The Absorbent Compound Mystery
According to the current IICRC S100 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Cleaning of Textile Floor Coverings, the absorbent compound cleaning method for carpets is a low/restricted-moisture compound cleaning system that should include vacuuming and pile lifting (as needed) for dry soil removal, performing a light application of liquid preconditioner (as needed) where there is moderately- to heavily-soiled carpet, applying or broadcasting the dry compound according to manufacturer recommendations, performing manual or mechanical agitation, typically using dual-cylindrical brush agitation, and post-vacuuming the soiled cleaning compound, either immediately or after an appropriate dry time. The absorbent compound cleaning system has a unique requirement of pre-vacuuming. Suspension, dissolving, adsorption, and chemical reactions cannot take place until the fiber is wetted-out, and a light application of a liquid preconditioner is needed when there is moderate to heavy soil. The benefits of absorbent compound cleaning is it can help clean flat-weave cellulosics and can add many points to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in areas such as waste disposal, water usage, and energy consumption. After using the method, carpet is ready for service immediately, and it also is suitable for cleaning hard surfaces using alternate brushes.