Spotters
- Using too much chemical will attract soil back onto the carpet.
- Neglecting to rinse the spot remover may allow the stain to return.
- Blotting or scrubbing with a colored cloth may transfer that color to the carpet.
- Applying the wrong product to the carpet may permanently damage the fibers.
Vacuuming
- Leaving electronic equipment unplugged may cause others difficulty.
- Failure to replace old bags and filters will clog the machine, leaving debris on the floor.
Spin Bonnet
- Using a dirty bonnet will grind dirt back into the carpet.
- Applying the wrong chemical will cause the carpet to resoil.
- Overly soaking the carpet will cause a long drying period.
Presprays
- Prespraying over too large an area may cause the product to dry prematurely.
- Failure to prespray the carpet may result in a low-quality cleaning.
- Over-mixing the chemical will cause the carpet to attract soil.
Extraction Cleaners
- Excessively wetting the carpet will extend the drying period.
- Continuing extraction when solution has run dry will leave streaks on the carpet.
- Neglecting to overlap your passes may also leave streaks on the carpet.
Rotary Power Cleaning
- Dampening the carpet too much will begin a long dry time.
- Applying shampoo with too stiff a brush could damage the carpet.
Stripping
- Start out with clean, cool or warm water.
- On grouted floors use, a stripping brush.
- Don’t cover too large an area.
- Move machine slowly and overlap the passes.
- Walk where you’ve scrubbed.
- Flip pads to avoid clogging.
- Never put stripper in the solution tank of an autoscrubber; this can damage the machine.
- Change rinse water frequently.
- Store wet pads in a plastic bag.
- When finished, clean all equipment.
- Wipe equipment and power cords clean.
Finishes
- Use a clean bucket and wringer.
- Use a mop head specifically designed for applying finish.
- Apply even, medium coats.
- Stay 12″ off the base boards and edges to prevent buildup on the first coat and every other coat after that.
- Allow ten minutes before using a fan.
- Don’t pour unused finish back into container.
Daily Maintenance
- Dry and wet clean daily for best results.
- When mopping, change mop water as it dirties.
- Clean up equipment after use.
- Remember to plug in the autoscrubber after use.
- When using a mop, frame your area so you don’t splash water on the baseboards.
Spray Buffing
- Match the pad to the machine.
- Work small areas at a time.
- Flip or replace the pads when needed.
- If it takes more than 3-4 passes to buff out, use less product.
Burnishing
- Always clean the floor first.
- Match the pad to the floor finish.
- Do not leave the machine in one place too long.
Scrub and Recoat
- When using an autoscrubber, use the double scrub method.
- When damp mop rinsing, use a clean mop.