Should Green Carpet Cleaners Use Heated Carpet Extractors?

July 25, 2010 - PRLog -- Coeur d'Alene, ID  - July 20, 2010 - Some school districts continue to adopt Green cleaning programs that call for the use of cold water when cleaning carpets.  

This has caused considerable controversy because many jansan distributors, carpet cleaning technicians, and others believe that the use of hot or heated water improves cleaning results.

“Further, extractors that heat water/solution may actually complement a Green cleaning program,” says Charlie Marinella, with U.S. Products, a leading manufacturer of portable, hot-water extractors.

According to Marinella, heat is one of the four fundamentals* required for effective cleaning “and heat speeds up molecular activity of the chemicals, helping to reduce overall chemical usage.”

This is based on studies dating back to the late1800s that indicate heat speeds up chemical activity by a factor of two for every 18 degrees of temperature above 118 degrees Fahrenheit. **

This increase in activity helps break down water-soluble soiling faster, often with less need for more chemical.

“Whenever less chemical is used in the cleaning process, it is viewed as Greener because it reduces cleaning’s impact on the environment,” explains Marinella.

He also adds that when carpets are more effectively cleaned, it helps reduce the potential for re-soiling.  “This means carpets may need to be cleaned less often…again reducing cleaning’s impact on the environment.”

Although he does not believe this “hot” issue will go away anytime soon, Marinella says the carpet cleaning industry must keep educating school districts and others about the need for heat in carpet cleaning.  

“If the ultimate goal is cleaner, healthier carpets using less chemical, then heat is the way to go.”




* According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)  the four fundamental factors involved in effective cleaning are heat, time, agitation, and chemical action.

** First identified by Svante A. Arrhenius (1859 1927), a Swedish physicist and chemist.

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About U.S. Products
U.S. Products has been manufacturing cleaning equipment for carpeting, floors, draperies, upholstery, and restoration for more than 25 years. The company is well known for its innovative internal heating systems, which deliver 212°F at the wand tip; its top-quality components; and its solid-state circuitry, which allow for precise operation and equipment control.

U.S. Products Contact Information:
181 West Aqua Ave.
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
Phone: (208) 772-0573 / Toll Free: (800) 257-7982
Fax (800) 910-5294
info@usproducts.com