Weathering the Winter Mix

Today, carpet represents the highest percentage of any floor covering in the U.S. flooring market and accounted for 45.4 percent of 2017's total flooring sales. Ongoing carpet care and maintenance is key to making a good impression, supporting indoor air quality and extending the life of carpet. However, the snowy, wet winter months present extra challenges.

A clean floor is a safe floor, and by understanding the four fundamentals of cleaning efficiency and carpet care commandments, facility managers can ensure that carpet flooring is always spotless and free of moisture.

Carpet Cleanliness Challenges and TACTics

Carpet is particularly vulnerable to the effects of spills, leaks and floods, and mold can develop if not addressed in a timely manner. In addition to liquids, dirt often hides in the deep fibers of carpet, and when visibly soiled, it can be very difficult to remove. During the winter months, snow, salt and sand can all find their way onto carpets, making them wet and impacting their cleanliness. In addition to shoes, things like carts, chairs, luggage and more can deposit and push soils deep into carpet fibers.

Those responsible for cleaning carpets should remember the four fundamentals of cleaning efficiency using the acronym TACT:

• Time
• Agitation
• Concentration
• Temperature

If any of the four fundamentals decreases, another should increase to maintain an equal balance. With a commitment to each of these components, facilities can help significantly reduce carpet soiling caused by winter weather.

Carpet Care Commandments

Planning ahead and adhering to Diversey's best practices are key to keeping your floor assets clean, safe and looking their best. The following carpet care commandments can help your facility stay in top shape during the winter months:

• Daily vacuuming. An indispensable step in carpet maintenance, daily dry vacuuming helps remove dirt from the carpet and prolongs its life.
• Interim maintenance. A dry foaming shampoo encapsulates dirt and protects the carpet from further soiling, drying to a residue which can then be vacuumed. This helps reduce the amount of time spent revitalizing carpet and reduces the amount of time the floor stays wet, reducing the potential of a slip and fall accident.
• Stop dirt at the door. First, place a backless mat, or 'scraper? mat, at the door for guests to scrape mud, snow and other loose debris from shoes. Following this, place a cloth mat for a length of at least five steps to dry feet adequately.
• Get a fan on the floor. Use fans to dry carpet flooring more quickly.
• Stick to a program. Regular cleaning before visible dirt emerges will help protect your carpet from further soiling. In addition, staying on top of a floor care program saves significant labor costs.
• Be proactive. Before a snow event occurs, ensure your facility is equipped with a neutralizer conditioner, fans, machinery and proper matting and use and position them appropriately.

Carpet is a common floor covering, installed in buildings from retail facilities to schools to hospitals to hotels. Businesses that increase their focus on carpet care and infection prevention during the winter months can better prevent contaminants from entering their facilities and settling within carpet fibers. Keeping carpets clean comes with a set of unique challenges when the weather turns cold, but with the right chemical, machines and practices in place, your floors are sure to look their best while enhancing safety and peace of mind for patrons.

To learn more about carpet care solutions, visit our Carpet Care page. For video tutorials on carpet spot removal, dry foam carpet shampooing and more, visit www.diverseydigital.com/natools/videoHub/#.W78o6oF6fbw.link.