[cheryl new]

Which carpet types can only be dry cleaned?

We went through all the carpet types on the NCCA course, but now I'm doubting my notes and just want to be sure.

Belgian Wiltons are a given, but which are the others and how are they identified. 

Thanks guys.

Cheryl

[woodman]

Hi Cheryl

Belguim Wiltons can be wet cleaned you just have to be careful not to over wet , Dry Fusion or Texatherm would be the safest bet but I have HWE BW plenty of times with out any problems

As for other problem floor coverings where a dry blend is recommended, this would be the natural types such as, Sisal,Seagrass,Jute etc Cotton, some silks (rugs)although once again silk can also be wet cleaned after carrying out the usual checks.

If in doubt take the details and ask first before attempting clean.You will soon come to recognise which carpets could potentialy cause a problem.

[Martin S]

Hi Trevor,

You mention wet cleaning a B/W.  Thinking in terms of 'CFR', would you extract any differently with this type of Carpet?  Or would you use as normal?

Regards.

Martin S

[woodman]

Hi Martin

Once you have mastered the use of the CFR system cleaning a BW shouldn't pose any real problems as penetration of the pile to backing should not take place hence no shrinking.

On the other hand if you are new to CFR and unsure how to operate the wand properly then over wetting could occur very easily with all the on going problems associated with it.

Trevor

[cleanability]

Cleaned a hall stairs landing Belgian Wilton once upon a time. With upholstery tool ( and Alltec Pro Plus ) and with water pump on lower pressure setting. I was ultra careful. It still shrunk. Result!!!!!! I was £400 worse off and I never ever clean them unless ordered to.

                                             Chris

[The Great One]

Hi

I am soley dry cleaning system which has the beauty of no testing needed.

wool, sisal, BW etc straight in, no messing and potential problems i.e. over wetting, shrinkage, splitting, wick back, practically eliminated.

Be careful out there.

Regards

Martin

[Derek]

Hi Guys/Gals

There are no carpets that we should really walk away from (unless they are trashed beyond redemption).... all may be cleaned in some way.

B/W and CFR...I have never tried this as a straight forward HWE clean... As the jute is an integral part of the construction the risks are too high for me to consider.

I have, however, used HWE in conjuntion with a bonnet system on B/W and it works very well.

Derek