Carpet Cleaning Clear Lake TX : Returning Spot Problem Explained

Many times I have heard clients talking about spots that return. They tell me how one cleaner came in and got the spot out. Then after a few days these spots returned and have been a problem. In order to fix reoccurring problem like this we must first understand how it happens. Most returning spots are from very dirty areas of carpet. The area or spot either got real wet at some point and attracted a lot of soil over time or is an area that gets a lot of dirty traffic. These areas have a lot of built up dirt and soil in them and under them. The problem is whats under them.

Now let me explain, what we in the industry call,

Moisture Wicking

This works much like a candle wick does. If you understand that then understanding the concept of moisture wicking should be easy. As the moisture on the top layer of carpet is drying it pulls all the moisture from beneath the spot. Unfortunately, that moisture is filled with very tiny dirt particles and that dirt is pulled up with it. The spot may look clean initially because all of the top level soil was removed. As time passes and the spot dries, like magic, it reappears. What can you do about this? Well if your calling a carpet cleaning Clear Lake TX professional, make sure he knows about these sort of things before having him out. The solution(s) they should offer should be along the lines of what I’m about to explain. With hot water extraction , also known as steam cleaning, the tech should go over the area many many times without water. These are called dry passes and are used to remove as much moisture as possible from the area. Then after those many dry passes a drying fan should be set in the area to help speed dry the reoccurring spot. WHY? Getting the area dry as quickly as possible will prevent moisture wicking from occurring. It dries to quickly for the effects to take place. Even after the cleaner leaves, a household fan should be put down on the area, AC turned on, and (if your in humid Houston) windows and doors closed.

 If you want it done right the first time just give us a call.

The other solution can be used as an initial solution or as a follow up a few days later. This process is known as encapsulation cleaning. It uses a type of low moisture cleaning to remove soils from textiles. The process for this cleaning method includes spraying the area with a low moisture cleaning product, good agitation, drying, and post vacuuming. This process hardly gets the carpet moist. This does not allow moisture wicking to occur thus preventing the issue. Still after agitation drying methods should be implemented and after drying, post vacuuming. I do not suggest taking these type of problems into your own hands. I highly suggest hiring a carpet cleaning Clear Lake TX professional who really knows what they are doing. Of course, now you know enough about it to choose the right person.