[lifeofgrime]

Hello everyone

We have had a request from a client to attempt to clean some dark staining on a stretch of carpet.

The staining was said to be confined to the entire perimeter of the carpet, next to the skirting and encroaching around an inchinto the room.

I have seen staing like this before, but have never been asked to clean it.

Does anyone know what this staining is and whether or not it can be removed?

Thanks!

[Chris Bailey]

Hi lifeofgrime

In my limited experience and from what you have said it sounds like draft marks caused by cold, dirty under floor air being drawn into a warm room.

Prochems Ultrapac Renovate hasn't let me down yet, prespray, agitate and rinse. 

Don't forget to do your checks first.

Depending on the level of soiling removing them can be quite labour intensive so make sure you get a good price for it, are you also cleaning the rest of the carpet?

Chris

[lifeofgrime]

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your wisdom.

I don't know if he wants us to do the whole thing - although, I imagine we'll insist on doing so (in order to prevent the carpet from being much lighter at the edges).

Thanks again!

[Dynafoam]

L_o_G,

Chris is probably right that this is filtration soiling.

Ultrapac Renovate with good agitation and a minimum of 10 minutes dwell-time is effective, but I now use Eco Spotter which is more effective and does not require dwell.

The closer you get to the draught source, the more difficult the removal will become and as you get to the edge either a crevice tool or a local uplift may be required.

The customer should be made aware that the staining may not be completely removed and that it will start re-forming immediately unless the causal defect - the gap between skirting and floor - is sealed.

In some cases sealing this gap serves to encourage the draught to enter through the gaps between the floorboards instead, which can lead to dark line forming along these gaps or any un-sealed joints between sections of underlay.  The total solution is that the carpet be fitted fully in line with current British standards, which will never happen unless the carpet fitter is paid the appropriate fee.

[strakercleaning]

Stapro/Ashbys Anti Grease is very good on heavy draught marking, as long as it is rinsed completely.

[Bryan H]

John,

Reference venting/filtration marks around the edges, and your suggestion to seal the gap between the floor & skirting.

I do a lot of showhouse cleaning and this problem occurs even on newish houses. I get called out occasionally by the builder when the new purchaser complains.

I have always suggested that the gap be sealed, but the builder responds by saying that this would infringe the building regulations & the owner would have to remove the sealant if they sold up within the warranty period.

I really don't know if this is the case, or wether this is just a 'get out' on the builders part.

If anyone knows for sure, I would be grateful.

Bryan

[Dynafoam]

Brian,

Why mistrust a builder   

I am sure that Nigel will not mind me giving the address of his excellent web site www.designcare.co.uk

He has a page that lists a series of checks/actions that should be taken before laying a carpet to conform to British Standards - look for "draght marks".

 Perhaps the builder in question should take a look.

[Chris Bailey]

Good website that John..

[Kinver_Clean]

I have usually found that this does not occur when concrete floors are present. However one time I found horrendous draught marks all round a room with concrete floors. Eventually realised that the walls were dry lined (plasterboard on dobs of plaster on the brick) the air was coming down from above behind the plasterboard and out at the bottom. Sealing the skirting solved it permanently.

Trevor

[Neil Gott]

Extensive filtration marks are indeed time consuming, and they need to be taken into account when quoting. It is a good idea to have in mind a price per foot or whatever, when looking at a job.

If roughly quoting on the 'phone, ask about "black marks"in addition to other questions about stains. It is best not to make promises about them, as nine times out of ten you would have to break them.

Sometimes it is best to clean a couple of feet or so and then agree with the client about proceeding further

[HQCS (John Kastrian)]

This is a common problem even on new builds,especially in bedrooms built above a garage.
Never suggest that you can remove them totally,I usually say about 80% of the soiling can be removed,if you can do better then you have a happy customer.

[lifeofgrime]

Thanks everyone for your input - as it happens, the client has declined my quote in favour of a local building firm who say "any staining to fabric can easily be washed out with Fairy Liquid and a bit of elbow grease".

Hmm.

The phrase 'Best Value' springs to mind..