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Developing a Carpet Maintenance Plan
There are several considerations when developing a carpet maintenance plan. including building layout. planning for traffic flow, activities and proper cleaning. Proper cleaning,can be divided into three methods: preventive
measures,interim measures.and restorative measures.
Preventive measures
Preventative measures consist of minimizing the debris that is tracked in
from outside and protecting carpet from moisture and dirt that is already
inside the building. This is largely accomplished with the use of mats —
outside and inside. Using both types of mats at entrances and other areas
helps prevent excessive soiling on carpet.
Outside mats scrape debris off of shoes that have the capability to track inthat material.
Use soil-removal mats that have a coarse texture. are able to brush soil
from shoes, and hold large amounts of soil in their pile.
Inside mats remove smaller particles of dirt as well as oils and other
liquids that can be tracked in from outside. Use water absorbent mats to
prevent tracked-in moisture from getting to the carpet. Mats that extend
for 6 to 15 feet inside the entrance will trap eighty percent of soil and
moisture from the first five or six steps. (See Figure 1.) Another way
to prevent soiling using mats is by placing protective mats around food stations, water coolers. elevators, and stair thresholds to prevent moisture and dirt from becoming ground into carpet.
For mats to continue to trap soil. they should be cleaned on a regular basis, more frequently than the carpet. If accumulated soil is not removed, the
mat will become overloaded and cannot prevent soil from entering the
building.
Other preventive tips include: restricting food and beverage consumption to specific areas. requiring lids on drinks or oversized cups, and placing
trashcans in easily accessible areas. In addition, keeping parking lots,
sidewalks, and entrances clean will cut down on the tracking in of debris.
[Note:
The area underneath a desk should be protected by a chair mat.These areas are sometimes considered low traffic areas; however, the chair rollers can create damage due to the concentration of pressure and wear.
Interim measures
Interim measures include vacuuming, spot cleaning, and restorative cleaning in high-traffic areas.
Effective, routine vacuuming is a must for good commercial carpet performance, so a proper vacuuming program is essential in a well designed maintenance program. The most important features of your vacuuming maintenance program will be identifying high, medium, and low traffic areas by continually monitoring carpet performance and making any necessary adjustments to the schedule. Rather than selecting equipment based solely on cost, look for durability in a vacuum cleaner to reduce long-term cost of maintaining or replacing the equipment. Poor quality vacuum cleaners may continue to operate, but cleaning efficiency can deteriorate quickly, and equipment maintenance or replacement costs are high.
Consider efficient filtration. A vacuum cleaner that has an extremely high air flow (suction) has very little value if dust and other contaminants pass through the vacuum bag
and become airborne. Efficient vacuum cleaners offer high airflow, high efficiency filtration, and an adjustable rotating brush agitation for more effective soil removal.
Always use the manufacturer’s recommended bags and accessories. Due to wear on the brush rollers and belts, these should be changed on a regular basis.
Because equipment choice is so important, CRI identifies vacuum cleaners that meet strict standards for soil removal, dust containment within the vacuum cleaners, go to the CRI website, www.carpet-rug.org
Once the equipment has been selected, set a schedule for frequency of vacuuming.Using the facility diagram,classify carpet areas into high traffic, moderate traffic, and light traffic areas. Vacuum high traffic areas daily, or more frequently as the need arises.
Vacuum moderate traffic areas as needed, but at least two or three days each week
Vacuum light traffic areas as needed, but at least once or twice a week
High traffic areas include: entrances, hallways, break rooms, cafeterias, corridors,elevator lobbies, stairways, main aisles, and waiting areas.
Moderate traffic areas include: secondary aisles, research areas, conference rooms, classrooms, and atrium.
Restorative measures
Restorative measures consist of deep cleaning. Restorative cleaning is effective at removing embedded abrasive soil.
Restorative cleaning should be implemented before the soil in the carpet is easily visible.
Remember…routine vacuuming is the most important part of any maintenance program.
In order to preserve carpet finishes and life, as well as any applicable warranties, use the manufacturer’s recommendation for a cleaning system.

Clean Team