Tomorrow's Cleaning August 2015

EXPERT ADVICE

OUT, DAMNED SPOT!

Carpet stains will sully an organisation’s image and vex the facilities manager. But fret not – Dione Pereira, Regional Director (London) of cleaning, hygiene and facilities services company Nviro, sets the scene for a one-act resolution to the drama.

What goes through your mind when – visiting a company on business, or even a restaurant or hotel on holiday – you notice the tell-tale shadows of a spillage or stain on an otherwise presentable carpet?

Whatever your impression, it won’t be favourable, but the staining is sure to be far more irksome to the facility manager. Unsightly spots on carpet are both a blot on the organisation’s image and, if left unattended, can compromise the serviceable life of a not inconsiderable flooring investment.

So how do we respond to the cry “Out, damn spot!” as the embattled manager is confronted by yet more coffee stains? (admittedly, a less maddening scenario than Lady Macbeth’s blood- stained hands, but an affront to professionalism nonetheless).

Spot cleaning is an essential weapon in the armoury of the cleaning service provider.

A daytime cleaning service can provide the added benefit of an emergency response to minimise stain damage to carpets.

But spot cleaning will probably still be required. In a busy office, school or other functioning space, this will be the quickest and most effective solution, limiting disruption to the building’s users. One scenario where spot cleaning is not the most cost- effective response is when there are many or extensive stains over large areas of carpet.

The incoming early morning coffee, lunches ‘al desko’ and the summer tide of fizzy drinks – the incidence of spills can be high, even in environments

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where food and wine are not served; and that’s before everyday marks, and worse, more exceptional events resulting in blood or vomit.

Deep cleaning of the entire area is the most effective measure in situations where the number and variety of stains increase the risk that gradations of tone will be left after more targeted treatments.

Unsightly spots on carpet are both a blot on the

organisation’s image and, if left unattended, can

compromise the serviceable life of a not inconsiderable flooring investment.

Recent years have seen the arrival of more specialist cleaning machines. Whereas formerly, the same kit would be used for deep cleaning and spotting, cleaning teams now may have access to equipment designed specifically for spot cleaning. The two main methods of spot cleaning involve using powder or shampoo.

Powder can be very effective, whether it’s a powdered carpet cleaner or the more traditional baking soda remedy. Sprinkle the powder liberally over the stained area, and leave for at least 30 minutes. It’s better to let it work overnight, softening the stains and absorbing odours. Simply vacuum up the powder and the job’s done.

There are many brands of carpet shampoo, so check the guidance on the label, as it may differ. This usually

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involves making up a solution with water. Use just enough shampoo to cover the area, without making the carpet too wet so as not to waste the detergent or increase drying time. Scrubbing is required on stubborn areas of stain, using a hard- bristled brush. After drying, finish by vacuuming the shampoo residue.

Despite the availability of specialised cleaning equipment and solutions, or partly because of it, knowledge and experience of carpet cleaning is valuable. Staff who have supervised the maintenance of large expanses of carpet in intensively used buildings have a wealth of knowhow and tips. Expert cleaning contractors will spread this best practice across their workforce – Nviro’s in-house BICSc training hub delivers specialist modules and we encourage knowledge transfer via service review meetings, toolbox talks and other channels.

Experienced cleaning staff should know the best solution and method for the type of carpet. For example, a yellowish brown coffee stain may be best tackled with a mixture of vinegar, water and gentle non-bleach detergent, first using the spritzer method. But a polypropylene carpet can be cleaned safely by spraying a 1:4 solution of bleach in water.

Using the wrong chemicals or stain remover can damage a carpet and spread or intensify the spots – and the anguish, as the doomed Lady in the Scottish play discovered.

www.nviro.co.uk

Photo By Stephani Spitzer via StockPholio.com

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