floor types and their care

7/30/2019 Floor Types and Their Care

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Floor Types

andTheir Care


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Floor Care Maintenance

Foundation Preservation

MaintenanceRevitalization


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Foundation

The first phase in FPMR model, where floormust be stripped of its old finish and a new

finish must be applied to the floor.


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Reasons for stripping the floor:

When there is a breakdown in the floor surfaceand there are definite worn traffic areas that arebeginning to show.

A noticeable flaking or chipping of the surface ofthe finish from too much old finish.

When the wet look begins to show definite darkshadowy areas as you look into the surface of

the floor.When there is a staining from spills or frominadequate pick-up of the cleaning solutionswhile mopping the floors.


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Stripping

Stripping is to remove both the old floorfinish and all the dirt that has been

embedded in that finish.


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Required Supplies and Equipment

for stripping the floor:

Clean dust mopDust pan and brush

Standard speed floor machine with pad drive assemblyor stripping brush

Clean floor stripping pads

Wet pick-up vacuumSet of Wet Floor signs

2 clean mop buckets with clean wringers

2 wet mop handles with clean looped-end banded mops

Putty knifeDoorway mats

Hand pads and holder for edge cleaning

Floor stripping concentrate

Stripper neutralizer concentrate


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Procedures for stripping the floor:

First, dust-mop the floor to remove all loose dirtand dust.

Then get two clean mops and two clean mopbuckets and fill the buckets half full with hot

water.Add the recommended amount of strippingsolution to one of the buckets.

Rope off the areas to be stripped and place

warning signs at appropriate locations.Place mats at the exits to the area beingstripped so that the stripping solution is nottracked to other floors.


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Lay down a generous amount of stripping

solution in a small area of the floor and let it

stand for approximately five minutes.Do not allow solution to dry. If allowed to dry, the

stripping solution, mixed together with the old

finish, will turn into a dirty grey paste, and the

entire process must be begun again.

After the solution has stood for five minutes,

start by scrubbing along baseboards or in the

corners with a scrubbing pad.Then start scrubbing with a floor machine using

a black or green pad.


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Use a machine that runs between 175 to 350rpm; do not use a high-speed buffer.

Be careful not to splash the walls with thestripping solution.

Using the floor machine, scrub in a straight linealong the baseboard; then scrub from side toside.

When a section of the floor has been covered,go back over the area in the opposite direction.

Once the area has been thoroughly scrubbed,the old finish can be picked up from the floor.

The best way to perform this task is to use awet/dry pick-up vacuum, but if one is notavailable, you must have an additional pick-upbucket.


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The same mop that was used for laying down thesolution can be used to pick up the dirty solution.

Rinse that mop in the pick-up bucket and change thewater when it gets dirty.

The next step is to completely rinse and dry the floorusing a clean mop and clear hot water in the rinsebucket.

Then either pick up the rinse water with the mop, or usethe wet/dry vacuum to remove all rinse water from thefloor.

Once the floor dries, check to see if there is a grey filmon the floor by rubbing your hand over the dried floor.

If a film is present, there is still old finish on the floor, thestripping procedure should then be repeated.

When finished, clean up all buckets and wringers, washall mop heads, and wash the pad on the floor machine

and all other equipment used.


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The second phase involves the applicationof floor finish, or sealer.

Sealers include the permanent type,penetrating solvent-based sealers, usedon concrete, marble, terrazzo, or other

stone surfaces. Floor stripping does notremove these types of sealers.

A second type is a water-emulsion stripperthat is placed on certain kinds of asphaltand tile floors. This type of sealer has tobe replaced after floor stripping.


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A floor sealer/finish serves three purposes:

First, it protects the floor from wear and stainingcaused by traffic, inadvertent spills, and chemicals

used in the cleaning process.

Second, it provides a safe surface upon which towalk. The appropriate finish should make the floor

more slip resistant.

Third, the finish has an aesthetic appeal. It makes thefloor shine, conveying a positive impression to both

customers and employees.


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for sealing the floor/ applying finishon floor:

Clean mop bucket and clean wringer

Set of Wet Floor signs

Floor finish

Clean plastic trash bag

Clean Floor Finish mop


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Procedures for sealing floors:

The first step is to inspect the floor and makesure that it is completely dry and clean.

Using either a clean nylon mop, a lambs woolapplicator, or a mechanical applicator designed

for the task, first apply the finish next to thebaseboard in smooth strokes.

Then apply the finish to the center area withfigure-8 strokes if using the mop.

Be sure that the first coat and all subsequentcoat are thin coats. Thick coats of finish do notlast as long and can make a very slipperysurface. Four thin coats are far better than twothicker coats.


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After the first coat is dry to the touch, let the floor

sit for at least a length of time that it took the first

coat to dry before applying a second coat.Repeat this procedure for each coat.

To avoid finish buildup in corners and along the

baseboards, do not apply more than two coats

within 12 inches of the walls.

Finally, allow the floor to dry as long as possible

before buffing or burnishing, and keep the floor

closed to traffic as long as possible.Seventy two hours is the optimal drying time for

most floor finishes.


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Buffing (or polishing) the floor is done with afloor machine that delivers up to 1 horsepower and turns at 175 to 350 rpm.

Burnishing is accomplished with a different floormachine that places less weight on the floor,which allows it to turn at speeds in excess of1000 rpm. This higher speed. Which creates

more friction, creates the high-gloss wet look infloors.

Whichever type of machine is issued, the type ofpad used is the same (white in color). Black andbrown pad is used for stripping, blue and greenpads for scrubbing, red for spray cleaning, andwhite for polishing.

Once the finishing process is completed, allequipment should be washed immediately.


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Preservation

The second phase in FPMR model, this is

accomplished through three techniques:

Sweeping / dust mopping

Spot mopping

Use of walk-off mats


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Sweeping is done only when the floor surface is toorough for a dust mop.

Push brooms are used for large areas and old

fashioned corn brooms are best for corners and tightspaces.

Dust mopping is the preferred way to remove dust,sand and grit from a floor. If these substances are not

removed from a floor on a daily basis, they will scratchthe surface of the finish, diminishing its luster and willeventually penetrate down to the floor itself.

Use the largest dust mop that is manageable. Whenmopping. Keep the mop head on the floor at all times

and do not move it backwards. When you reach theend of a corridor, swivel the mop around, and on thereturn pass, overlap the area that you have dusted byabout 8 inches. Use a dust pan to sweep up

accumulated trash, and pick up gum with a putty knife.


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Clean the mop frequently by vacuuming the mopin the custodians closet or by shaking the mopin a plastic bag.The time to treat a mop is at the end of dusting,not at the beginning, so that the mop will have achance to dry out.

Never use oil-based dust mop treatments; thesecan discolor a stone floor.

The mop head should be periodically removedand washed when it becomes saturated with dirt.

When finished, hang the mop up with the yarnaway from the wall. Do not let the mop stand onthe floor or touch a wall surface because it mayleave a stain.


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Spot mopping is essential to the preservation of afloors surface.

Liquids and solids that are spilled on the floors

surface, if left for any length of time, may penetratethe finish and stain the floor.

Even acids from fruit juices may wreak havoc on afloor if they are not immediately cleaned up. A mopand bucket should be made available to take care ofthese accidents.When spot mopping, clean cold water should beused so that the finish on the floor is not softened.

Detergents should be avoided unless they become

a necessity, that is, when a substance has beenallowed to dry on the floor.

If they are necessary, use a pH neutral detergent,avoid abrasives, and dilute detergent to a level thatwill accomplish the task but will not harm the finish.


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The use of walk-off mats is the third preservationmethod.

Their purpose is to prevent dirt and grit frombeing tracked onto the floors surface fromoutside sources.

There are three considerations when using walk-off mats: (1) make sure that the mat is large

enough so that everyone will step on the mat atleast twice with the same foot; (2) select a matthat correlates to the type of soil that is beingtracked into the area and; (3) change out dirtymats.

A mat that is saturated with dirt and soils will bea source of floor contamination rather than acure for that contamination.


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Maintenance

The third phase in FPMR model. This

involves the periodic removal of stains, dirt

and scuffs that appear on the surface of

the finish. Its purpose is to producelustrous, shiny, clean floors.

Maintenance encompasses:

Damp mopping

Spray buffing

Burnishing


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for damp mopping:Clean dust mop

Dust pan and brush

Automatic floor machine with pad driving assembly orbrush

Clean mop bucket with clean wringer

Wet mop handle with clean looped-end banded mop

Squeegee with handle

Floor pads

Putty knife

Approved detergent solution appropriate to the area

Set of Wet Floor signs

Clean wipers


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These techniques are done sequentially, andeach technique is often performed immediately

after the preceding one.Before the floor can be damp mopped, it mustfirst be dust mopped.

After the floor is dusted, the equipment to be

used must be assembled.Add a neutral or mildly alkaline detergent to themop water. The detergent used may be thevariety that needs no rinsing. If not, the floor will

need to be rinsed after the detergent solution isapplied.

Immerse the mop in the bucket and wring it outuntil it is only damp.


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Use the same pattern in the damp moppingof a floor that was used in the application of

stripper to the floor.The solution in the bucket should be changedwhen the water becomes dirty.

A brush or a floor machine may be used for

stubborn spots and a squeegee may be used tohelp speed the drying of the floor.

Baseboards should be wiped off immediately ifsolution is splashed on them.

As in the foundation section, all equipmentshould be cleaned upon the completion of atask.


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for spray buffing:Clean dust mop

Dust pan and brush

Floor machine (175-400 rpm) with pad driveassembly or brush

Clean floor polish pads

Clean mop bucket with clean wringer

Wet mop handle and clean looped-end bandedmop

Approved detergent solution appropriate for thearea

Spray buff solution in dispensing container

Wet Floor signs


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Spray buffing may follow damp mopping

procedure.

Spray a section of the floor (approximately

4 x 6) with the buffing solution and buff

the floor with a floor machine using a red

buffing pad.

Buff the area with a side-to-side motion

until the floor begins to shine.

Allow the machine to overlap the

previously buffed area and change the

dirty buffing pads frequently.


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Burnishing or dry buffing uses a high-speed machine that produces from 300rpm to 1500 rpm, depending on theparticular model.

This machine is operated in a straight line

rather than a side-to-side motion.The white floor pad is used for dry buffingand should be changed frequently.

As with spray buffing, it is wise to overlapcompleted areas when burnishing toensure a uniform finish.


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Revitalization

The fourth phase in FPMR model.Revitalization or deep scrubbing involves

removing one or more layers of the old

finish and applying new finish.


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Procedures in revitalizing the floor:

The first step is to combine cool water with a neutral ormildly alkaline cleaning solution, which is then applied tothe floor and scrubbed with a floor machine using a blackpad.

The floor machine is passed over the floor once tolessen the chance of removing too much finish, and coolrather than hot water is used because hot water wouldsoften all the layers of finish.

The dirty water is picked up with a wet vac or mop, and

the floor is rinsed using a clean mop and clean rinsewater.

Once the floor is dry, one or two coats of finish areapplied, and the floor can then be buffed to a renewedshine.


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Hard Floors

(Nonresilient floors)


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Flooring materials that do not give to any

degree underfoot. Their hardness ensures

their durability. Dents are not a problem

with these types of floors. However, thehardness of these types of floors is also a

major drawback. They are extremely tiring

to those who must stand on them for anylength of time.


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Types of Hard Floors

(Nonresilient Floors):

Brick

Ceramic and Terra Cotta Tiles

Concrete

Stone Floors

Terrazzo


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Brick

Brick is not commonly used as a flooring material

for interiors, except to convey a rustic theme.

Brick floors are normally left in their natural

unglazed state and color, but they can be sealedand finished for some interior applications.

Unglazed bricks are highly porous material, and

they provide a highly durable, fairly slip-resistant

floor, but the mortar between the bricks can

deteriorate rapidly if it is not properly maintained.


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Deteriorating mortar and loose bricks can

quickly become a serious hazard for slip-fall

accidents.

Another caution is not to use bricks where there

may be grease spills. Since an unglazedbrick is very porous, spilled grease and oil will

be absorbed into the brick and will be very

hard to remove. If the floor then becomes

wet, the surface of the brick will have this oil

and water mixture, making for a very slippery

surface.


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Cleaning Procedures:

Brick floors create special problems in

cleaning. If the bricks are the specially-made type

of slip-resistant brick, they will cause cotton mop

heads to fray. Also, unglazed bricks tend tobecome very dusty.

The best approach to cleaning a brick floor is

to vacuum it with a brush and, when mopping, use

a bristle brush in combination with a wet/dry

vacuum.


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Ceramic and Terra Cotta Tiles

Like brick, ceramic and terra cotta tiles are

made from clay that s fired in a kiln.

However, ceramic tile differs from brick in

that a coating is applied to one side of thetile and the tile is then fired in a kiln,

creating a surface that is almost totally

impervious to soil and liquids.


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Ceramic tile comes in a multitude of colorsand can have either a matte or glossy

surface. Care must be taken when

selecting ceramic tile because certain solidcolors will show dirt quite easily. Ceramic

tile also appears on walls and countertops,

as well as on interior and exterior floors.


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Terra cotta tiles, typically six inches square,

resemble bricks because they are left in

their natural color, and they do not have

the glaze coat that is commonly applied to

ceramic tile. The color of terra cotta is

traditionally a reddish-brown. One varietyof terra cotta is often used in kitchen floor

application because it is marked with a

rough surface that makes it slip resistant ingreasy conditions.


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The tiles must be cleaned frequently to remove

dust and grit that could damage the glaze on the

tile. Cleaning procedures might include dust

mopping, damp mopping, and light scrubbingwhen needed. Cotton mop heads should not be

used on tiles that contain slip-resistant surfaces,

because these surfaces will quickly shred a

traditional mop head. Scrubbing should be donewith brushes and the water should be picked up

with a wet/ dry vacuum.


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Concrete

The concrete floor is employed for its utility,

not for its attractiveness or its resiliency. A

concrete floor is composed of cement,

rocks, and sand, to which is water isadded to initiate a chemical reaction that

changes the ingredients into a stone like

material.


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The cleaning procedures that may be used

on a concrete floor range from a daily dust

mopping, to a damp mopping, to heavy

scrubbing to remove grease and soils.Since concrete, and especially unsealed

concrete, is so porous, an immediate effort

must be made to clean up spilled liquidsbefore they are absorbed into the concrete

and cause unsightly stains.


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Stone Floors

Common types of natural stone flooring

includes marbles, travertine, serpentine,

granite, slate, and sandstone.

All natural stone products share certain

properties that must be taken into

consideration by the professional

housekeeper to ensure the proper care ofthis type of flooring.


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Natural stone flooring may look impervious to theelements, but it is decidedly not as resistant to

damage as it looks. Acids and moisture canhave disastrous effects on natural stone. Someacids are present naturally in the stone, but even

the acid from spilled orange juice can have a

deleterious effect on stone floors, causingpitting, cracking, and spalling. These floors needto have moisture-permeable sealers applied somoisture and acids do not build up under the

sealer and destroy the floors surface. Oils andgrease can permanently stain untreated stone

floors because these floors are extremelyporous.


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To prevent the staining of stone floors, the dustmops should be free of all oil-based dustingcompounds. Dusting should be carried out on a

daily basis because grit, sand, and otherabrasives that are tracked onto a stone floor will

quickly mar the floors finish.A pH neutral detergent is recommended to clean

all natural stone floors. Highly alkaline cleanersas well as acidic compounds will damage stone

floors. When mopping stone floors, do not letwater or chemicals remain on the floor. A finalrinse of clean water should be applied and thenimmediately picked up with a mop or a wet/ dry

vacuum.


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Terrazzo

A terrazzo floor is a mosaic flooringcomposed of Portland cement that has

been embedded with marble and/orgranite chips.

The chips used in terrazzo floor can differboth in sizes and color, creating a variety

of colorful and attractive floors.

With proper care, a terrazzo floor will hold itsoriginal luster and will last indefinitely.

What destroys most terrazzo is not use,but improper maintenance.


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Terrazzo should be dusted daily to remove harmful grit andsand that can wear down the surface, but dust mopsshould not be treated with oil dressings because oil isthe archenemy of a terrazzo floor. Once oil or greasepenetrates a terrazzo floor, it is virtually impossible to

remove.Steel wool should not be used on the surface of a terrazzo

because the steel wool may put rust stains on the marblechips.

When selecting detergents and cleaners for terrazzo floors,stay away from acid cleaners, abrasives and scrubbingpowders, and preparations that have an alkalinity abovepH 10. Always rinse a freshly scrubbed floor and do notallow water or cleaners to remain on the floor surface.


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Resilient Floors


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Resilient floors have various degrees of

give to their surfaces. When dented, a

resilient floor will eventually rebound

wholly or partially to its origin form. Theyare called resilient because they are

elastic and buoyant underfoot. They are

also non porous.


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Types of Resilient Floors:

Asphalt Tile

Cork

Linoleum

Rubber

Vinyl

Wood


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Asphalt Tile

Asphalt tile is one of the lowest-cost resilient floorcoverings available, and it is quite durable undermost normal conditions. It will, however, becomebrittle when exposed to prolonged periods of low

temperature and will also dent when heavyobjects are present on its surface, particularlywhen the ambient temperature is above 800

Fahrenheit.

Asphalt tile is also fire resistant, in fact, it is one ofthe most mar resistant of all floorings in regard

to cigarette burns.


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Dust mopping, damp mopping, and

scrubbing will maintain and preserve the

asphalt floor. One important item to

remember, wet mopping is to never letwater stand for any length of time on an

asphalt tile floor. Standing water will attack

the adhesive cement and will cause tiles tocurl and loosen.


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Cork Tile

Cork tile is made from the outer bark of cork

oak trees grown in Spain and Portugal.

The cork is ground into large granules,

mixed with synthetic resins, and pressedinto sheets, which are then cut into tiles.

Contemporary cork tiles for floors usually

have a top layer of clear vinyl applied tothem. This vinyl layer protects the cork

from staining and wear.


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Cork tiles traditionally have had limitedapplication in industrial or institutional

settings. One reason is that cork issusceptible to staining because it is one of

the most porous of all floor coverings.Another limitation is that it is not durable; itis highly susceptible to abrasion. Cinders,sand, and gravel tracked on to a cork floorwill severely shorten its life span. Finally, it

is expensive. Cork rivals ceramic tiles incost and does not have nearly the usefullife of ceramic tile.


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Linoleum

In modern buildings, the use of vinyl has replaced

linoleum, but on occasion, linoleum floors can

still be found in older facilities. Linoleum was

once so pervasive that many still use the termlinoleum to indicate any continuous flooring

material, such as solid vinyl flooring.

Linoleum was composed of oxidized linseed oil,

resins, embedded cork, and wood flour withpigments pressed on a backing.


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Its properties included in a remarkable degree of

resiliency. Next to cork and rubber, and of

course, padded carpeting, linoleum isconsidered to have the greatest degree of

resiliency.

Linoleum was quite durable, was resistant to oil

and grease, and do not shrink.

The negative aspects of linoleum was that it is

highly susceptible to water. The linoleum would

absorb water and would then soften, causing itto lose its abrasion resistance and become more

susceptible to indentation. Even high humidity

would have a negative effect upon this material.


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Frequent dusting is essential to thepreservation of linoleum. The flooring can

also be dry mopped using a pH neutral

cleaner. Harsh abrasives and scouringpowders should be avoided and water ordetergent solutions should not be left in

contact with the floor for any length of time.

When the floor is mopped, it should beallowed to dry completely before foot traffic

is allowed upon it.


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Rubber Floors

All modern rubber floors are made from

synthetic rubber, such as styrene

butadiene rubber (SBR). Rubber tiles are

cured or vulcanized by the application ofheat. Rubber floors are nonporous,

waterproof surfaces. One major advantage

is that they are quite resilient and willremain resilient over a considerable

temperature range.


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Rubber flooring is susceptible to alkalines,

oils, grease, solvents, ultraviolet light, and

ozone in the air. When attacked by thesecomponents, a rubber floor will often

become tacky and soft. It will then become

brittle and begin to crack and powder.Rubber tiles often have knobs n the surface

or will have a tread pattern to improve

traction, especially if liquids are frequentlyspilled on the surface.


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Highly alkaline cleaning solution should beavoided; it is best to use pH neutral

detergents whenever possible. Cleaning

solvents such as naphtha and turpentineshould never be used on a rubber floor.

Rubber floors are fairly easy to maintain.Daily dust mopping and an occasional

damp mopping are all that is needed tomaintain the floor.


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Vinyl Floors

There are several types of vinyl floorings and tiles.The major varieties include vinyl asbestos tiles,vinyl composition tiles, homogeneous or flexible

vinyl tiles, and laminated vinyl flooring.

Vinyl asbestos tiles are no longer made and havebeen removed from numerous commercial andresidential settings because the asbestos in thetile is a known carcinogen. Improper cleaning ofvinyl asbestos tile can release deadly asbestosfibers into the air and present a very real health

hazard.


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Laminated vinyl flooring is less expensive to manufacturethan vinyl composition or homogeneous vinyl floors. Thelow initial cost may be deceiving, however, for once thetop wear layer is worn through, the floor will have to be

replaced. Some laminated floorings are only guaranteedfor three years with moderate use. The cost of laminatedvinyl flooring will vary in proportion to the thickness of the

top vinyl wear layer.

In addition to the vinyl resins, vinyl composition tiles containmineral fillers such as asphalt and pigments.

Homogeneous vinyl tiles may either be flexible or solid,

and it has become the preferred standard for resilient tileflooring. It is practically unaffected by moisture, oils, and

chemical solvents.


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Modern homogeneous vinyl needs only to be

dusted and damp mopped to restore its luster.

Daily dusting to remove sand and grit is

extremely important to the care of vinyl becausemost types will scratch under heavy foot traffic.

Some tiles are specially treated with a scratch

resistant seat that is applied at the factory.

Modern vinyl is unaffected by alkaline detergents,but pH neutral detergents are recommended

over heavy alkaline products.


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Wood Floors

There is nothing quite as attractive as the

warmth and richness of wood floors. Most

hardwood floors are made from oak, but

other popular woods include ash, beech,birch, hickory, maple, teak, and walnut. In

addition to its attractiveness, hardwood

floors are extremely durable if they areproperly finished and maintained.


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Unfinished wood floors will quickly deteriorateunder even light use, as wood is an extremely

porous material. Unfinished woods aresusceptible to dirt lodging in the grains,splintering of the wood fibers, abrasions causedby normal foot traffic, and of course, moisture,

the bane of wood floors. Too much moisture will

cause a wood floor to warp, while too littlehumidity will cause wood floors to shrink and

crack.

To help forestall damage, most wood floors made

today receive factory applied finish. In someinstances the wood is heated to open the poresof the wood. Tung oil and carnuba wax are then

applied to seal the wood.


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Since there is a degree of resiliency in even

the hardest of hardwood floors,precautions should be taken to protect the

floor from furniture legs that may dent the

flooring. Wood floors are particularlysusceptible to metal or hard plastic rollers

and to those small metal domes that are

often found on the legs of office furnitures


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Preventive maintenance is the key to attractiveand durable wood floors. One of the bestprevention techniques is to use walk-off mats at

exterior entrances and use rugs and carpetrunners in high-traffic areas.

Wood floors should be dusted, but do not use anoily dust mop on wood floor. The oil from the

mop head may darken or stain the floor. Water isone of the most deleterious substances to a

wood floor, consequently, it should not be usedto clean most wood floors. Dusting, vacuuming,buffing, and, on limited occasion, a light dampmopping is all that is necessary to maintain a

wood floor on a daily basis.


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Carpet Floors

C t i t i ll i t ll d ll t ll t li i t


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Carpet is typically installed wall-to-wall to eliminatethe maintenance of hard flooring surfaces

around the edge of a carpet. Rugs, on the other

hand, are often used to accentuate a tile orwood floor. In areas where there is heavy foottraffic, rugs can be used to equalize wear and

help prevent tracking onto other floor coverings.

Carpet offers a number of benefits over hard andresilient flooring materials. Carpet preventsslipping; it provides an additional source of

insulation, it has acoustical properties that can

effectively lower noise levels; and it is the mostresilient of all floor coverings, which is a majorbenefit to individuals who must remain on their

feet for extended periods.


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Carpet Components:

Pile

Primary Backing

Secondary Backing

Padding


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Pile

Pile is the yarn that we see and can readily

touch. The fibers can either be synthetic ornatural in composition.


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Test of Pile Quality:

Pile density; the greater the density of pile, thebetter the carpet. Carpet with greater pile density

hold their shape longer and are more resistant to

dirt and stains. One common test of density is to

bend a piece of carpet, and if the backing can

readily be seen, the carpet is of an inferior

quality.

Face weight; is the weight of the carpets surfacefibers in ounces or grams per square yard. The

greater the face weight, the higher the quality.


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Height of the pile; longer fibers are better

than shorter fibers.

Amount of twist the pile fibers have

receives; the tighter the twist, the betterthe carpet.


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Backing

The backing is on the underside of thecarpet; it secures the tufts of pile and gives

additional strength and stability to the

carpet. Most carpets have a doublebacking, a primary backing to which theyarn is attached and an outer backing

called the secondary backing. A layer of

latex adhesive is sandwiched between thetwo layers to seal the pile tufts to the

primary backing.


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Types of Backing:

Jute; a natural fiber imported from India

and Bangladesh,

Polypropylene; a synthetic thermoplastic

resin,

Foam rubber.


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PaddingPadding can be placed under carpet to

provide extra insulation, deaden sound,add comfort, and extend the life of the

carpet by serving as a shock absorber.


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Types of Padding:

Foam rubber

Urethane foam

Natural materials such as jute

and hair blends.

S f C


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Sizes of Carpets:

Broadloom carpets 12 feet in width, butcan be ordered up to 15 feet in width.

Carpet runners 2 feet to 9 feet in width.

Carpet squares or tiles 18 square inches.

C C i


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Carpet Construction:Tufted carpet produced by forcing needles, threaded

with pile yarn, through the primary backing (usuallypolypropylene) to form tufts.

Needle punched carpets are produced by amanufacturing method that punches the fibers into astructural backing and then compresses the fibers into a

felt-like fabric. It is used mainly in indoor-outdoorcarpets.

Flocked carpets are produced by electrostaticallyembedding short carpet fibers into a backing, producinga velvety-look cut pile surface.

Knitted carpets are produced by a method that uses aspecialized knitting machine with different sets ofneedles to loop together the pile, backing, and thestitching yarns.

Weaved is the traditional way of making carpet on a

loom.

C t M i t


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Carpet Maintenance:

Inspection and Prevention

Interim Cleaning Method

Restorative Cleaning Method

Spot Cleaning

I ti d P ti


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Inspection and Prevention

The most frequent activity, which should occur ona continual basis. Carpets need to be inspected

for spills and stains, which are far easier to

remove if they are treated before they have a

chance to set.

Prevention includes the use of mats to absorb dirt

and spills around food preparation areas and the

use of grates, track-off mats, and carpet runnersto absorb dirt and grit and control wear at

entrances and in high-foot-traffic locations.

I t i Cl i M th d


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Interim Cleaning Method

Interim cleaning methods include carpetsweeping, vacuuming, bonnet cleaning,

and spot stain removal.

Interim carpet care is absolutely necessaryto remove gritty soil and spots before

these elements become embedded in the

carpet, causing the pile to wearprematurely.

R t ti Cl i M th d


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Restorative Cleaning Methods

Interim cleaning methods do not remove thegummy, sticky residues and the dry

particulates that have become stuck to

them.Deep cleaning methods must be employed

to restore the carpet to a near original

condition.

Four Restorative Carpet Cleaning


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Four Restorative Carpet Cleaning

Systems:

Water extraction

Dry foam

Dry powder

Rotary shampoo


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Spot Cleaning

Spot and spills call for immediate action. If

allowed to set, many substances canpermanently stain a carpet, especially one

that is made of nylon or wool.

C t P bl


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Carpet Problems:

Pile distortion

Shading

Fading

Wicking

Mildew

Shedding / pilling

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Pile Distortion

A general term for a number of problemswith the carpets face fibers. Fibers can

become twisted, pilled, crushed, or flared

and matted. Pile distortion occurs whenthe carpet receives heavy foot or

equipment traffic. Improper cleaning

methods can also cause pile distortion.

Sh di


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Shading

Shading occurs when the pile in a carpet isbrushed in two different directions so that

dark and light areas appear.

Shading is normal feature of almost allcarpets/Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet

in one direction can help to reduce a

shading problem, but will probably noteliminate it.

F di


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Fading

Every carpet will fade with time. Sunlight,wear, cleaning, and natural aging can

combine to accelerate color loss.

Premature fading may occur if the carpet isimproperly cleaned. Improper cleaning orspot removal can actually do more

damage than some permanent stains.

Always pretests carpets before usingaggressive spot-removal techniques.

Wi ki


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Wicking

Wicking (sometimes called browning) occurswhen the backing of the carpet becomes

wet and the face yarns draw or wick the

moisture and color of the backing to thesurface of the carpet. Wicking can often be

prevented by promptly attending to spills

and by following proper cleaningprocedures that avoid over wetting the

carpet.

Milde


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Mildew

Mildew forms when moisture allows molds inthe carpet to grow. Mildew can cause

staining, odor, and rotting. Natural fibers

are especially prone to mildew, but allcarpets should be kept dry and/or treated

with an antibacterial to prevent the

problem. Proper cleaning procedures thatavoid over wetting the carpet can help

prevent mildew from forming.

Shedding / Pilling


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Shedding / Pilling

Short pieces of face fibers are often trapped in thecarpet when it is manufactured. As the new

carpet is walked upon, these pieces work

themselves to the surface of the carpet and can

make a new carpet look littered and unkempt.

Shedding will eventually top. In the meantime,

frequent vacuuming will prevent the carpet from

looking littered. Pilling, often the result ofcleaning, can be removed by heavy vacuuming

or by gently cutting loose fibers from the carpet

with scissors.


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The End

floor types and their care

Documents