OUR PROCESS
WACC uses top of the line steam cleaning extractors. We incorporate a five step process.
Step 1: Inspection
The carpet is thoroughly examined for stains and problem areas. Identifying problem areas first allows us to build a step by step system tailored for optimum soil removal.
Please review our Common Problems with carpet section.
Step 2: Vacuuming
A carpet must be vacuumed thoroughly before any moisture is introduced to the fibers. This is an extremely important step in the process and is mandatory. If the carpets are steam cleaned without proper removal of loose soil it will cause these contaminants to be driven deep in to the carpet fiber. We ask you to vacuum before we arrive. We will also vacuum before the cleaning process is began. The IICRC states that 78% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Performing a dual vacuum process will remove nearly all of the dry soils from your carpet.
Step 3: Spot Treatment
It is necessary to pretreat any stains that need special attention. This allows the specialized chemicals to do their job before steam cleaning is performed. You can take a look here for DIY Spot Removal. We utilize specialized spotting chemicals and are able to remove nearly 90% of spots that are commonly found on carpet. It is important to differentiate between a spot and a stain. A spot is a soiled area of the carpet that can be removed 100% of the time. A stain is a soiled area of the carpet in which the fibers were affected by a dye. These spots require advanced techniques to remove and are best handled by professionals.
Step 4: Pre-Spray
Prespray is applied to the entire carpet surface. It is then allowed to dwell for five to ten minutes before cleaning. This allows the detergent solution to penetrate in to the carpet fibers, dissolve the contaminants, and raise them to the surface for extraction. We use only the finest non toxic chemicals.
Step 5: Cleaning
The water is allowed to heat up to 200 degrees and is then injected in to the carpet fibers at high pressure. Agitation with the wand is applied to break up any contaminants that were not dissolved by the pre-spray. With the next stroke of the wand the moisture is extracted by a high pressure vacuum, removing nearly 90% of moisture. The carpet is instantly cleaned and results are usually dramatic. We use a neutralizing rinse to bring your carpet to a pH of around 7. If the carpet is not neutralized (pH 7-8) it will attract soils. Most carpet cleaning companies do not use a rinse. This is unfortunate as it will cause the carpet to resoil much sooner.
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Step 6: Carpet Protectant (Optional but HIGHLY Recommended)
We use only Scotshgard Advanced Carpet Protector. The Protector essentially forms a shield over your carpets, preventing resoiling and allowing for easy cleanup of spills. It is highly recommended by WACC, the IICRC, and all major carpet manufacturers that a cleaner apply carpet protector after any cleaning.