[Keith Etches]

I am just starting to pick up customers after doing a NCCA course in December and setting up the business. Some of what I learned is now a bit vague. I have the opportunity to clean a whole house which has, what I think is a sculptured wool Axminster with a hessien or jute backing glued to it. Can I HWE or will it be best to dry clean? It does not look too dirty. Also, there is an acrylic shag pile in one of the bedrooms/ensuite. Any suggestions please? I have already successfully done a three storey house with a foam backed nylon loop pile for a friend. I`m particularly worried about shrinkage.

Keith

[John Kelly]

Its unlikely an Axminster will have a hessian back. They are a woven carpet and the back and face are integral to each other. I think I know the carpet you are talking about they are usually a red or dark orange. It could also be Nylon. Have you done a burn test to determine that it is wool?
Anyway provided you carry out your pre-inspection and make sure it is properly fitted you should have no problem wet extracting.
The shag pile will need raking and a good vacuum before cleaning. It is best to dry these as quick as possible.

[Keith Etches]

Hi John,

Thanks for your reply.

The carpet is definately wool or wool mix and it is cream, sculptured, loop and cut pile.

Your advice is very much appricated.

Thanks again.

Keith

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Keith,

As John says check the fitting , this is particularly important by doors, fire places etc where it may not be too good.

If it is well fitted you would need to get it very wet to shrink it.

It's worth remembering it is the backing which shrinks so if you do not get the backing wet it will not shrink, so a good pre spray, agitate bad areas and extract, this should give you good results.

Cheers

doug

[*paul_moss]

The backing on Axministers are not a Hesian stuck on backing,how ever Jute is used for the weft ( and some times is very thick)when the carpet is woven and like Hessian ( very similar) will shrink when over wet.
So if it is  a true Axminister do not soak or over wet,particulatrly if it has not been fiited well ( however carpets of this quality usualy are) or if it is its first clean.