Does Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning Affect IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)?
There has been a lot of talk within the cleaning industry about IAQ (indoor air quality) and green systems. People are concerned with their health and wellness, green cleaning and environmental sustainability. The concern is whether hot water carpet extraction can adversely affect indoor air quality.
Carpet cleaning using hot water extraction and indoor air quality
Is there a reason to be concerned? There shouldn't be, unless the carpet cleaning technician doesn't have the proper training or is using faulty carpet cleaning equipment.
The thought is that using water to clean carpet can lead to the growth of biologicals such as mold and mildew or harmful microorganisms, which can affect the health of building occupants. But consider this -- heat kills microorganisms and hot water extraction is the most effective way to apply heat to the carpet to kill the microorganisms and deep clean at the same time.
Hot water extraction is the preferred method of cleaning from carpet manufacturers and they believe this is the most efficient method for removing the widest range of soils. Hot water breaks up the soil faster and also speeds up the chemical reaction process, which helps to clean the carpet quicker. This means less residue, lowered chemical costs, and increased productivity. Combine this with well-trained cleaning technicians using today's modern cleaning equipment, and you have not only an efficiently cleaned carpet but a safer and healthier work environment.
Keys to hot water extraction
The key is to dry the carpet as quickly as possible. Making sure the carpet is dried quickly and completely will avoid growth of any harmful mold or microorganisms.
- Do not over-wet the carpet.
- Make multiple vacuum passes.
After making the initial solution pass, use multiple vacuum passes to extract as much water from the carpet as possible.
- Increase ventilation.
Open windows (if possible) or turn on fans to speed dry times. If the building has a ventilation system, ask the property manager or owner to turn it on during carpet cleaning to aid in air circulation. Carpets should be completely dry within 24 hours or less.
- Follow up carpet extraction with dry carpet bonnets.
Using dry carpet bonnets attached to a slow speed floor machine will help to absorb additional moisture on the carpet surface.
- Make sure equipment is cleaned and maintained after each use.
An improperly maintained carpet extractor with clogged hoses, leaks, and faulty systems can leave you with a poorly cleaned carpet, can cause over flooding, and increase dry times. The extractors vacuum motor, pump, recovery/solution tank and heater all need to be in top working condition in order to efficiently remove all dust, dirt, and pollutants.
Hot water extraction, IAQ and green systems
Hot water extraction cleaning does not mean the indoor air quality of the facility will suffer. In fact, frequent vacuuming and regularly scheduled carpet cleaning will help to limit and remove many potential contaminants and pollutants from the carpet, improving the buildings IAQ.
Also, switching to eco-friendly chemicals will have less of an impact on the environment and create a healthier work environment for the buildings employees, tenants, and visitors.
And finally, updating outdated cleaning machines with newer, more efficient ones will help improved IAQ by lowering emissions, increase overall cleaning efficiency, and help you control energy and cleaning costs.
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