Encap Cleaning Systems and Solutions have been around for some time. Only recently has the science behind encapping improved to the point that it has become a foolproof cleaning system while maintaining vigorous environmental conservation.
The Basics
The following is a set of basic guidelines to give you an idea of what is involved in Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning. It looks and sounds simple but to get the absolute optimum benefit from encapping we recommend you attend the Encap Expert Course. (click on link)
There are 4 steps to the encapping process:
- Pre Vacuum
- Application
- Agitation
- Extraction/Post Vacuum
Studies have identified the three soil types in carpet as follows: Dry Particulate = 79%, Oily soils 11% and Water soluble soils 10%
For best cleaning results all three soil types require specific attention in the following manner:
PRE VACUUM (to remove the 79% dry particulate)
For a healthy clean thorough pre vacuuming has a major role in carpet cleaning as it is the dry particulate that harbours the pathogens in carpet which can adversely affect indoor air quality. Vacuuming also removes those soils that would otherwise turn to mud after detergent is applied to the carpet. These same soils may have insoluble particulate that absorb detergent and therefore reduce the efficiency of the clean. The lesson here is that encapping, like all carpet cleaning methods, relies on thorough pre vacuuming preferably with a quality commercial upright.
APPLICATION (to solubilise the 21% oily and water soluble soils)
There are two methods you can choose to apply the detergent :
- Independent sprayer
- Gravity tank feed
The method of applying detergent is more personal preference than one is better than the other. The important part to remember is that you apply the right amount to get the desired outcome. The amount will depend on many factors i.e. carpet construction, fibre type, degree of soiling etc. Dilute your product as recommended e.g. 1:32 as standard or say 1:16 for heavy duty cleaning. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when mixing e.g. some products require hot water to get best results whereas others may not. Sprayers can be manual pump up, 12 volt re chargeable or 240 volt electric. When using a sprayer choose coarse jet sizes over fine in order to get more product on the floor. Fine jets can atomise the product so that it floats in the air rather than making full contact with the carpet. Spray application must be uniform to give full coverage. Use fan jet spray tips in preference to conical. Overlapping spray strokes with fan jet spray tips is more accurate than conical sprayers. Spray application is far more reliable than tank feed and requires less skill to master. The trick with a tank feed scrubber is to know how much detergent is actually being distributed. Remember you only need to spray or release enough product onto the carpet to produce a light foam that disappears in a few seconds. Heavy foaming is undesirable and may result in problems by causing the carpet to dry to a crunchy finish.
AGITATION
There are several machinery options from which to choose such as:
- Rotary
- Cylindrical brush
- Orbital /Oscillating
- Planetary
Choice is personal preference however rotary is without doubt the most popular and economical. Brush or Pad? Neither is suitable in all instances. That’s what makes the difference between an expert encapper who gets great results every time over a part timer who gets acceptable results some of the time. The expertise is knowing what and when to use by combining the right brush followed by the right pad when required. This choice is relative to: the type of machine being used, the condition of the carpet, the construction and the fibre type. The trick with great encapping is knowing what combo works which is all covered in the Encap Expert Course. (click on link) Regardless of the machine used, once you have enough product laid down to suit the conditions, scrubbing becomes the most critical component of the cleaning process. Inadequate or improper application of the scrubbing will show in your results. The key here is slow and deliberate overlapping scrub paths. Do not be afraid to re-scrub areas that are not responding to expectations. Contrary to common belief encapping is not necessarily a fast cleaning method so the lesson is to focus on the result rather than the time taken.
EXTRACTION
There are two possible methods for extracting encapsulated soils: Absorbent Pad and Post vacuum. An absorbent pad (usually cotton) via a rotary scrubber with a pad driver/drive plate. This can be used immediately after initial scrubbing to pick up solubilised soils for an immediate improvement in the cleaning result. This additional process not only provides the wow factor but has the added benefit of faster drying. For serious encappers this is standard practice. Actual extraction of the encapsulated soils is otherwise handled by the next vacuuming cycle/s but only after the product has had 24 – 48 hours to harden/cure.
Encap Australia are pleased to announce the only complete training program for encapsulation cleaning in Australia. Our Expert Encapping Course was developed and presented by ACCI founder and CEO, Leo Powell who also pioneered the introduction of encapsulation cleaning into Australia in 2002 in conjunction with DuPont Chemicals and InterfaceFLOR Australia. As the most experienced hands on “100% encapper” in the country Leo will enlighten you to the amazing possibilities this technology can provide.
ENCAPSULATION CARPET CLEANING
In the last thirty years the carpet industry has seen very few advances in technology that could be described as significant in real terms. However that has changed abruptly with the latest developments in cleaning chemical technology, specifically in the area of detergent residue. The term ‘Encapsulation’ has become the industry’s global buzz word and has already made a huge impact on our industry. Even so, too few people are well enough informed or even aware of the potential of this amazing technology and those that have jumped in without any training have had mixed results.
The truth is that without specialised training, unrealistic expectations frequently lead to disappointing results when in fact simply understanding the chemistry and correct method/s of application would solve all the issues encountered and technicians could then reap the rewards. This is a half day seminar that dispells all the hype and delivers easy, straight forward instructions to the uninitiated and experienced operators alike to develop a new and exciting alternative to the traditional methods of carpet cleaning and maintenance.
In addition you will see how to cut operating costs dramatically, increase productivity, greatly reduce effort and above all, skyrocket your profits.
Encapsulation Cleaning is a 3 hour seminar.
Running Times: 9am – 12pm
Total Cost: AU $395.00
ENCAPSULATION UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
Did you know that encapsulation is the ultimate cleaning method for upholstery cleaning?
Safer than any other cleaning method you will be amazed at how simple and easy it is to avoid all the traditional problems associated with cleaning fabrics. With the right training and equipment you will produce results better than ever before….GUARANTEED!!
Our 3 hour course will cover every aspect of cleaning upholstery and show you how to achieve a confidence level you never thought possible.
Encapsulation Upholstery Cleaning is a 3 hour seminar.
Running Times: 9am – 12pm
Total Cost: AU $395.00
PRIVATE TUITION
Don’t get the value out of classroom style courses? Don’t like being in a group session format? Do you prefer hands on training? Are you new to the industry?
We offer personal tuition in a one to one session with not one but two instructors who will work with you on real world actual cleaning sessions where you will get to experience every aspect of encapping in a hands on environment. We’ll train you by going out to real jobs, real situations and give you real world experience. It doesn’t get any better.
One Day Personal Tuition.
Running Times: 9am – 4pm
Total Cost: AU $1995.00
Want to know more? Simply contact our office for details.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability could be defined as an ability or capacity of something to be maintained or to sustain itself.
It’s about taking what we need to live now, without jeopardizing the potential for people in the future to meet their needs.
If an activity is said to be sustainable, it should be able to continue forever.
With what mankind is doing or not doing now, does anyone believe the environment is sustainable?
Clearly unless we embrace sustainability the environment will cease.
If the environment is unsustainable, mankind will cease.
What does Surround have to do with sustainability?
Doing our part.
Looking at the broad picture carpet cleaners need to act sustainably in all areas in order to ensure the survival of their businesses. The alternative is that the business is unsustainable and ceases to exist. Sustainability is not necessarily about improving one’s lot. If for example the business has been surviving over the years without duress then clearly it’s already sustainable. Nothing need change. It will probably continue to survive. However there are no guarantees so taking a critical look at the business may well result in decisions being made to improve all round performance socially, economically and environmentally. That allows the business not only long term chance of survival but to be indeed sustainable and at a higher level.
Socially can be classified as quality of life. Carpet cleaning can be physically demanding and carpet cleaners will wear themselves out at some point. So physically, sustainability clearly has an end. Let’s face it, why do things the hard way when there is a viable alternative such as Surround that is not only more profitable, easy to manage, safe and simple to perform but also has the significant benefit of low physical effort. By making focussed changes to the way we conduct our business by reducing the physical exertion, sustainable working life is extended. Quality of life is improved.
Economically, for carpet cleaners at least, sustainable literally means financial survival. Looking at ways of reducing costs and increasing profits wherever possible is a means of increasing the survival rate. For example Surround encapsulation cleaning is an excellent low cost alternative to most other cleaning methods without compromising on results. Initial set up costs are low and ongoing operational costs are low. Economically there is no better method of carpet cleaning that will outperform it.
Environmentally carpet cleaners pose a high threat in all aspects of the sustainable proposition. This is particularly the case with hot water extraction. No matter how you look at it HWE has an environmental disaster. For example look at the following comparison chart between Hot water extraction (Truck Mount) and Encapsulation cleaning.
| HWE | Encap | |
|---|---|---|
| Water usage | High | Very low |
| Waste water | High | None |
| Noise | High | Very low |
| Air pollution | High | Negligible |
| Fossil fuel useage | High | Negligible |
| Operating costs | High | Very low |
| Capital costs | High | Very low |
| Physical effort | High | Low |
| Equipment Maintenance | High | Negligible |
Hot water extraction relies on high fresh water usage, creates large amounts of toxic waste water that requires high energy to process, consumes large amounts of fossil fuel and creates unnecessary air and noise pollution.
Surround encap does not.
On any level Surround is a superb example of genuine sustainable carpet cleaning.
Now you can Surround yourself with the carpet cleaning method that encapsulates the future.
The problem with this process was always in the quality of the residues. Typically they were still tacky. The stickier the residue the more difficult to vacuum out and consequently the quicker the carpet resoiled.
In fact, with all carpet cleaning methods sticky detergent residues have always been the determining factor in the longevity of the clean.
No wonder the mantra for all carpet cleaners has always been:
“if only we could have a detergent that dried to a non stick residue, our problems would be solved”
Let’s face it, carpet manufacturers have been applying fluoro chemicals to make carpets non stick for over thirty years. It’s about time the carpet cleaning industry caught up. Well with the advent of advanced polymer (non stick) technology that day has arrived!! Imagine being able to simply apply a detergent that solubilises soils but didn’t have to be rinsed out with laborious and expensive extraction machines. Instead you simply vacuum, spray, scrub and ….get paid. The soils that have been solubilised, dry and are encapsulated, surrounded or encased in a non stick polymer residue that is eventually vacuumed out by the end user.
Even better, the residue in the quality encapsulators have fluoro chemical and stain resist technology to enhance the longevity and soil/stain resist performance of the carpet.
So to keep it in its simplest terms encapsulation carpet cleaning is the ultimate advancement in detergent technology that
- when applied to the carpet either by spray or direct scrubbing
- solubilises the oily and water soluble soils
- quickly dries to a non stick polymer residue
- is eventually vacuumed out after curing usually in 24 -48 hours
- whatever residue is left behind actually assists the carpet/upholstery to resist soiling
- consequently encapsulated carpets stay cleaner longer when compared to other methods
24 -48 hours after cleaning. Encapsulators take 24 – 48 hours to cure so that the residue with the encased soil is hard and brittle enough to break off when vacuumed. Therefore vacuuming any earlier defeats the purpose altogether.
Why do some encap products cause coughing fits?
Cheap chemistry. It’s true that some poorly developed products can induce coughing when applied to a carpet. Surround does not have that problem. If you have a coughing reaction to any product then stop using it and look for quality alternative.
Can I apply carpet/fabric protection?
Yes, Our Surround range includes Guardian Protector specifically formulated to work in synergy with all our cleaning products. Additionally, once you have cleaned with Surround you can apply Guardian protector on wet or dry carpet and fabrics.
Can I encap upholstery?
Yes. Surround is ideally suited to cleaning upholstery.
Can I alter the dilution ratio?
Yes, dilution ratios are only a guideline. Surround can be diluted to suit the level of soiling.
Can encap make carpets crunchy?
Crunchy carpets are a common problem with other products but Surround’s technology does not have that characteristic
What is better pad or brush?
Neither is necessarily better than the other. Basically it comes down to using the appropriate brush and/or pad that’s gets the best result for that particular occasion. The key to great encapping is the agitation. Having a selection of different types of pads and brushes gives more options.
Is it true that wick back is eliminated?
People do claim that encap eliminates wick back. That’s simply an exaggeration by over zealous sales people. More accurately it should be stated that encap significantly reduces the risk of wick back when compared to other cleaning methods such as HWE.
Can I use encap to rectify cellulosic browning?
Yes. Surround is extremely effective. It’s also safer, more economical and pleasant to use.