How to Clean Commercial Carpet?

Carpets and rugs of any kind have a distinct charm in certain places. It might pose an issue for some businesses if they don't look better in specific spaces. Keeping commercial carpets clean is critical to having a professional and hospitable environment for anyone visiting the place.
However, with heavy foot traffic and several spills and stains, commercial carpets can quickly soil and be worn-looking if not suitably cared for.
Here, we will explore how to clean commercial carpets, ensuring they stay fresh, sterile, and in top condition. You may be managing an office, retail space, or any other commercial establishment looking for cleaning help. As cleaning experts, we hope to guide you on the essentials of commercial carpet cleaning.
So here we go!

What Are Commercial Carpets?

Before knowing how to clean a commercial carpet, we will start by letting you know what "commercial carpets" are. These carpets withstand heavy use in offices, stores, and other commercial spaces. They look different from regular carpets and last longer than usual. These carpets are durable and can handle several people walking on them daily. They are also made to resist stains and are easy to keep clean.
Most commercial carpets feature a Berber design, with fibers looped through a backing, creating a durable but less comfortable texture. These carpets are usually thinner, which helps them handle foot traffic without getting worn out or flattened.
You can find them in different colors and patterns to match the style of your space, whether it is an office, store, or even your home.

Benefits of Commercial Carpet Cleaning

You must have known about general carpet cleaning, but it differs from commercial carpet cleaning. Cleaning carpets offers plentiful advantages for businesses of all sizes. From the appearance of your workspace to improving indoor air quality, investing in professional cleaning services can significantly benefit your business.
Let's see the key advantages in more detail-

1. Less Sick Employees

Carpet cleaning has the benefits of a clean workspace, leading to better employee attendance. Regular professional carpet cleaning helps remove allergens, dirt, and germs trapped in carpets.

These pollutants can create severe allergies and respiratory problems and, hence, increase sick days among employees. You do not want that in the business, right?
Therefore, by keeping clean carpets, firms can create an improved indoor atmosphere, reducing the risk of ill health and declining sick time.

2. A Welcoming Setup

Imagine stepping into a commercial building where you find dusty or worn-out carpets. It is a big put-off. Clean carpets immensely contribute to the general appearance and ambiance of a business.
Stained or dirty carpets can portray a negative image to clients, patrons, and employees, making the setting feel unkempt and unprofessional.
Regular commercial carpet cleaning ensures carpets look fresh, vibrant, and inviting, creating a positive impression. It would enhance the overall aesthetics of the workspace.

3. Carpet Longevity

Over time, scraps and high foot traffic cause carpets to wear out and become damaged. Routine cleaning helps remove the abrasive particles that can rub against carpet fibers, leading to hurried wear and tear.
Put your money on office cleaning services for carpets and other areas. It can extend the lifespan of their carpets, saving money on costly replacements. You ensure the flooring maintains its quality and appearance for extended periods.

Types of Commercial Carpet Cleaning Process

Many still need to learn several different types of carpet cleaning processes. It might seem complex for some laypersons, but for experts, these are the types they are well-acquainted with. There are dozens of methods, but we have the five primary ones mentioned for you-  

Dry Cleaning

Dry carpet cleaning is quite a popular method for commercial carpets. In this method, the cleaning solution has special polymers. These polymers work like mini sponges to collect debris and soil in the carpet. Once the cleaners apply the solution to the carpet, it dries up quickly, creating hard crystals that they can vacuum later.
It is a brilliant choice if you want to touch up between hot water extraction and cleaning sessions.

Here is how the process takes place-

• First, cleaners should vacuum the carpet to eliminate any loose debris on the surface. Then, mix a dry carpet cleaning solution by diluting it with water at four ounces per gallon. Before applying it to the whole carpet, it's vital to test a small area to ensure it won't affect the color.
• Next, using a dry foam cleaning machine, cleaners apply the foamy detergent to the carpet. After applying the detergent, cleaners must groom the carpet using the brushes included with the machine. It is an important step.
• Cleaners can set up fans in the room to speed up the drying process. Once the carpet is completely dry, they should vacuum it again to remove any remaining detergent and crystallized dirt. This process helps keep your carpet clean and fresh without using excessive moisture.

Hot Water Extraction Cleaning (Steam Cleaning)

Another gold-standard method is hot water extraction cleaning. It is considered the best method for commercial carpet cleaning.
Hot water extraction cleaning is terrific for prominent commercial places that get dirty from significant foot traffic. It's all about using a reliable machine that heats water and sprays it into your carpets with some unique cleaning element. This mix loosens the dirt and lifts any stains from the carpet.
Then, they use another powerful machine to suck up all that water, filth, and stain, leaving your carpets clean and almost dry in no time. And the best part? It's gentle enough for even the softest carpets.
Suppose you have tricky spots on the carpet that are hard to reach. Don't worry! Most carpet cleaning companies can bring in a portable version of this machine to get even the furthest corners of your place. It's like magic for your carpets!

How does it work?-

• Vacuuming the floor to wipe away all the debris.
• Pre-heating the carpets/rugs with a particular industry standard cleaning solution.
• If you have a nylon carpet, it will need a solution with a pH of 10 or less, and if you have polypropylene, cleaners should use a specific cleaning solution accordingly.
• Professionals should use a brush to agitate the carpet and let it penetrate the fibers. It should take 10-20 minutes for the agent to sink and attract the dirt within.
• The extraction uses a mix of alkaline detergent and hot water.
• One should let the carpet dry before anyone starts using it again.

Bonnet Cleaning

Although the name might sound odd, this method uses a particular machine with an attached absorbent pad.
This cleaning technique uses a machine with a pad that sucks up dirt and moisture from the carpet's surface. The device moves circles over the rug, and the pad cleans the areas. It's good because it is quick and doesn't use gallons of water. But there are downsides.
It's only a temporary fix because it doesn't clean deep in the carpet. It only deals with surface stains and can spread around stuff you don't want. Plus, it doesn't stop your carpet from getting dirty again quickly. Carpet makers do not like this method, and it can even make your carpet wear out faster because of all the rubbing and heat.

Carpet Shampooing Process

Want to know an old method for commercial carpet cleaning? Carpet shampooing is that technique. For a long time, carpet shampooing was the big thing for getting severe dirt out of carpets. It's changed a bit over the years, mainly regarding gadgets.
Nowadays, cleaners spread a foamy material on the carpet and scrub it with a machine. After that, they suck up all the foam and dirt with a wet vacuum. The carpet needs some time to dry out afterward. Once it's dry, they go over it with a regular vacuum to eliminate any leftover gunk.

Encapsulation

Are there more ways to clean commercial carpets properly? This process may sound fancy, like its name, and in a way, it is. This method uses synthetic foam detergents in the carpet through a brush machine. The foam turns into crystal powder, which cleaners then vacuum with the dirt.
Professionals prefer encapsulation to carpet shampooing because it doesn't leave any leftover matter, dries quicker, and doesn't need as much water. But it could be better for severely dirty carpets.
Pros don't usually use it for those because it doesn't work as nicely as expected. The carpet may have shampoo built up deep within, making it look uninteresting. Excess moisture may also lead to mold growth and health issues.
Figuring out the best way to clean carpets requires extensive research, the right cleaning team, and frequent cleaning.  

How To Do Routine Commercial Carpet Cleaning?

In terms of cleaning methods, we have mentioned everything above. Now comes the cleaning schedule of commercial carpets and how to do it. Whether the carpet needs daily or monthly cleaning is a question everyone has doubts about. Let us have a look into how to do specific routine cleaning-

Immediate Stain Cleaning

A stain is something that does not leave your life. It can occur at any moment. One has to be careful about it, especially concerning carpets. Some matters need to be solved immediately, and stains are those things.
Most spills penetrate the carpet and spread rapidly. However, you can clean the stains yourself by using upgraded tools.
When cleaning the spills, use something that dries out and can be vacuumed easily. Avoid sticky or gooey cleaning material on an already spilled item. Use a tool with a neutral pH, not too acidic or basic. It helps keep the material in good shape. If it still needs to be mixed, follow the instructions for how much water to add- using too much cleaner can be bad for your carpet. Here are some tips-

• If you spill something wet, blot it with a white towel or vacuum.
• For dry dirt, vacuum it up first. Then, use a white towel with a spot cleaner made for carpets. Keep blotting until the stain is gone.
• Some tough stains like oil, ink, or juice need special cleaners. Regular carpet cleaners won't do the trick.
• Clean the carpet with spot cleaners, mild detergents, or neutralizers. These products help keep carpets looking good without damaging them.

Daily Vacuum Cleaning

The vacuum cleaning process is an impressive method to clean the carpet. It is better to do it daily as carpets accumulate dirt fast. For commercial carpet cleaning, the vacuum cleaner must be of high standards. The machine is plugged in. One starts pushing it on the carpet.
The vacuum cleaner's collection section must not have trash. Ensure it is empty and clean, or the vacuums will not work efficiently.
Check if the cleaners use the vacuum promptly. Racing it would not clean the carpet properly because it lessens the suction power. Cleaners need to take it easy and be patient—going slow. At times, high-traffic areas on the carpet need double work.

Periodic Maintenance

Aim to clean every three months for areas with several people walking through frequently. For places with a medium amount of traffic, go every three months. And if it's a bustling spot, like in offices or stores, clean it once a month. Using a method that doesn't soak the carpet too much helps it last longer, and you won't have to wait long for it to dry.
Here's what cleaners must do-

1. Spray a liquid crystallized solution on the carpet and scrub it with a machine with two brushes spinning opposite ways. It helps loosen dirt stuck in the carpet fibers.
2. Once the carpet is dry, vacuum it well to eliminate any leftover solution and dirt.
3. Take your time with the cleaning and go slow for the best results.
4. If some areas get a lot of foot traffic, the whole thing might have to be repeated there.
   Using fewer chemicals is better, and finding the right product for your carpet is crucial. If the solution leaves a sticky feeling behind, it can attract more dirt to your carpet, so try to avoid that.
   To check if your cleaning solution is okay, dilute it according to the instructions and put a bit in a dish. Let it dry out and see if it leaves behind a sticky residue. If it does, that's not good because it'll make your carpet dirtier faster.

Intense Cleaning

Not getting rid of dirt for a long time may lead to tangled carpet fibers and worn-down carpets. Let professionals do intense carpet cleaning once a month. It will make the carpet last less long. Serious cleaning involves using wet methods to clean the carpet again. It is part of keeping these carpets in good shape for a long time.
Hot water extraction is a powerful way to clean carpets. It shoots hot water and cleaning stuff into the carpet, then sucks it all out with a strong vacuum. It's super important to rinse the carpet well after cleaning. If there's any leftover stuff on the fibers, it just attracts more dirt, making your carpet never really clean.
Most instructions say to put chemicals in the machine's tank, but here's a tip: spraying the chemicals on the carpet first. That way, they have time to sink in and break down the dirt before you clean it up.
Using a pile lifter tool can help loosen up dirt on the carpet. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule helps stop the fibers from getting damaged and keeps your carpet looking good. But if your carpet needs serious cleaning, start using the pile lifter, then do the wet cleaning.

Cleaning Commercial Carpets According To Foot Traffic

Professionals should clean commercial carpets regularly to maintain their look, longevity, and hygiene. The frequency of cleaning mainly depends on the foot traffic levels. For now, we will give you an idea based on foot traffic levels-

• For light traffic areas, daily vacuuming and spot cleaning are necessary. Meanwhile, pile lifting and interim cleaning should occur quarterly. Keep the restoration work as required.
• For medium-traffic areas, we recommend daily vacuuming and spot cleaning. Conduct interim cleaning and pile lifting every two months. But for carpet restoration work, you should make that happen every year.
• For heavy-traffic areas, daily vacuuming and spot cleaning are necessary. While pile lifting could occur every two weeks and interim work every month, keep the carpet restorative work for quarterly phases.

Regular cleaning extends the carpet's life like magic. It also lessens the burden of deep cleaning more frequently. Thus, you provide a healthier setting for the workforce and customers.
To keep commercial carpets looking their best, it's imperative to establish a consistent cleaning schedule and promptly address any spills or stains.

Tips For Commercial Carpet Cleaning

Do you want to make a good impression on customers and create a healthy work environment for employees? Then there are some simple tips for commercial carpet cleaning-

1.Professional Cleaning-

How do you clean dirty commercial carpets? It is a common question we have come across. Schedule frequent professional carpet cleaning for your carpets and remove embedded dirt and filth. Consider quarterly or semi-annual deep cleaning sessions depending on the level of foot traffic.

2. Use Walk-off Mats-

Placing walk-off mats in high-traffic areas helps lessen the amount of dirt and moisture brought inside. They act as a barrier to dirt coming in from shoes. For instance, imagine a busy store. The visitors and employees frequenting the store bring mud and water inside. Put a walk-off carpet in the entrance and maintain an impressive appearance for a longer time.

3. Rearrange Furniture-

When cleaners come for their cleaning job, you could ask them to rearrange the furniture in commercial spaces to prevent excessive wear and tear on specific carpet areas. Heavy furniture compresses the carpet fiber and leads to unnoticeable indentations and wear patterns that do not look good. Moving the furniture around will distribute the weight. This work suits restaurants, clothes shops, or regular office setups.

4. Choose the Right Cleaning Method-

There are different techniques for commercial carpet cleaning, including hot water extraction, dry cleaning, and encapsulation. We discussed them extensively in the previous section, but knowing about them would not help. Choose the method that best suits your carpet type, level of soiling, and drying time requirements. Discuss in detail and then make a final decision.

5. Use Carpet Protectors-

Applying a carpet protector after cleaning can help repel stains and extend the life of your carpet. You may consult a cleaning professional to determine the best product for your carpets. It is one way to clean commercial carpets effectively.

6. Regular Maintenance-

Apply a regular maintenance timetable for carpet cleaning tasks, like vacuuming and spot cleaning, through skilled people. Consistency is the main thing in keeping your commercial carpets looking clean and new.
Following these suggestions and remaining consistent with your carpet cleaning routine, you can maintain clean carpets in your commercial space for several years.

Why Should You Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaner?

Why spend all that extra money when there are in-house cleaners? Hiring a professional carpet cleaner can make a big difference. They can keep the carpets clean and well-maintained in varied ways that a layperson won't be able to. Here are some reasons why it's a good idea-

1. They Have Expertise:

Trained carpet cleaners have the knowledge and experience to tackle a wide range of carpet cleaning challenges. They know the best techniques and solutions for different carpet types and stains. Specialized cleaners use specific equipment and techniques to deep clean rugs, clearing dirt, allergens, dust, and stubborn stains that ordinary vacuuming may be unable to reach.

2. Saving Time and Effort:

Cleaning carpets can be time-consuming and physically demanding, especially for large commercial spaces. Hiring professionals frees up your time and energy, allowing you to focus on running your business. They may also have ideas for green cleaning services.

3. They Extend the Carpet Lifespan:

Regular professional cleaning helps stretch the lifespan of your carpets by stopping dirt and other waste from building up and causing deterioration over time. It can save you money in the long run by delaying the need for costly carpet replacement.

4. Improving Indoor Air Quality:

The air is already polluted with gases and industrial wastes. Let the carpets not be the source of more harm. Professional cleaning removes contaminants from carpets, creating a healthier environment for employees and customers. Carpets harbor bacteria and other impurities that can negatively influence indoor air quality and add to breathing difficulties.

5. Appearance Enhancement:

Having a neat and clean environment is always great. Professionally clean carpets can improve the general appearance of a business space, making it more inviting and professional-looking. They leave a pleasing impression on guests and create a favorable brand image.

When you choose a professional cleaning company, note their experience in the industry. Try getting hold of companies that provide full service, like spot cleaning, pre-vacuuming, etc. Check the cleaning team's certification and license and ask about the equipment the company uses. In the end, have a background check of the company through past clients and customer reviews and nudge them for a free quote.
All in all, hiring a professional carpet cleaner will offer numerous benefits. They will create a cleaner, better, and more striking environment. It will be worth it.

Sterling Cleaning for your Commercial Carpet Cleaning

Cleaning a commercial space with carpets is challenging. Widespread carpets may create health havoc if not done sparingly. There is much more to caring for carpets than meets the eye. Commercial cleaning services make a perfect impression on whoever visits the space.
We have mentioned the benefits of cleaning carpets, the methods, and the cleaning schedule. But surely you or your in-house may need to be more capable of doing a professional-level cleaning.
There are different kinds of cleaning services for businesses, and a suitable cleaning company like Sterling Cleaning Services can make any office space impressively clean. It's not just carpet cleaning; if you need a specific cleaning service, you should check Sterling Cleaning Services in NYC!
Our team specializes in commercial cleaning, giving your office or business a pristine look in minimum time. You will find top-notch cleaning tailored to fit your office or business perfectly. Just get in touch with us and convey your requirements. We will discuss the details and ensure you get the right services.

‍