Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Face weight

Ounces of pile yarn per square yard of carpet. It excludes backing and adhesive, so it is the key input for density and durability comparisons between carpets.

Pile density formula

Density in ounces per cubic yard equals face weight in ounces per square yard multiplied by 36 and divided by pile height in inches. Higher values resist crushing.

Cut pile styles

Plush, saxony, frieze, and cable. They differ in twist level and tuft length, which affect soil hiding, shading, and appropriate cleaning agitation.

Loop pile styles

Level loop, multi-level loop, and cut-and-loop. Loops can snag and fuzz, so use suction-only or gentle brush settings rather than aggressive agitation.

Burn test limits

Melting, charring, and odor can suggest fiber type, but blends and finishes make results ambiguous. Confirm fiber identity with a lab test before choosing chemistry.

Solution-dyed fiber

Color is added to the polymer before the filament is formed, so it resists fading and bleeding. Still test cleaning agents on an inconspicuous area first.

Delamination cause

Separation of secondary backing from the carpet usually results from excessive water, high heat, or adhesive failure. It is prevented by controlled extraction and dry times.

Attached cushion risk

Foam cushion bonded to the back degrades with repeated over-wetting and heavy traffic. It can crumble, so limit water and ensure thorough recovery.

Dry soil percentage

Roughly 80 percent of soil in commercial carpet is dry particulate and about 20 percent is oily binder. Remove dry soil first to prevent mud migration.

Interim maintenance

Spot removal, vacuuming, and pile lifting between restorative cleanings. It controls most appearance loss and extends the interval before deep extraction is needed.

Wicking defined

Migration of dissolved soil to pile tips during drying. Prevent it with thorough extraction, controlled airflow, and avoiding over-wetting rather than with post-treatment alone.

Entry matting length

Ten to fifteen feet of matting captures most tracked soil at entrances. Adequate matting reduces cleaning frequency and protects the first traffic lanes.

Encapsulation cleaning

A low-moisture interim method using polymer that crystallizes and is vacuumed away. It removes surface soil but does not replace periodic deep extraction for oily binder.

Recovery tank check

Extraction is complete when the recovery tank shows no visible foam and the pile is only slightly damp. Residual moisture beyond 24 hours risks odor and delamination.

Pile grooming

Brushing the pile in its natural direction after cleaning to restore appearance and reduce shading. It also speeds drying by opening the pile surface.

Maintenance documentation

Records of dates, methods, chemistry, and dry times. They support warranty claims and justify cleaning frequency to facility managers and building owners.

Prespray pH range

Most carpet presprays are alkaline at pH 8 to 10 to saponify oils. Acid rinses at pH 2 to 5 neutralize residue and reduce rapid resoiling.

Dilution formula

Concentrate volume equals desired solution volume times desired concentration divided by concentrate concentration. Measure precisely and follow the label ratio.

Oxidizer versus reducer

Oxidizers such as peroxide remove coffee and dye stains. Reducing agents such as bisulfite neutralize oxidizing stains. Never mix the two in one application.

Defoamer placement

Add defoamer to the recovery tank, not the solution tank. Excess foam reduces vacuum lift and leaves residue that attracts soil.

Enzyme product limits

Enzymes need dwell time and moisture. They are inactivated by high pH, chlorine bleach, and water above label temperature limits.

Acid rinse purpose

Neutralizes alkaline residue and dissolves mineral and urine salt deposits. It lowers pH to reduce resoiling and is applied after alkaline prespray extraction.

Rinse after spotting

Extract and rinse with clean water after any spotting agent. Sticky residue left in the pile is a leading cause of rapid resoiling.

Vacuum lift versus pressure

Higher vacuum lift improves water recovery more than higher solution pressure improves cleaning. Recovery, not pressure, determines dry time and resoiling risk.

Wand pass pattern

One wet pass and two dry passes per lane at moderate speed. Overlap lanes by half the wand width to prevent streaks.

Brush setting by pile

Use brush agitation on cut pile, but suction-only or gentle brushes on loop pile and wool to avoid fuzzing, snagging, and tip bloom.

Air mover placement

Direct airflow across the pile surface, not into seams. Monitor humidity to avoid condensation and confirm dry time before returning furniture.

Equipment maintenance

Flush solution lines, clean filters and recovery tank, check spray jets, and inspect hoses for leaks. Clogged jets and pinhole leaks reduce pressure and cleaning effectiveness.

GFCI requirement

Use ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for cleaning equipment near water. Match amperage draw to circuit capacity and keep cords out of walkways.

SDS access

A Safety Data Sheet must be available for every chemical on site. Review hazards, first aid, PPE, and spill response before use.

Chemical mixing rules

Never mix bleach with ammonia or acids, and never mix oxidizers with reducing agents. Store chemicals in labeled original containers.

Cleaning frequency rule

High-traffic areas every one to three months, medium traffic every three to six months, low traffic every six to twelve months, adjusted by soil load.

Humidity and dry time

High relative humidity slows drying. Add air movement or reschedule cleaning when humidity is very high to avoid prolonged damp conditions.