Have you considered this interim carpet cleaning method? Encapsulation cleaning helps carpet dry quicker and is a more cost-effective than steam cleaning. Essentially, it is an interim carpet cleaning method that involves using a specific encapsulating cleaning solution that contains a crystallizing agent. Here is an outline to Encapsulated cleaning and some suggested carpet cleaning equipment to try.
What is encapsulated cleaning?
By agitating the carpet fibres, soil falls off. Encapsulated cleaning is used as an interim cleaning method because it is faster and a lower cost than steam cleaning. Plus, it allows carpets and rugs to be put back in place faster as they don’t need to dry. Encapsulated cleaning starts with a pre-vacuum, followed by a chosen agitation method. Then a solution and agitate are applied and finished off with a post vacuum.
Pre-vacuum
Pre-vacuuming with a powerhead vacuum will remove substantially more soil than a conventional vacuum that relies on airflow. A powerhead vacuum agitates the fibres and removes soil before applying the encapsulation solution.
Choose an agitation method
There is no right or wrong option, although each has their own strong points for different outcomes. Select between a carpet brush, a fibre pad or carpet bonnet on a scrubber.
For cleaning mildly soiled carpets, micro fibre bonnets are the way to go as they offer the best soil absorption. Some bonnets, such as the micro fibre pads used with the i-scrub 30 have polypropylene scrubbing strips which help agitate soiling.
For heavily soiled carpet you may need to consider a two step agitation process. Beginning with a fibre pad or brush, without removing any encap solution and then running over it again with a micro fibre bonnet. Possibly applying additional solution as you go. A second pass with the bonnet will help absorb some of the heavy soiling. The downside to micro fibre bonnets is that they need to be laundered after use. Whereas, fibre pads do not absorb solution, and a simple rinse under a tap is sufficient to get them ready for the next use.
Solution and agitation applications
Following the encapsulation solutions instructions, fill the solution tank for the i-scrub 30. If cleaning a very large area, it maybe best to used a pump-up or battery powered sprayer to apply the solution.
Lower the deck of the machine and switch on the i-scrub 30, work from side to side, overlapping and releasing the solution as you go to ensure consistency.
It is important to keep the pad wet, you should see a light milky look to the carpet as you go. It is almost impossible to apply too much encapsulation chemicals to the carpet as the chemical will dry to a non-sticky crystal that can be removed with a dry vacuum later on. Just be careful on wool carpets, not to over-wet the carpet as this can cause cellulosic browing.
If cleaning upholstery, try the i-scrub 21 small battery powered scrubber, which is perfect for agitating encapsulation into lounges and chairs.
After completing the encapsulation agitation process, you will see some immediate improvements.
Post vacuum
Once the carpet is fully dry, give it a thorough vacuum and remove the soil that has been crystalised.
For best results, use a powerhead vacuum. If you do not have a powerhead vacuum, subsequent foot traffic will continue to break the crystals and then they can be removed with ongoing maintenance.
i-scrub 30 scrubber
The i-scrub 30 is ideal for floor cleaning with single-disc scrubbing. With advanced orbital technology, based on 175 rpm which simulates an orbital movement of approx. 1750. With no side-forces, everybody can operate it without training. It includes a detachable power cord, and all of the controls inside of the head. Plus, a water tank on top, which can mix your chemicals to perfection. And to prevent damages to furniture and walls, there is a rubber bumper.
i-scrub 21 scrubber
The i-scrub 21 includes double-disc action with the flexibility to scrub areas in a vertical position. Equipped with an adjustable head and 360 degrees of free-range motion. Plus, a powerful engine that achieves 400 RPM using two discs, it’s a brilliant machine that allows you to scrub any surface with extreme power. You can manually dose your solution with the push of a button and easily convert it into a hand-held unit for polishing. Powered by Li-ion battery technologies for equal power during the working time.
i-scrub 26 Hand Held
The hand held i-scrub features an integrated LED light. Complete with patented soft edge technology which allows for cleaning round areas. Just switch the handle for a telescopic tube, and you are good to go, reaching high up areas.
Head over to our online shop to find more carpet cleaning equipment to try.
