Identifying Carpet Spots and Stains
Carpet cleaners must prioritize finding out the origin of stubborn carpet stains and spots before cleaning. Identifying the stain type makes choosing the correct formula for removing it much easier. If employees or residents are unavailable to identify the staining agent and a list of possible agents is unavailable, cleaners can use a simple, in-house test to identify it. The first part of the process is identifying the carpet fiber materials, as different materials have different "likes" and "dislikes." For example, nylon is readily cleanable, "likes" acidic substances, and stains easily when it encounters dyes. Stain blockers can help keep these substances from staining, though blockers are not common in commercial areas. Carpet fiber blends, however, can affect the efficiency of spot and stain removal. Cleaners also need to know the difference between a spot and a stain — spots often have a texture. Cleaners should consider the location, appearance, and/or smell of a spot or stain when trying to identify it. Once the source is identified, cleaners can choose the best cleaning chemical for the stain and carpet fiber.