Different Types of Carpet Cleaning - Encapsulation

Known as a Low-Moisture carpet cleaning method, Encapsulation cleaning is the process of using a chemical to break down the soil allowing it to be extracted by vacuuming. This type of cleaning is used mainly for commercial carpets, as the cleaning can occur after hours, and the janitorial service can perform the vacuuming afterwards. This ensure that the carpets get cleaned and are completely dry before the business opens up the next morning.

Encapsulation carpet cleaning requires a solid vacuuming of the entire area prior to using the encap solution. The encap solution contains acrylic polymers which attach themselves to soil particles in the carpet. Once attached, they break down the soil’s bond to the carpet fibers. After the bond is broken, the dirt particles are “released” from the carpet fibers and “trapped” in the solution as it dries. When fully dry, Usually within an hour, the carpet can be vacuumed, removing contaminants.

Although mainly used for commercial customers, encapsulation cleaning can be performed on residential carpets as well. Although, results are felt to not be quite as good as Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning), because residential carpets tend to have longer carpet fibers. Some residential customers do prefer to have an interim carpet cleaning using encapsulation as it generally costs less to perform. This is usually performed in between regular steam cleanings and is known as a “maintenance” cleaning, as it works best to help keep your carpet cleaner in between your regularly scheduled cleanings. For more information on this, contact your pro’s at Guardian Floor Care. If you like, we can perform encap maintenance cleanings for you.

Encapsulation cleaning is nothing new, having been around since the mid-90s, but in the last 20 years, there have been incredible advancements in both practical and theoretical encapsulation technology hence the rise in popularity again. At Guardian Floor Care, we always use the finest quality and safe cleaning chemicals.