Conducting the best possible commercial-grade carpet cleaning is vital for facility managers and operators to keep high-traffic areas in good shape.

Carpet offers many benefits: it’s adaptable to small or large areas, improves aesthetics, is sustainable, represents good value, and can help reduce slip-and-fall accidents, limit noise, conserve energy, enhance comfort, and improve environmental performance, according to the Carpet and Rug Institute.

Building owners and facility managers should understand the importance of adhering to a professional carpet cleaning and maintenance plan, notes Servi-Tek.

Maintaining clean carpets in busy commercial environments involves more than simply periodic use of vacuum cleaners or carpet extractors. Professional commercial carpet cleaners operate using a comprehensive approach that includes routine cleaning, interim maintenance, light cleaning, and deep restoration.

As with any professionally completed activity, proper carpet care requires having high-quality, well-maintained equipment, and a commercial-grade carpet cleaner. Significant advancements have recently been achieved in developing professional carpeting cleaning equipment that has bolstered performance and efficiency. Components and equipment are considerably more ergonomic, which reduces stress on users and limits the likelihood of injury.

Carpet cleaning experts recommendations

The CRI outlines a series of four critical steps that are central to performing professional carpet cleaning as follows:

• Implementing a regular vacuuming schedule that targets high-traffic areas more frequently and is performed with professional equipment.
• Using a Seal of Approval (SOA-certified) cleaning agent for “spot” cleaning as needed.
• Performing a “deep” cleaning of the carpeting at least every 12 to 18 months using SOA-approved products to extract entrenched dirt.
• Establishing preventive measures for capturing dirt and grime such as the placement of mats in primary entryways.

One primary consideration when choosing commercial carpeting and developing a cleaning and maintenance plan involves the amount of foot traffic. Areas of high traffic space require more frequent cleaning and the carpeting material must be durable and stain-resistant.

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Assessing commercial-grade carpet cleaning options

Finding the best type of carpet cleaner for a commercial facility requires conducting an assessment of your specific needs. While commercial carpet cleaning machines are less bulky, their weight remains a common concern.

For example, lightweight machines are important in multi-floor buildings that require the machine to be carried up a flight of stairs. While the purchase price of the carpet cleaner is important, the affordability of the cleaning agents is a key ongoing expense.

A commercial-grade carpet cleaning machine should represent a good overall value rather than just a good purchase price. In many cases, a model that appears to be a good “deal” may have flaws i.e., lacking durability.

Look for machines with good internal heating mechanisms that will keep the water temperature high. Units with poor heating capabilities are less effective against dirt and grime and can increase the necessary drying time. For example, some carpet cleaners have an internal heater for clean water. This feature maintains a higher water temperature to provide a deeper cleaning experience.

The importance of adequate carpet cleaning

The importance of cleaning and maintaining commercial carpeting extends beyond simply the appearance of the environment. The carpeting may contain germs that can impact a business’ bottom line because of worker absences due to illness. A clean workplace environment has also been shown to boost employee morale and productivity while reducing turnover. All of these factors translate to substantial costs for businesses.

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Keeping your commercial carpeting cleaned is an important factor in maximizing its expected service life. While the amount of foot traffic is an important factor, failing to regularly clean carpeting will also shorten its lifespan.

Among the most critical areas for regular cleaning are those that have the most foot traffic. This is of particular importance near entryways where people are tracking in dirt and moisture. While performing very concise cleaning of the carpet in high-traffic areas is important, the cleaning intervals are also key. Dirt and debris will continue becoming more deeply entrenched under continual foot traffic, making a routine very critical.

Via Servi-Tek