Basic cleaning chemicals and equipment
Basic cleaning chemicals and equipment
This domain tests safe selection, dilution, application, and control of cleaning agents and machines. The exam favors chemistry matched to soil and fiber, correct dilution, and equipment that extracts rather than spreads soil.
Core rules
- Presprays: alkaline for oily/particulate traffic soil; neutral for sensitive fibers and maintenance; acid for mineral/rust and as a rinse. Spotting agents: protein, tannin, solvent/oil, rust, oxidizer, reducing agent, enzyme.
- Read the label and SDS. Know pH, dilution ratio, dwell time, substrate restrictions, and ventilation/PPE requirements.
- Dilution math: if a label says 1:32 and you need 4 gallons, use 4 gal × 128 oz/gal ÷ 32 = 16 oz concentrate (plus water to 4 gallons). Never mix incompatible products, especially bleach with ammonia or acids.
- Equipment: quality vacuum, presprayer, groomer, wand/extraction machine, rotary or cylindrical brush machine, bonnet, air movers, dehumidifier, moisture meter, pH strips, spotting kit, PPE.
- Maintain equipment: clean filters, check jets, flush chemical lines, and verify vacuum/extraction performance. Dirty equipment redistributes soil.
Worked example
A 2-gallon prespray batch is needed at 1:64. 2 gal = 256 oz; 256 ÷ 64 = 4 oz concentrate, then water to 2 gallons. The tech labels the sprayer, tests on a hidden area, applies a light even coat, and avoids soaking seams. Reasoning: correct dilution prevents residue and fiber damage; labeling and pre-testing prevent chemical mistakes.
Traps
'More is better' mixing; using a high-pH product on wool; confusing ounces per gallon with ratio; failing to rinse; and using a solvent near open flame. Also, a machine that sprays but does not extract is not cleaning-it is wetting.