In the realm of commercial facilities and asset management, the choice of flooring can significantly impact both the environment and your budget. Carpets, with their diverse range of materials such as nylon and wool and various styles like cut pile and loop, tiles, and rolls, offer endless possibilities for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of spaces. Unlike hard surfaces such as stone or concrete, carpets are present in almost all facilities, but they are often not considered a long-term commitment. However, with proper care, your facility’s carpets can remain on the floor well beyond the scheduled replacement date, contributing to both sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Why Proper Carpet Care & Asset Management Matters

Proper care of carpets involves more than just routine cleaning; it is a commitment to maintaining the health of the space and preserving the carpet’s appearance. Visualize carpet fibers as clear plexiglass tubes filled with dye sites and the soil in the carpet as sandpaper. The carpet fibers can become scratched and damaged without regular care, resulting in a dull and muted appearance. This affects the visual appeal and can lead to visible traffic patterns, potentially requiring costly replacements.

The Role of Vacuuming and Encapsulation

Daily vacuuming is a key practice in extending the life of carpets, especially after using encapsulation cleaning methodologies. While encapsulation has gained popularity for its value-engineered process that mimics deep cleaning, it is crucial to understand its limitations. Encapsulation is not certified as a deep cleaning method, making it suitable primarily for interim cleaning between certified deep wet or dry extraction methods. Thorough vacuuming after encapsulation is essential to ensure the removal of abrasive particulates, preventing color distortion and fiber damage over time.

Choosing the Right Carpet Care Provider

When selecting a carpet care provider, looking beyond the price per square foot is essential. If a company’s rates seem too good to be true, it may indicate a lack of attention to crucial processes like vacuuming. Some companies may skip vacuuming altogether for cost containment, leading to poor appearance and long-term damage to carpets. To make an informed decision, inquire about the provider’s chemistry, methodologies, production rates, and request a carpet cleaning demonstration.

Best Practices for Commercial Facility Vacuuming

Facility managers play a pivotal role in ensuring the longevity of carpets. Here are some best practices for commercial facility vacuuming:

1. Use a CRI-certified commercial-grade dual-motor triple-filtration vacuum: This ensures effective soil extraction from carpets on a daily basis.
2. Utilize vacuums with a dedicated motor to the beater bar: Machines providing agitation of carpet fibers enhance the cleaning process.
3. Implement routine deep cleaning: Tailor the frequency of deep cleaning to the surface’s usage and traffic patterns, reducing soil transfer between different areas of the facility.
4. Promptly clean up spills: Prevent stains and dirt accumulation by addressing spills immediately to maintain the cleanliness of all floor surfaces.
5. Collaborate with specialized maintenance providers: Work with professionals to create a clear and proactive care plan for all surfaces, ensuring comprehensive and sustainable carpet care.

By adopting these practices and partnering with a reputable provider, facility managers can contribute to proper carpet care and asset management – creating healthier spaces, preserving the environment, and maximizing the longevity of their carpets.

About SOLID Surface Care, Inc.

SOLID is the largest national self-performing floor care company in the industry. As a unified team of surface care experts, SOLID delivers the highest level of care for all hard and soft surfaces while providing a world-class client experience. With SOLID, your surfaces are protected, your spaces are kept clean and healthy, and your expectations are exceeded. From carpet to stone to metal and wood, we care for the most precious surfaces in the world – Yours.

Contact SOLID for a complimentary site assessment: Call 844.227.6543 ext. 3 or visit https://www.solidcare.com/contact/.