CARPET CARE
When it comes to carpet care, soil is a primary cause of premature wear of carpets. Carpets can absorb large amounts of dry soil and grit without appearing very dirty. Traffic movement over soiled carpet causes embedded grit to rub against pile yarns. This constant grinding can cause the pile fibers to break down and lose their sheen and resilience. Oily and greasy soil or tar, tracked in from streets or parking lots, can cause carpets to mat and soil rapidly. Carpet installation requires its own maintenance plan according to traffic and soiling rates. Only prompt and proper attention can assure satisfactory appearance retention for the life of the carpet.
TRACK-OFF AREAS
Where people walk from hard surfaces onto carpeted ones. Oily soil from parking lots and dry soil from sidewalks is tracked in from outside entrances.
FUNNEL AREAS
Where foot traffic narrows through a concentrated area that is carpeted. Examples can be found at doorways, and in front of elevators and vending machines.
MAIN TRAFFIC AREAS
Where major foot traffic flows repetitively and continually. Examples are main corridors, first floor lobbies and upper floor elevator lobbies.
IMPORTANCE OF CARPET CARE
A big difference exists between cleaning and maintaining. Carpet care cleaning is the removal of apparent soil, generally occurring “when needed.” Maintaining is a planned process to retain a carpet at a high appearance level. A complete carpet care maintenance program should be established prior to, and initiated immediately following carpet installation. Before developing a maintenance plan, it is important to understand the performance characteristics of carpet as they relate to traffic and soil.
Commercial carpet will look newer longer with a planned program that consistently removes soil before the carpet looks soiled. Concentrate your maintenance efforts in traffic and stain areas for a high appearance level that will last for years.