Filtration Soiling in Carpets
What is Filtration Soiling
Filtration soil is an accumulation of household contaminants, such as dust, pet hair, smoke (especially from burning candles), fireplace ash, cooking oils, and outdoor pollutants that get caught in your carpet's fibers and appear as black or gray areas, lines, or streaks. This becomes more prevalent on lighter color carpets.
Filtration soil can also occur as black lines forming on your carpet along the walls, under doors, around air vents, or along the edges of your stairs. This occurs from forced air trying to escape, usually through the gap between your carpet and wall trim.
Cleaning Filtration Soiling
Due to the nature of soil accretion in carpeting, it can actually be very difficult to remove the stains entirely using only at-home and over-the-counter cleaning products. That being said, here are the steps to follow if you want to try clearing out the filtration lines yourself.
NOTE: Before getting started, some experts recommend that you wear a mask to filter out debris and other particulate matter. This goes especially for anyone that suffers from respiratory issues.
Vacuum the carpet, focusing on the most highly affected areas. This helps to clear away stray particles and other light surface materials, even if you aren’t able to get in the crevices of the carpet.
Without water or cleaning spray, use a scrub brush (not a washcloth) to wipe at the edge of your carpet at the baseboards, where most filtration lines tend to occur.
No two filtration lines are identical, so you may need to try a few different cleaners before you get it just right.
Finally, use a wet/dry vacuum to finish up cleaning the areas to which you applied the carpet cleaning solution.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, you will probably notice a significant improvement in your carpet’s cleanliness and visual appeal. However, it is most likely that you may still notice some discoloration from the soiling.
Preventing Filtration Soiling
The best way to deal with Filtration Soiling is to prevent them from occurring.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to make sure your ventilation system is always clean. Make sure to have your air vents and ducts cleaned and to replace your air filter regularly. The air forced out from your HVAC system is filtered by your carpets as well as your lungs. The cleaner that forced air will equate to a healthier carpet and a healthier you!
Other ways to prevent filtration soiling is by keeping up with regular carpet maintenance such as vacuuming and periodical professional deep cleanings. Reduce pollutants by not smoking or using candles in the home. Always use the stove top fan while cooking. Dust your home, including high dusting of light fixtures, fans, etc regularly. And if possible, eliminate wall gaps.