Stain protection after carpet and rug cleaning, is necessary in order to completely restore the original protective coating on the carpet fibers. This coating is usually applied by the manufactures to provide soil and stain resistance, and water repellant properties to the fabric. Such a coating however, is not permanent and will deteriorate with time, wear, and chemical reactions.

Proper stain protection on your carpet acts like a wax coating on your car and will:

Form an invisible shield which will resist staining by oils and grease

Provide a water repellant coating

Prevent soils or stains from adhering to the carpet fibers

Prevent dyes from sticking to dye sites, especially on nylon carpeting

There are different kinds of stain protectors though, and not all are equally effective or appropriate for use on your carpet. Generally, the two types of protectors commonly used today are silicones or fluorochemicals. Silicones are cheaper, and are mainly used for water stain resistance. Fluorochemicals are more expensive but have outstanding characteristics that will make your carpet resistant not only to water based spills, but also to oil based liquids and all kinds of dirt and soils. Avoid silicone based protectors, unless cost is a major concern.

Foreign material like dry dirt or soils which may fall unto carpets treated with fluorochemical protectors, will usually remain on top of the fibers, and may be vacuumed off rather easily. Liquid spill may also be removed easily if they are spotted immediately. Blotting with a towel soaked with plain water, will usually suffice.

There are two types of fluorochemical protectors – water based, and solvent based. The water based type is suitable for application on carpet, while solvent based protectors are generally used on upholstery fabrics.

There are certain drawbacks though. Certain chemicals and reagents may cause deterioration of the carpet protection, and contact with your carpet fibers after protection should be limited or avoided altogether. Below is a short list:

Insecticides

Bleaches and other chlorinated compounds

Antistatic compounds

Acme medications

Chemicals with a pH below 6 or above 10 (strong acids or alkalis)

Liquid fabric softeners

Dry solvent cleaners

De-foamers

Also, chemical residues from carpet cleaning solvents must be washed out and extracted completely, or they will cause a reduction in the soil resistance properties of the carpet protector.

Your best bet is to get the advice of an experienced carpet cleaning professional. You will most likely be quoted on a top of the line fluorochemical protector. As stated before, this will be relatively expensive, but it will be worth it. Your carpet will remain clean for longer, with just light vacuuming and sensible spot and spill management. You will be able to have clean carpets for longer deep steam cleaning intervals, and the life of your carpet will be extended.

Besides that, you will be meeting all the carpet manufacturer\’s warranty stipulations, and conforming to their guidelines. Carpet cleaning and maintenance will be just that easier overall.

Please remember to check your carpet warranty to see what is excluded from your warranty. You could save a lot of money by just following these few simple precautions.

Victor Nugent is Owner and President of AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. with over 11 years experience in the Carpet Cleaning business. For more information call 801 368-0705 or visit our website at AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc or AJS Carpet Cleaning Murray or AJS Carpet Cleaning Draper

Victor Nugent is Owner and President of AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. with over 11 years experience in the Carpet Cleaning business. For more information call 801 368-0705 or visit our website at http://www.ablejan.com/ or http://www.carpetcleaningmurray.info/ or http://www.carpetcleaningdraper.info/

Author Bio: Victor Nugent is Owner and President of AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. with over 11 years experience in the Carpet Cleaning business. For more information call 801 368-0705 or visit our website at AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc or AJS Carpet Cleaning Murray or AJS Carpet Cleaning Draper

Category: Home Management
Keywords: carpet and rug cleaning,carpet cleaning professional,carpet cleaning,upholstery,carpet warranty