Carpet Cleaning

Carpet Cleaning is probably our most frequently used service. It is also the service in which we have the most qualifications within VCRS. Our Technical Director, Adam Jankowski, is only one of two IICRC instructors in the UK teaching the internationally recognised IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician syllabus as well as being a Woolsafe Organisation Instructor and Registered Carpet inspector.

In fact all our technicians are IICRC and Woolsafe qualified by examination and makes them highly competent at cleaning carpets through an in-depth understanding of carpet fibres, carpet construction and cleaning performance and methods.

There are five main methods of cleaning carpets recognised by British standards, NCCA, Woolsafe Organisation and IICRC although a sixth method of cleaning is recognised by some of these organisations.

The five main methods of carpet cleaning are:

• Hot Water Extraction Method - often called "steam" cleaning although this is an inaccurate term
• Rotary Shampoo Method - the original mechanical method of cleaning carpets
• Absorbent Compound Method - suitable for moisture sensitive carpets
• Dry Foam Method - rarely used today
• Absorbent Pad Method (also known as bonnet cleaning) - the 6th method of cleaning is derived from this method and is known as "Thermal Pad Method"

For carpets in poor condition a combination of two of the above methods may be required to achieve the desired results. The carpet should be examined before such cleaning is offered as combination cleaning may cause shrinkage to woven carpets with natural fibres in the backing.

These methods are underpinned by a variety of chemical solutions. Cleaning can be carried out with just water but water on its own does not clean well. If your hands are dirty, you will add soap or a hand-wash to get a better, quicker or more hygienic result. The same is true for carpets.

The generic names for some of the cleaning products which may be used include:

• Pre-sprays
• Alkali detergents
• Sour rinses or acid detergents
• Micro-splitting solutions
• Encapsulation solutions
• Crystallising shampoos
• Enzyme solutions
• Solvents
• Spotting solutions
• Absorbent compounds

At VCRS we are trained in ALL methods of cleaning carpets and all cleaning solution options. Although we all have our preferred methods of cleaning a carpet or upholstery fabrics, our technicians will select the method that produces the best results at lowest risk to the furnishings being cleaned and your family’s health. We only use products that are designed and fit for the purpose for which they were designed and the mildest products that will do the best job.

At VCRS we clean carpets to IICRC S100 standards, we comply with the BSI PAS 86 and Woolsafe WS 1000 and WS2000 Standards.

Carpet Cleaning Standards:

• IICRC S100 - Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Cleaning and Maintenance of Textile Floor Coverings.
• BSI PAS 86 - (British Standards Institute Publicly Available Specification No. 86)
• Woolsafe WS1000 - "The Maintenance and Cleaning of Wool Floor Coverings"
• Woolsafe WS 2000 - "Code of Practice for Professional Carpet Cleaning Companies"