The IICRC recognizes several different methods: hot water extraction, dry compound, shampoo, dry foam, and encapsulation.  Many large manufacturers endorse one method over another, but combining these methods is sometimes necessary to tailor the cleaning to your specific needs and problems. A customized maintenance program enhances the appearance and longevity of your floor covering investment. See more detail on industry terms here.

In General Eco Interior Maintenance recommends: Hot water rinse extraction when carpet has not been maintained regularly. This method performed after a thorough vacuuming and a combination of pre-treating fibers followed by mechanical agitation will help to restore it back to a healthy, fresh and clean carpet.

*some carpet may have uglied out to a point of no return. Call us for a free inspection and quote. 410-647-2800

There is a wide range of spot cleaning products available, each one for a specific type of spot or stain. Not one product is recommended over the other because it depends on the source of the stain, the type of fiber and what has previously been done to the spot by others.

Often when someone else has tried everything to get the spot out of the carpet before we arrive it is a "set stain" and is permanent.

Proper walk-off mats, frequency, proper training and funding.

Yes. ECO uses products that have been tested by the following: the CRI “Seal of Approval” test (www.carpet-rug.org),  Green Seal, EPA’s DfE “Design for the Environment” or "Safer Choice" certification, or the “Woolsafe” Certification. These certifications help assure the products are considered healthy, safe & green.

*sometimes specialty cleaning solutions are need to help remove tough spots and stains like ink, tar, pet stains or red marks. These usually are not considered eco friendly and need to only be used by professionals

A Commercial Textile Maintenance Specialist is a technically oriented and cross-trained technician who completely understands the benefits and liabilities relating to specifications, construction, installation, restoration, and cleaning of a commercial textile.

This individual performs work that satisfies current industry standards and has the capability to (a) design, (b) develop, (c) price, and (d) implement a Commercial Textile Maintenance Program for customers.

The primary concern of a Commercial Textile Maintenance Specialist is the health and safety of home and building occupants. He is therefore obliged to seek certification and continuing education programs, as well as participate in trade associations to help ensure optimum appearance levels and longevity of the client’s investment. Ask to speak with ECO’s CTMS for more information.

A standard warranty is usually issued for 5-10 years. It protects against carpet defects. Some manufacturers include in-crush resistance and matting clauses.

The word “wear” is defined as a 10% loss (or higher) of fiber. Most warranty claims relate to customer’s expectations and/or poor maintenance procedures. It is a good idea to document installation or construction defects within the first year. Send your complaint in writing to the retailer.

The IICRC defines cleaning as the traditional activity of removing contaminants, pollutants, and undesirable substances from an environment or surface for the purposes of reducing damage or harm to human health or valuable property. Cleaning includes locating, identifying, containing, removing and properly disposing of unwanted substances from an environment or material.

It depends on your particular needs. These questions should serve as a guide:

• How long are you staying in your home or facility?
• What type of product are you purchasing?
• What does the manufacturer’s warranty cover?
• How much foot traffic do you have, and how much exposure do your interiors receive?

Some warranties include using designated or approved products and service providers. Many manufacturers provide 2-10 year performance guarantees and generally cover replacement of the product if found to be defective. Re-installation costs and furniture moving expenses, however, are usually not covered.

Read the warranty carefully at the time of purchase and determine if it provides sufficient coverage for your facility.

ECO Interior Maintenance®, of course! Seriously, though, make sure the person or company you hire are IICRC, CRI Service Providers or ICRA certified professionals.

People assume that a protectant will prevent staining and soiling, making frequent cleaning unnecessary. This is a wrong assumption. A protectant merely adds a protective coating to the fibers to minimize staining and spotting.

A “spot” is made up of soluble material and can be removed by normal cleaning. A “stain” is made up of materials that contain a dye, and might not be removed by normal cleaning.

It depends on the process and the types of solutions used. If hot water extraction is used with a solution that leaves a dry, brittle residue, the answer is ­ – no. The solution is rinsed out completely, making it easy to vacuum the residue. A dry, brittle residue will not continue to attract dirt.

However, if the carpet was shampooed with a soapy solution and leaves a sticky residue, the answer is – ­ yes. The sticky residue clings to the fibers and continues to attract dirt, soiling the carpet again.

Yes. The blacktop sealer used to seal the asphalt causes a yellowing of the carpet fibers if there is no proper curing. It is recommended that sealing of asphalt not be done during the summer months.

It depends on the carpet’s fibers. The manufacturer can provide safe pH ranges for your carpet fiber. For example, the safe pH range for wool is 5.5-8.0. Stain resistant nylon is under 10.0. Cotton dissolves in a very low pH.

Make sure that the solution has a dry brittle residue that can be vacuumed easily. Hint: If you pour a little solution into the bottom of a clean, clear glass cup and let it evaporate, the residue is visible.