Encapsulation solutions

By Jeff Cross, senior editor

October 13, 2010

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Most professional carpet and furniture cleaning technicians have endured the chore of returning to a job and recleaning due to recurring or wicking spots or what appears to be a traffic lane that is "still dirty."

It results in frustration — especially when it turns into more than one recleaning.

Besides the inconvenience of scheduling an opening to reclean, you don''t receive compensation for your efforts and the inconvenience to your customer can hurt the reputation of your company.

Plan ahead

The use of traditional encapsulation cleaning — application of a crystallizing polymer detergent along with sufficient agitation, typically on commercial carpet — has helped many carpet cleaners, not only in regards to efficiency but with post-cleaning appearance as well.

To learn all about traditional encapsulation cleaning, search the archives at www.Cleanfax.com.

However, besides traditional cleaning, the use of encapsulation chemistry can help you solve many cleaning challenges.

When dealing with heavily-soiled commercial or residential carpet, or even some upholstered furniture, you can plan ahead and anticipate potential problems.

The application of a formulated encapsulation solution after cleaning the fabric with traditional hot water extraction will improve the appearance. There are several products on the market — from spotters to preconditioners to post-application treatments — that contain an encapsulating formula.

For example, when cleaning stairs, many cleaners are frustrated with how dirty or "dingy" the noses of the steps appear, despite aggressive cleaning. The application of a crystallizing polymer, with additional agitation, provides better appearance upon drying.

Cleaning "pivot points" — such as those found in the transition from one room to another, or from a hallway turning into a room, etc. — is often a source of frustration. Working an encapsulant into those areas generally solves appearance-related challenges.

Using an encapsulation solution on heavy-use areas like arms and touch-points of upholstery will improve the appearance. Always pre-test on natural fiber upholstery.

Spot removal

Instead of setting up a portable or truckmounted machine to remove a spot or two — either new spots or those that have wicked back after cleaning — try applying your favorite encapsulation detergent to the spot. This procedure saves you time on the job.

Apply enough product to completely wet out the spot.

Remember, encapsulation chemistry has similar cleaning ability as typical detergents because they contain surfactants; the resulting chemical action will emulsify and saponify soils.

With proper agitation, the chemical completely encapsulates soils — which is further enhanced during drying — and the spot typically disappears before your eyes.

Additionally, a spotting towel can be used to physically remove excess detergent residues and soils.

Post-cleaning benefits

Although traditional cleaning systems attempt to remove most residues, along with soils, the encapsulant residue can be considered a "positive" residue.

The carpet stays clean longer and subsequent vacuuming is more effective in removing insoluble soils.

All of this means you have happier customers.

Jeff Cross is the senior editor of Cleanfax magazine and an industry trainer and consultant, and offers carpet cleaning marketing, disaster restoration marketing and contract cleaning marketing seminars and classes through Totally Booked University, and also IICRC technical training for carpet and furniture cleaning, spot and stain removal and carpet color repair. For more information, visit his technical training website and marketing training website.