Written by Norman Lowe
Carpet and upholstery cleaning is a large niche area that requires specialist products to give effective cleaning.
In years gone by, carpets and rugs would be taken outside and beaten to remove the build-up of dust. Whilst this was reasonably effective, large carpets were a problem, and with the advent of fitted carpets it became impossible. Vacuum cleaners replaced the beating, but whilst being effective for dust, they had no effect on stains such as fruit juice, oil/grease, etc.
Soap systems were not very effective, leaving sticky residues which re-soiled rapidly. With the advent of synthetic detergent, formulations were developed that dried to a friable powder, which was removed by vacuuming. These products were high foaming in the main, with the foam being applied to the substrate rather than the liquid solution, and scrubbed manually. These formulations were effective but not very convenient for large areas such as offices, as the carpets and upholstery tended to need a long period to dry out. Dry foam produced from aerosol cans solved the wet carpet problem to some extent, but was not convenient for large areas and still required scrubbing. This led to the rise of the ‘carpet extraction cleaners’. These machines inject cleaning solution into the carpet/upholstery then immediately remove the solution by vacuuming, leaving the carpet/upholstery only slightly damp, so drying time is short.
Developing Formulations & Key Ingredients
At HARKE UK & Ireland, we have developed formulations for extraction machines using the state-of-the-art products from ICT (Innovative Chemical Technologies inc). These products have a range of properties essential to the effective cleaning of carpets and upholstery. They are based on a polymer system that encapsulates both greasy soils, particulate soils and stains. The residual solution dries to a friable crystalline powder, encapsulating soils, which is then removed by vacuuming, leaving no ‘sticky’ residues that would promote rapid re-soiling.
But the products don’t stop there; they also coat the fibres, giving a surface that has ‘soil release’ properties, making the next clean much easier and more effective. Further to this, we have add-on products which are ‘stain blockers’ that effectively stop the fibres being stained by fruit juice, red wine, tea, coffee, etc.
There is also a problem called ‘wicking’. This is caused by soil deep in the carpet backing rising by capillary action (i.e. wicking) to the surface, so the carpet starts to look soiled again even if untouched. These products effectively stop this happening.
Finally, we have a specific deodorising product which can be added to the carpet/upholstery cleaners that will remove most malodours, but not leave any sticky residues. Carpets are effectively cleaned, treated to stop staining, will stay clean longer, and are easier to clean next time, so reducing chemical use.
All these effects are backed up by extensive testing.
Products in our range from ICT
- Flexiclean™ CC 560G: Premium product, great cleaning, encapsulation of soils, stain guard, and soil release.
- Flexiclean™ CC 630: Peroxy and Acid stable, suitable for wool carpets
Additions:
- Flexisperse™ 220: Acid polymer that acts as a stain blocker and dispersing agent; stops wicking, reduces yellowing, and removes the ammoniacal odour of products like Flexiclean™ CC560G.
- Flexisperse™ AM210: Anionic polymer, giving stain guard and soil resistance.
- Flexisorb™ OD 202: Zinc Ricinoleate-based odour absorber, specific for carpet/upholstery cleaners (and room deodorants); leaves no sticky residues that would cause rapid re-soiling, and removes most malodours.
Formulations
Here are some example starting point formulations from our formulary:
1/ Green Carpet Shampoo Super Concentrate
| Flexisorb™ OD-202 | 5.0% | HARKE UK/ ICT |
| Flexiclean™ CC-560G | 3.0% | HARKE UK/ ICT |
| Flexisperse™ 220 | 0.2% | HARKE UK/ ICT |
| The Essential Lemon Fragrance DEB52492 | 0.1% | HARKE UK/ Industrial Fragrances |
| Preventol® BIT 20N | 0.1% | HARKE UK/ LANXESS |
| Water | To 100% |
Solubilise the fragrance into the Flexiclean CC-560G until clear. Once clear, add the formulation amount of water followed by the remaining ingredients. Mix well until clear and homogenous to complete.
2/ Deodorising Carpet Shampoo: Super Concentrate
| Flexiclean™ CC-560G | 40.0% | HARKE UK/ ICT |
| Flexisorb™ OD-202 | 30.0% | HARKE UK/ ICT |
| Flexisperse™ 220 | 3.0% | HARKE UK/ ICT |
| Resaquest ECO® | 5.0% | HARKE UK/ WJ Macnab |
| Preventol® BIT 20N | 0.1% | HARKE UK/ LANXESS |
| Water | To 100% |
Dilute 1:9 for pre-spot; 10 to 20g/litre for extraction machine, although greater dilution may be possible.
3/ Peroxy-based Carpet Extraction Cleaner
| Flexiclean™ CC-630 | 25.0% | HARKE UK/ ICT |
| Flexisperse™ 220 | 10.0% | HARKE UK/ ICT |
| Hydrogen Peroxide (50%) | 6.0% | HARKE UK |
| HEDPA | 0.5% | HARKE UK |
| Fragrance | q.s | HARKE UK/ Industrial Fragrances |
| Water | To 100% |
The pH should be 6.0 max. Dilution for extraction approx. 1:50, although greater dilution may be possible.
These are examples from our formulary; we are adept at formulating to customers’ specific requirements and price point. There is performance back-up data available. Please contact our technical department for more information or formulation guidance.
