Author: doug

What is the best Covid 19 Carpet Cleaning Method?

With all of the different carpet cleaning methods offered, it can get very confusing choosing a company to perform the service. Hot Water, Dry Compound, Charged Water, Eco-Friendly/Non Toxic. What do I do? Let’s take a closer look at the different kinds of methods.

The Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) www.carpet-rug.org tests many different cleaning systems that use a variety of methods and cleaning solutions. The carpet cleaning systems tested include:

Deep Cleaning Extraction Systems

There are many soil removing carpet cleaning systems rated at different levels. The tiers are Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze. Generally, the best cleaning systems are typically truck mounted, using a combination of hot water and/or orbital or mechanical brush. The objective is to sanitize the carpet by removing contaminates.

Interim Cleaning Systems

These are cleaning systems that generally are used for appearance cleaning. Typically portable machines, they are most commonly used commercially, not in the home. These can be mechanical brush, dry compound or orbital bonnet type cleaning machines.

The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends following the CDC’s cleaning and disinfection recommendations for US households with suspected or confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019, which can be found on CDC.gov. For soft or porous surfaces, such as carpeted floors, rugs and drapes, the CDC recommends “removing visible contamination if present and cleaning with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely, or use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims (examples at this link) that are suitable for porous surfaces.”

The Carpet & Rug Institute also tests cleaning solutions. Cleaning Solutions that have CRI Seal of Approval environmentally friendly labels meet strict testing protocol that conform to there own testing or one or more of the Eco-Friendly testing agencies. A couple of these groups are EPA’s Safer Choice www.epa.gov/saferchoice and Clean Seal www.cleansealapproved.com.

Carpet, Rug and Upholstery cleaning companies that have certifications or meet specific industry standards set by the manufactures should be a consumers preference. IICRC www.iicrc.org and CRI carpet-rug.org/testing/seal-of-approval-service-providers/hire-a-carpet-cleaning-professional/certifying
or approve firms and their employees.

When choosing a company or an individual:

Look for companies and cleaners who are involved with these organizations, writing the standards or volunteering to improve certification classes and exams. carpet-rug.org/resources/cleaning

• Ask for a “Free” estimate by a cleaner who visits your home or business.
• Ask for recent reviews or references.
• Understand what your price includes. (no hidden charges or up-sells)
• Make sure that either you or the cleaner does a thorough vacuuming prior to cleaning. (Very important in achieving maximum soil removal)
• Make sure there is a “satisfaction guarantee”.

**Remember… If you chose to clean your carpets yourself, take your time, do your research on the machine you are renting, never use more cleaning solution than specified and make sure you take extra sses to remove as much residual moisture as possible. For more information call 410-647-2800 or email ECO Interior Maintenance at helpdesk@ecointeriormaintenance.com

 

There are at least 6 benefits of cleaning VCT or vinyl composite tiles in commercial buildings. To enjoy these benefits, a professional cleaner must evaluate the floors condition and develope a cleaning or restoration plan. Good communication between the facility managers, occupants and the cleaning company is required to start and complete the job safely. For instance, you should plan the job during times when occupants are less likely to be present. In addition, tape-off, block-off and put wet floor signs down in entranceways and connecting hallways to kke people off of the floor. This helps to prevent slip and fall accidents.

Here are six benefits of cleaning VCT professionally.

1. It enhanses the overall appearance of your workplace.
2. It improves the indoor air quality of your work space.
3. Makes it easier to maintain and harder to damage.
4. It saves time and money if it is done right the first time.
5. It can reduces sick leave in your building.
6. It improves employee morale and job performance.

How do you clean VCT in commercial buildings?

The initial preperation procedures usually begin with the removal or protection of baseboards and furnishings. This is followed by sweeping, vacuuming, stripping and waxing. Professional VCT cleaning and restoration always requires a strict set of :

• procedures
• patience
• expertise
• equipment and
• the right final finishes.

There are usually 3-6 coats of finish applied after the floor is stripped. The drying time and floor preperation between coats is very important. Conditions must be controlled during the finish application. Once the VCT floor cleaning is finished there should be at least 24 hour curing time before its use.

To experience the 6 benefits of cleaning VCT by a vendor you can trust call ECO Interior Maintenance. 33 years experience. We will clean & restore any size commercial VCT floor. Free Estimate today.  Satisfaction Guaranteed. 301-261-1966, helpdesk@eco-im.com

 

VCT Cleaning usually involves floor preparation followed by stripping and waxing the surface. Depending on the condition, most floors can be restored to their original luster.

VCT Strip and Wax floor cleaning requires patience, expertise, the right finishes, the right equipment and a strict set of procedures. Following these requirements, in the proper sequence, will save you time and money.

ECO-Friendly stripping agents are typically odorless. Many of the finishes have different ranges in price and in quality. Trusting your floor cleaning company is a essential.

If you want to improve the appearance of your VCT call a VCT Strip & Wax Cleaning expert. Eco Interior Maintenance. 33 years experience. Locally owned and operated. 301-261-1966

Sometimes people try to clean spot on carpet that just can not be removed. Recently I was asked to go inspect a spot that no cleaner had been able to remove. Typically this means that the cleaning process performed by the owner of the carpet or the facilities department did not work. Many times multiple cleaning solutions and methods are used that can either set dyes or distort the carpet.

In this case it was something different. Nothing was going to work to clean this spot out because it was not a stain, spot or spill. Take a close look at the picture to the right. What do you see? Take a look at the door. It has a brass kick plate and door push. Now look at the light sourse in the picture to the left. The light is shining off the brass push plate and kick plate. You will never clean a reflection out of the carpet.

Here is another picture below of how it looks from the other direction below:

In this particular case. The condo board member said excessive adhesive under the carpet was coming through. The property manager was complaining about the cleaning job. The cleaner wasted alot of time and could have caused damage to the fibers tring to get it out and the retailer was brought in to look at a manufactures defect who asked, “Who spilled the bleach?”

Morale of the story: Before you try to clean a spot on carpet out, look for shadows and light reflections first. Stand in the way, turn off or cover up light sourses. Often you will be amazed at what just disappears, or what was never even there in the first place.

** see some common questions on how to remove spots from carpet www.ecointeriormaintenance.com/resources/carpet-cleaning-tips. The Carpet & Rug Institute is another resourses: See www.carpet-rug.org/resources/technical-bulletins-and-papers/#maintenance-of-carpet

 

 

 

 

Who said that cleaning LVT was easy?

Cleaning LVT or Luxury Vinyl Tile can be a challenge. Many cleaning contractors often struggle to maintain it. LVT  is becoming a popular specification by designers and retailers for flooring in homes or offices. Often it is sold to the end user as a “low” or “no” maintenance floor. Truth is all flooring systems need maintenance.

Soil can build up and cause irreversible damage to the wear layer (the top protective layer of the LVT). Furniture legs and tables that are dragged over the surface can cause scratches that can not be removed or easily repaired. It makes sense to make sure the bottom of furniture legs have felt or smooth plastic tabs.

When LVT planks first arrived many manufacturers did not recommend the use of any aftermarket finishes. Today most manufactures recommend specific products that can be used to clean and protect their floors. Maintaining LVT does not have to be expensive.  Typically it will require more than just a mop and a bucket.

Flooring has to be properly specified. The color, type of material and the type of finishes play a part in its use life . If you can not apply a durable protective finish to resilient flooring the end result may be early replacement.

Commercial tile & grout requires special care.

We have all walked into a restroom needing tile & grout cleaning that smells like a monkey cage.  This is usually caused by poor maintenance of the tile floor. A professionally maintained tile & grout floor requires a customized plan that includes proper;

• training
• equipment & tools
• cleaning solutions
• and professional expertise

Soil, oils, detergents and floor finishes get trapped on tiles and in the grout causing unhealthy bio-films to build up on locker room and restroom floors. These bio-films can be breading grounds for odor causing bacteria.

Locker rooms and bathrooms are typically cleaned using detergent-disinfectants. These tile & grout cleaning agents can sometimes be over used or specified incorrectly causing a residual build or damage to the floor.  Steam, mechanical agitation, pressure and aggressive cleaning solutions are often required to remove build-up. Knowing how to apply restorative tile & grout cleaning agents safely, efficiently and effectively takes years of practice.

Fresh mops and frequently changed out mop water is absolutely necessary. Mucky mop water adds to tile surface soiling and grout degradation. Unsealed grout can be porous enough to soak up cleaning chemicals, causing premature damage to the grout. No matter if you are performing tile & grout cleaning daily or doing maintenance restorations, time consuming final rinses are essential to maintaining clean healthy commercial bathrooms and locker rooms.

Don’t waste no time or money …Call ECO Interior Maintenance ..Washington DC, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland

So how did ripples, waves or buckling carpet appear at your home or office?

Carpet ripples, waves and buckling typically are associated with a stretch-in installations over pad. The main reasons they appear are:

1. Installer does not use a power stretcher during installation. (uses only knee kicker)
2. Carpet was not acclimated in the home or commercial facility before installation
3. Carpet has padding/cushion that was not installed properly or is the wrong specification
4. Tack strip/threshold failure because of installation or tack strip specification
5. Secondary backing latex failure (manufacture related)
6. Heavy objects rolling or pushed over carpet and pad.
7. Improper glue use or application (Double glue/direct glue down installations only)

Power Stretcher

A power stretcher is a required tool needed to install a broadloom carpet (12-15 foot wide and comes in a roll). Carpet will on an average stretch 1.5 inches per 12 ft. length. Some installers may be able to get this using a knee kicker however the Carpet and Rug Institute Installation Guidelines require the mandatory use of a power stretcher. Often ripples will appear over time if carpet is not stretched in place, drum tight, during the initial installation. If ripples, waves or buckling appears it can cause delamination of the primary and secondary backing, dimensional stability issues or the necessity to re-stretch the carpet again at a later time.

Carpet Acclimation

According to 9.0 of the commercial & residential CRI 104/105 guidelines, “It is recommended that carpet and installation materials be allowed to acclimate in the installation area for a minimum of 24 hours at a temperature of 65-95oF (18-35oC). Carpet must be adequately protected from soil, dust, moisture and other contaminants. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for acclimation.” This can often be a problem if the carpet is being installed on a really humid day or if it is raining and carpet sits in truck most of day before installation or carpet is cut on driveway then installed.

Carpet padding

If the carpet is too thick, not dense enough or is not installed properly (at least 6 inch offset from carpet seams) carpet ripples, carpet waves or carpet buckles can appear. This again is typically an installation issue. Try to get padding that has at least an 8 lb density and no more than 3/8 inch thick.

Tack-Strip/Transition strips

Tack-strip/Transition strips come in several different shapes and sizes. Some is made for installation over concrete and some for wood. Some is thicker than others. Some accounts for step down levels. An inadequate installation of tack-strip could cause carpet to come loose creating a carpet conducive to rippling, waves or buckling.

Secondary Backing, Heavy Objects or Double glue

There are multiple other ways that ripples, waves or buckling carpet can occur. Most of them are related to installation but occasionally there is not enough latex on the back of the carpet, someone has pushed heavy objects over the carpet or there are glue failures between primary, secondary or double glue down installations.

Fixing Ripples, Waves and Buckling carpet

Fixing carpet ripples, carpet waves or carpet buckling can sometimes be difficult when heavy furniture, polls, vents and corners are in the way. In most cases a professional installer or a repair specialist can fix carpet ripples if they are caught soon enough. Commercial double glue down installations that ripple are not typically fixable. Cost can range from $75 hr to -$300 hr. **Always take pictures and report back to the retailer if you see ripples within the fist year after installation.

Call 410-647-2800 or email Eco Interior Maintenance for more information. helpdesk@ecointeriormaintenance.com

-published by Doug Bradford CEO, LEED AP, SCI

Doug Bradford is one of the founders of Eco Interior Maintenance (DC, N. VA, MD) and Strategic Restoration & Maintenance (Central Florida). With over 30 years experience, some of his accreditation include: USGBC LEED AP, Chairing for 10 years the writing of the ANSI IICRC S100 International Textile Floor Covering Cleaning Standard, Content contributor for the Carpet & Rug Institute, RIA CR, Senior Carpet Inspector, Resilient Inspector and Mold Remediation Technician. He has developed cleaning products that clean, disinfect and protect textiles and hard surfaces for the cleaning industry, has been an instructor, an industry speaker, industry consultant to major corporations & textile manufacturers and has published articles in nationally recognized cleaning magazines.

What is the standard of care for textile floor coverings in senior living facilities?

Senior living facility carpet care protocols are all over the board. It is time to standardize carpet & upholstery cleaning specifications for all those who reside in assisted living health care facilities. Clean pro-actively instead of re-actively.

As a practicing Senior Carpet Inspector, a Master Cleaner and an industry cleaning consultant I decided dig into this. I have spent years watching different parties try to take the lead in this subject only to see it kicked around by state & government regulators, carpet manufacturers, cleaning franchises, private businesses, real estate investment trusts (REIT’S) and cleaning associations. Who really is responsible for senior living facility carpet care? Are the carpets, upholstery and floors being maintained in a healthy responsible way so that the residents can live comfortably in their most trying years.

None of us are getting any younger and I bet you or someone you know right now is residing in a nursing home, retirement home or assisted living community. With the last of the 28 million “silent generation” (1925-1945) and nearly 72 million “baby boomers” (1945-1964) approaching or past 65, senior living facilities are in demand. No matter if you have an in house cleaning staff or hire an outside service specific cleaning procedures and frequencies should be specified and followed for the health of everyone working or living in that facility.

So why focus on carpet and upholstery maintenance? Simple, because it is one of the things most overlooked when dealing with the sick, disabled or elderly population. Carpet is a very cleanable surface that can provide:

• insulating warmth,
• acoustic comfort,
• slip and fall protection, and
• assistance in trapping contaminates, soil and spills until they are removed

The problems occur when trapped soil, spills and moisture from food, drinks, tracked in dirt, incontinence issues or bathroom moisture track-off are not properly extracted and dried. This can present many of the components necessary that can cause allergic reactions and enhance the spread of infectious disease. It also can lead to intensify potential health issues in individuals harboring Chronic Immune Disorders, Autoimmune Disease or any number of other debilitating health issues present in occupants in nursing home communities.

There are three types of carpet cleanings that can occur in senior living facilities:

1. Emergency carpet cleanings from spills or accidents
2. Customized carpet maintenance of individual rooms requiring higher cleaning frequencies
3. Scheduled carpet cleanings designed to maintain general appearance & health of common areas

   

Each of these may require very different carpet cleaning procedures, cleaning solutions and/or cleaning equipment. Many in house staff cleaners wear many hats. Carpet and upholstery cleaning training is often not sufficient. Most would not be able to tell you the difference between sanitizing a surface and disinfecting it, what the dilution ratio is for a cleaning agent or how to properly use the equipment provided.

Often;

• facility service technicians are supplied with a product(s) and a piece of equipment and are asked to “clean it up”.
• no maintenance schedule or plan exists.
• no formal training has occurred, opening up the opportunity for unhealthy biofilm build up.

A carpet and upholstery maintenance plan is usually not in place because many assume you should not clean until it looks dirty. Most property managers have never seen a carpet maintenance plan and have little knowledge of what the manufacture cleaning guidelines specify. This is only the beginning of the problem.

Why does carpet fail in nursing homes prematurely?

• vacuuming frequency and/or type of vacuum is not sufficient
• there is no maintenance program
• the funds to carpet clean proactively is not budgeted
• the expertise to do it right is not available on site
• the equipment is not working or on site
• carpet cleaning frequency is not specified
• proper carpet cleaning systems are not specified

Proper maintenance and care for anything requires a plan of action. With no plan, problems can escalate increasing costs and decreasing use life. With no training or “standard of care”, failure is inevitable. The elderly, disabled and those who can not clean for themselves need professional facility cleaners that follow proper cleaning specifications so that the health of the occupants are not negatively effected. Look for future posts on Standards for senior living facility carpet care.

If any senior living facilities are in need of assistance with in house training or customizing carpet and upholstery maintenance plans we are willing to help. We care about all of these residents. Call Eco Interior Maintenance for a free consultation 410-647-2800. We will travel up and down East Coast if needed.

-published by Doug Bradford CEO, LEED AP, SCI

Doug Bradford is one of the founders of Eco Interior Maintenance (DC, N. VA, MD) and Strategic Restoration & Maintenance (Central Florida). With over 30 years experience, some of his accreditation include: USGBC LEED AP, Chairing for 10 years the writing of the ANSI IICRC S100 International Textile Floor Covering Cleaning Standard, Content contributor for the Carpet & Rug Institute, RIA CR, Senior Carpet Inspector, Resilient Inspector and Mold Remediation Technician. He has developed cleaning products that clean, disinfect and protect textiles and hard surfaces for the cleaning industry, has been an instructor, an industry speaker, industry consultant to major corporations & textile manufacturers and has published articles in nationally recognized cleaning magazines.