Carpet cleaning methods

[RonTL]

I know there is a lot of posts about this, but I dont have much time to look.



I have a shop-vac (rigid 5hp), woolite, and some APC. Anyone have a good pre-spot/spot remover to recommend. And any other products that I should get?



Can you also share your methods of cleaning carpet and upholstery.



Thanks

[usdm]

http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...ghlight=carpet

[Ed Hartman]

http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...arpet+cleaning

[togwt]

Interior Cleaning:

The three steps to interior detailing are vacuuming, cleaning, and conditioning/protecting

1. Vacuuming:

Vacuum thoroughly, getting loose dirt is critical (Metropolitan Vac `N BloTM) always begin your interior cleaning with a thorough vacuuming; it is much easier to vacuum loose dirt from doorjambs when the dirt is dry instead of muddy after washing the exterior. Use the crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas (don`t forget the instrument panel and stereo controls), the upholstery attachment (usually a soft round brush) for the seats, and the stiff-bristled brush on the carpet, to loosen deeply embedded dirt and lift matted carpet-pile

2. Cleaning:

The next step is to clean the dashboard, door panels and the headliner, spray 303TM Cleaner & Spot RemoverTM until damp; this product may be used on all water safe materials. The cleaning action increases with warm water, agitation and longer dwell time.) Completely wipe away dirt/grime with damp cloth until clean, rinsing out clothe as required, allow to completely dry before use. Use a rubber bristled brush to raise the nap of the carpet once the carpet is thoroughly dry.

3. Conditioning and Protecting:

Don`t miss this very important step. Once your interior is clean, you should use a conditioning/protection product (303TM High Tech Fabric Guard, which includes UVR protection) to ensure protected surface will repel dirt and moisture, and again, keep your vehicle in its like-new condition.



Using the right detailing tools to apply and remove the cleaning and conditioning products will make the job easier and will give you professional results



Seat Removal:

For a thorough interior cleaning, removal of the seats will allow access to hard to reach areas. It`s relatively easy if you take your time and are careful.



Front bucket seats are typically held down by four bolts on the ends of the runners at the base of the seat, two in the front and two in the back, these bolts are usually torque down hard (when replacing start the bolt by hand, being very careful not to cross-thread them)



These are removed using a socket wrench. Sometimes the bolts are covered by a decorative plastic moulding, which is held in place by a screw or just pops off using a prying action with a slotted screwdriver. First, slide the seats to its rear-most position, exposing the front bolts, remove, then, sliding the seat to its forward position, exposing the rear bolts, remove.



When all four bolts have been removed, gently tilt the seat either forward or back to reveal any wires that are connected to the underside of the seat (for seat position controls, heaters, seat belt sensors, etc.). Carefully unplug these wires, and remove the seat from the vehicle, taking care not to scratch seat or paint surfaces as you lift out the seat. Cover the remaining wire harness with a plastic bag and aluminium foil; this will prevent water and cleaning solution from getting into the wiring harness.



b) Carpet and upholstery cleaning:

A good place to start is to clean the carpet, floor mats and upholstery. This method of cleaning the carpets and upholstery first, will allow the most drying time between cleaning and the finishing of an interior detail.



Most vehicle fabrics are comprised of nylon or olefin. Leather and wool (natural fibres) require more delicate care, and will be discussed later. Carpet and upholstery can be cleaned using three methods; hand cleaning, an orbital buffer with brush attachment or machine extraction. The hand cleaning method remains most popular due its low cost. (For Leather Cleaning section 11)



Heated water breaks down water-soluble soiling faster, as it reduces overall chemical usage because it reduces the surface tension of the fibre. Heat acts as a catalyst promoting quicker reactions between chemicals and the soil. Use the hottest water available (it also helps to pre-spray the carpet with hot water)



1) To hand clean carpet and upholstery:

Cleaning interiors by hand is a labor intensive and time-consuming process.

Methodology

â€Â¢Vacuum area very thoroughly to remove any loose dirt, grit and etc

â€Â¢Remove any stains with a â€Ëœspotâ€â„¢ remover (303â„¢ Spot Remover & Cleaner)

â€Â¢Spot treat really bad stains (303TM Cleaner & Spot Remover or Woolite® Heavy Traffic Carpet Foam)

â€Â¢Use a pre-cleaner solution, 10:1 distilled hot water/ P21S Total Auto Wash, let solution dwell for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react

â€Â¢After sufficient dwell time agitate pre cleaner solution with an upholstery brush to â€Ëœscrubâ€â„¢ surfaces

â€Â¢Mist spray surfaces with hot water

â€Â¢Brush the carpet to raise the nap and loosen ground in dirt

â€Â¢Vacuum (MetroVac N` Blo®) to lift all the loose dirt from the carpet

â€Â¢Using the vacuum, remove the excess moisture, loose dirt and the grime

â€Â¢Allow carpets / mats to thoroughly dry before use

â€Â¢Once fabric is dry apply a fabric protection (303TM High Tech Fabric Guard)



Note: Use the hottest water use can when hand cleaning carpets / mats



2) Using an orbital buffer (with a brush attachment):

Methodology

â€Â¢Vacuum area very thoroughly to remove any loose dirt, grit and etc

â€Â¢Remove any stains with 303â„¢ Spot Remover & Cleaner

â€Â¢Spot treat really bad stains (303TM Cleaner & Spot Remover or Woolite® Heavy Traffic Carpet Foam)

â€Â¢Use a pre-cleaner solution, 10:1 distilled hot water/ P21S Total Auto Wash, let solution dwell for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react

â€Â¢Agitate surfaces with an random orbital buffer (speed #4) and brush attachment, scrub carpet / fabric upholstery

â€Â¢Mist spray surfaces with hot water

â€Â¢Attach a terry-cloth bonnet and go over areas, changing the bonnets frequently

â€Â¢Use a rubber bristle brush go over the material to raise the fibres

â€Â¢Using the vacuum, remove the excess moisture, loose dirt and the grime

â€Â¢Allow carpets / mats to thoroughly dry before use

â€Â¢Once fabric is dry apply a fabric protection (303TM High Tech Fabric Guard)



Note: Use the hottest water use can when hand cleaning carpets / mats



3) Using a Carpet Extractor:

An extraction system process is the choice of professional detailers due to its cost effectiveness, performance efficiency and time saving over conventional methods. Extractors work by using a cleaning solution dispensed from a tank that heats the solution to 200oF+ and is sprayed at medium pressure, high volume from the machine via a cleaning wand; it is then filtered and re-circulated. Extraction also allows the ability to remove cleaning residues due to its high suction power (100-inch water gauge +). Rinsed fabrics look and smell cleaner and resist soiling better.



Pre-cleaner:

Organic stain removal- quarter (1/4) cup Protein Stain Remover (topoftheline.com) / 1-cup 303â„¢ Cleaner & Spot Remover / one gallon hot water let dwell for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react

Other stain removal- 10:1 distilled hot water/ P21S Total Auto Wash, let solution dwell for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react

Methodology

â€Â¢Vacuum area very thoroughly to remove any loose dirt, grit and etc

â€Â¢Remove any stains with 303â„¢ Spot Remover & Cleaner

â€Â¢Spot treat really bad stains (303TM Cleaner & Spot Remover or Woolite® Heavy Traffic Carpet Foam)

â€Â¢Use a pre-cleaner solution, 10:1 distilled hot water/ P21S Total Auto Wash, let solution dwell for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react

â€Â¢After sufficient dwell time agitate pre cleaner solution with an upholstery brush to â€Ëœscrubâ€â„¢ surfaces

â€Â¢Use a carpet extractor to clean and remove liquid and dirt. (Vapour Clean Products T5 Extractor / Spotter®)

â€Â¢Use a 16:1 solution clean distilled hot water / 303â„¢ Cleaner & Spot Remover or P21S Total Auto Wash in the extractor tank

â€Â¢Use a rubber bristle brush go over the material to raise the fibres

â€Â¢The next step would be to use its high-volume vacuum to remove the excess moisture and grime, immediately recovering it.

â€Â¢Allow carpets / mats to thoroughly dry before use

â€Â¢Once fabric is dry apply a fabric protection (303TM High Tech Fabric Guard)



Note- Run a 2:1 solution distilled water / distilled white vinegar thru the extractor either weekly, or after every ten fresh fills. Vinegar, contains Acetic acid, an organic carboxylic that will help eliminate scale, mild mineral deposits etc. from clogging your extractor.



Information Resource: Carpet cleaning is based upon methods recommended by the Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Institute (CUCI)

JonM

[imported_NHBFAN]

Wow! Great write up.



I didn`t know pro detailers removed seats.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Originally posted by NHBFAN

Wow! Great write up.



I didn`t know pro detailers removed seats.

Most actually dont, from what I`ve heard. Too many issues with liability. If a bolt doesn`t get re-torqued properly or forget to plug in the side impact airbag, you`re going to end up with some problems.

[togwt]

Originally posted by NHBFAN

Wow! Great write up.



I didn`t know pro detailers removed seats.

I don`t know what a pro detailer would do as I`m just a dumb Architect :LOLOL



I could see how there could be issues with liability, but I detail show cars as a paying hobby and time is not usually an issue (lots of time to check things like that) with a pro `Time is...etc.