Properly maintaining your facility’s carpeted areas on a daily basis will protect and extend the life of the carpet, enhance the appearance, and improve indoor air quality.

Instructions

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Always wear personal protective equipment when handling chemicals. Wear gloves when spotting carpet. Review the product labels and chemical SDS. When using a pump sprayer it must be properly labeled.

Prepare the floor

A

Inspect the carpeted area and pick up any noticeable debris. Vacuuming up paper clips, staples, and other metal objects create clogs and can tear filters.

B

Inspect your equipment before using it to make sure it is in proper working condition. Check for cord wear, dirty filters, and vacuum bag fill levels. If the cord is damaged do not use the vacuum and notify your supervisor.

C

If you are using a backpack vacuum, place the vacuum on your back and adjust the straps snugly for comfort. Make sure the weight of the vacuum rests evenly and comfortably on your hips.

D

Turn on the power switch. Place your hand on the wand at the closest point to where the hose attaches to the wand and place your other hand near the wand bend. Use the wand and hose with the floor tool to vacuum the carpet, and keep the cord behind you as you work.

TIP: Keep your back as straight as possible and twist your waist while walking backwards or forwards.

E

Use the Upholstery tool for cleaning chairs and sofas. Use the Crevice tool for corners and edges. Use the Round dusting brush for vent cleaning.

F

Make sure to vacuum entry mats, which work to prevent dirt from entering the building.

G

When you are finished, return the vacuum to the cleaning supply area. Check the vacuum bag level and filters, and empty or change them as needed.

Removing Spots

Always test for colorfastness in remote areas before beginning spotting. If there are people present, mark the area where you are working with a wet floor sign. Most spots can be removed with a neutral spotter. However, specialty spot removers may be needed for situations with red dye, tar, adhesives, or chewing gum. Check with your supervisor or Maintex representative for assistance.

Small Area - Spray Method

1

Spray around the spot with carpet spotter. Use a medium mist and do not over saturate the area.

2

Work several spots at a time. Let the chemical dwell for at least 2 minutes to penetrate and loosen soil.

3

Work the spot inward towards the middle with a carpet spotting brush. This technique prevents the spot from spreading.

4

Place a clean white towel over the spot and apply pressure with your hand or foot to transfer the spot.

5

Repeat this process as necessary until the spot is gone. When the towel has become visibly soiled, flip it over and use the other side. When both sides are soiled, replace the towel.

6

Spray the area with clean water, then blot it with a clean white towel. This helps prevent re-soiling. Allow the area to dry before removing wet floor signs.

Medium Area - Stand-Up Pole Method

1

Attach a clean bonnet pad to the unit.

2

Fill the attached sprayer with carpet spotter, then pump up the sprayer.

3

Spray around the spot using a medium mist and do not over saturate the area.

4

Work several spots at a time. Let the chemical dwell for at least 2 minutes to penetrate and loosen the soil.

5

Brush and blot the area using the pole spotter.

6

Repeat this process as necessary until the spot is gone. When the bonnet has become visibly soiled, turn it over and use the other side. When both sides are soiled, replace the bonnet.

7

Spray the area with clean water, then blot it with a clean white towel or a clean bonnet. This helps prevent re-soiling. Allow the area to dry before removing wet floor signs.

8

When you are finished, empty the chemical sprayer and rinse the pole bonnets, then hang them to dry in the cleaning supply area.

Large or Occupied Areas - Spot Extraction Method

1

Fill the unit with clear water. Attach the hoses and upholstery tool.

2

Using a pump sprayer or spray bottle, spray around the spot with carpet spotter. Use a medium mist and do not over saturate the area.

3

Work several spots at a time. Let the chemical dwell for at least 2 minutes to penetrate and loosen soil.

4

Use the upholstery tool or brush to gently agitate the stain towards the center.

5

Turn on the spot extractor. Squeeze the handle to flush, rinse and vacuum away the soil in a single pass. Repeat this process until all soil has been removed.

6

When you are finished, empty and rinse the extractor and return it to the cleaning supply area.

Knowledge Quiz

Test your comprehension by completing the knowledge quiz.

Launch Quiz

Daily Carpet Cleaning

Question 1 of 10.

A daily carpet care program will:

1. Protect and extend the life of carpet

2. Enhance the appearance of carpet

3. Improve indoor air quality

4. All of the above

Carpets are an important and expensive investment that require daily maintenance. A daily carpet care program will protect and extend the life of the carpet, enhance appearance, and improve indoor air quality.

Question 2 of 10.

Which of the following should you NOT do before vacuuming carpet?

1. Inspect your equipment to ensure it is in proper working condition

2. Pick up noticeable debris including any metal objects

3. Pre-treat all spots with a carpet spotting chemical

It is important to inspect equipment and pick up debris before vacuuming. You should never vacuum carpet that is wet.

Question 3 of 10.

What is the best tool for cleaning air vents and ducts?

1. Round dusting brush

2. Crevice tool

3. Upholstery tool

Use the vacuum's wand and hose attachment along with a round dusting brush to clean air vents and ducts.

Question 4 of 10.

What other item should you vacuum on a daily basis?

1. Wall curtains

2. Entry mats

3. Hard floors

Make sure to vacuum entry mats every day. This helps to prevent dirt and debris from entering the building.

Question 5 of 10.

What is the best method for treating large carpeted areas with many spots?

1. Spray Method

2. Stand-Up Pole Method

3. Spot Extractor Method

For large carpeted areas with extensive spots, use a powered spot extractor. This is also effective for daytime spill clean up when buildings are occupied.

Question 6 of 10.

Which of the following chemicals should NOT be used as a carpet spotter?

1. Oxy Citrus

2. Maintex Just Right Carpet Spotter

3. Bleach

Oxy Citrus and Just Right Carpet Spotter are neutral pH, general purpose spotters that will remove most common spots and spills. Harsh products such as bleach will damage and discolor carpet.

Question 7 of 10.

When cleaning a small spot using the spray method, what is the best way to prevent the spot from spreading?

1. Saturate the area with large amounts of chemical

2. Work the spot inwards towards the middle with a carpet spotting brush

3. Work as quickly as possible

Working the spot towards the center with a carpet spotting brush will prevent the spot from spreading. Do not oversaturate the area. You may need to repeat the process multiple times to fully remove the stain.

Question 8 of 10.

How long should carpet spotter be allowed to dwell?

1. 30 seconds

2. 2 minutes

3. 15 minutes

Work several spots at a time. Let the chemical dwell for at least 2 minutes to penetrate and loosen soil, but do not let it dry.

Question 9 of 10.

When spotting, how often should you switch to a new towel or bonnet?

1. After treating each spot

2. At the end of your shift

3. When the towel or bonnet becomes visibly soiled

When the towel or bonnet becomes visibly soiled, turn it over and use the other side. After both sides are soiled, replace with a fresh towel or bonnet.

Question 10 of 10.