Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Jamie Pearson on February 18, 2012, 11:29:22 am

Title: Ice Melter Removal (PHOTOS ADDED)
Post by: Jamie Pearson on February 18, 2012, 11:29:22 am

I was wondering if anyone had a killer technique for removing heavy (white) ice melter deposits from carpet.

I already have a process which works well but I have seen a real nasty this week and would like to consider a different approach.

After all - every day is a school day!

Title: Re: Ice Melter Removal
Post by: Jim_77 on February 20, 2012, 09:44:58 pm

Can't say I've ever had to tackle it.  Do you mean rock salt or a different type of de-icer?

I would imagine if it is crystalline deposits, they should be re-soluble again in the appropriate solvent?

Title: Re: Ice Melter Removal
Post by: Jamie Pearson on February 21, 2012, 08:51:16 am

Its the white stuff.

Calcium Carbonate based.

These mats look like they are made of stone the deposits are so heavy.

Tamping with a wire brush has some effect but its still solid.

Title: Re: Ice Melter Removal
Post by: Jim_77 on February 21, 2012, 04:21:31 pm

 :o

Have you tried wetting it to see if it goes back into solution?

Calcium carbonate would suggest something acidic like phosphoric... although how much you'd need for that by the sounds of it.....

Is it economical to clean or would be cheaper to replace?!!

Title: Re: Ice Melter Removal
Post by: Jamie Pearson on February 21, 2012, 04:51:55 pm

Thanks for the input Jim.

I have a couple of ideas from others to try.

We can get them reasonably good but the issue we have is degredation of the fibres as they are a rayon/polyprop/nylon mix.

Title: Re: Ice Melter Removal
Post by: Jim_77 on February 21, 2012, 04:59:33 pm

That's an odd mix of fibres!  I would guarantee 33% success (the polyprop bit!!)

Best of luck mate sounds like a nightmare :)

Title: Re: Ice Melter Removal (PHOTOS ADDED)
Post by: Jamie Pearson on March 05, 2012, 07:03:26 am

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/426795_305763299488318_100001639527933_861217_1649934910_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/424484_305763769488271_100001639527933_861218_1023768182_n.jpg)

Took me over an hour to clean about 70% of the right hand side of the doorway.
Where it is mixed with soil its particularly tough, almost like stone, and will only scrape out with a spotting spatula.
Unfortunately the work was booked at late notice so had to make do with what I could find.
I have an acidic gel for limescale removal I am going to try while I wait on supplies being delivered for Tuesday night.

CLIENT - Hello, you know that job we were talking about? (10,000m2)
ME - Yes
CLIENT - Can you have it done by Wednesday morning?

Title: Re: Ice Melter Removal (PHOTOS ADDED)
Post by: Jim_77 on March 05, 2012, 10:47:23 pm

Quote

CLIENT - Hello, you know that job we were talking about? (10,000m2)
ME - Yes
CLIENT - Can you have it done by Wednesday morning?

Me: F****** ****** ***** ******* !! ! ! !!!!!!

Have you got a scutch hammer in your garage?  (the type builders use to break bricks)  I'd be trying something like that to break it up first, followed by a normal claw hammer to try and crush it into as small a pieces as possible.

I would mix up some phosphoric based descaler about 1:5 with hot water, pour it on and watch it fizz! (hopefully)

Title: Re: Ice Melter Removal (PHOTOS ADDED)
Post by: Jamie Pearson on March 06, 2012, 12:24:09 am

Phosphoric won't touch it without it turning purple.

Chemspec DFC Calcium Lime and Rust Remover with a wire brush and chewing gum perforator seems to be performing.

Paul Moss had the best suggestion but we didn't have time to order it in as they originally wanted the work done end of the month!