Soiled After Dry Removal: When applying moisture to any floor, prepare the area by setting wet floor signs around the cleaning area. 3 If just ice melt: Extract area using extraction equipment with a minimum of 200 psi water pressure and a minimum of 190 of lift on the vacuum. Add 3 oz of Grab Crystallizing Acid Rinse or Grab Upholstery Rinse per gallon of water to rinse tank, this will neutral the salts and will crystallize any remaining particulates remaining in the carpet. You will need to use very slow strokes with your wand, saturating the area (to suspend the ice melt in a liquid state). 4 If road oils or soiling is present (Nylon or Olefin carpet): Apply Grab Nylon Pre- Spray to area liberally using a pump up sprayer (do not use cleaning chemistries in extractor as is does not allow enough dwell time for chemistries to work properly). 5 If Desired, a Pre-Apply product like Grab Grease and Oil may be used prior to the Pre-Sprays if road oils are visible or soil is extremely compacted. 6 Allow to dwell approximately 10 minutes before being agitation phase. 7 Use an XLerator or counter rotating brush machine to agitate the chemistry in to the carpet. 8 Extract area using extraction equipment with a minimum of 200 psi water pressure and a minimum of 190 of lift on the vacuum. Add 3 oz of Grab Crystallizing Acid Rinse or Grab Upholstery Rinse per gallon of water to rinse tank, this will neutral the salts and will crystallize any remaining particulates remaining in the carpet.

9 If desired, a pass over the carpet with the XLerator using a saw tooth pattern will lift the fibers for quicker drying time and also break up wear patterns that may be present. 10 Follow proper drying technique, XL North suggest using direct down draft fans for better drying times and results. Notes: Ice melts are like any other soiling material and can wick back after the extraction process; unfortunately they become more evident do to their white in nature color. For Wool carpet, use rinse only steps or use a Wool Safe approved pre-spray. FOR RESILIENT AREAS: When applying moisture to any floor, prepare the area by setting wet floor signs around the cleaning area. 1 Sweep, dust mop or vacuum the floor remove dust, dirt, grit and debris that can damage the floor and become ground into the surface. 2 Damp mopping of the floor should be performed on a regular or daily basis using a two bucket mopping system frequently changing water. Depending upon soil levels in the area, use a properly diluted neutral (ph 6 to 8) cleaner such as XL APC. 3 When needed, a machine scrubbing with a rotary, auto scrubber or counter rotating brush machine can be used. 4 Apply diluted solution, such as XL APC to the floor, wetting evenly, agitate the solution using the appropriate scrubbing brush (aggressiveness equivalent to 3M red pad for light scrub, 3M blue pad or equal for a deep scrub).

5 Remove slurry utilizing either; a two bucket mopping system, an auto-scrubber or Gecko style wand with a box extractor. 6 Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with fresh, clean water. Remove rinse water and allow the floor to dry completely. 7 Follow proper drying technique, XL North suggest using direct down draft fans for better drying times and results. Remember, there is no substitute for a quality (3 phase, scrape scrub and wipe) walk off matting system and a program of daily vacuuming.