[scott.]

I was called to a customers house at the weekend, whereby she to me that some decorators had spliilled some brown stuff on her carpet. Upon investigating this, there was indeed a large brown stain there, and after a good sniff, found that the area in question had been saturated in white spirit, which had been there for about 4 days..It was evident that a larger stain had spread in the surrounding area..the affected area had also stretched. I concluded that I should walk away and recommended that she get a new carpet, which the decorators then agreed to pay for...on the basis that the white spirit may have damaged or destroyed the latex layer in the backing..bla...bla...bla... does anyone think I done the right thing..Im feeling a bit guilty about it...however...it was on the 3rd floor of a block of flats

[woodman]

Why feel guilty you gave the correct advise.

The white spirit as you correctly say has loosened the latex which is why it bubbled and the carpet is now delaminated.

I've come across decorators and builders who have done this on many occasions.

[scott.]

thanks for that !! it's the first time iv'e come across it, and wasn't 100% sure..I havnt been in the game all that long, however, I guess the training pays off in the end..I seem to be coming across all the different situations, all in the same week..havnt had cat sick yet

[Doug Holloway]

Scott,

Right decision , your learning .

This is why I recommend putting White Spirit on a towell, bar towells are handy , when using to remove or  loosen stains.

As for thinners being better for grease , quite possibly although all these products have a similar composition.

Cheers,

Doug

[Karl Wildey]

Its still only Monday, so plenty of time for a sick cat, or a dog with the runs  

Yes, you did the right thing, i agree with woodman. If you had have started to extract and the pile shot up your vac tube then whos fault would it then have been? yours. Pat on the back you made the right choice.

[ABLECLEAN]

Yes I with you all on this one, There are some jobs that you have to walk away from and you will get brownie points from your customer anyway as she got a new carpet out of it and she will use you again.

[ian richards]

Scott

Are you a member of the NCCA? There is a reason that i ask

Ian

[scott.]

no Ian, not a member i'm afraid....Just occured to me...wouldnt the machine blow up, if you extracted solvents with it???

[Doug Holloway]

Scott,

That is an important point.

If you are going to extract hydrocarbon solvents then it is important to emulsify them first.

I would always use a detergent for this as I don't think MS will emulsify.

Cheers,

Doug

[Kinver_Clean]

You did the right thing. Half the battle is to know what you CAN'T do. Anyway the white spirit would have made your hoses and mc stink for days.

Trevor

[scott.]

emulsify explain ....Could I get away with spraying it with fibre and fabric rinse before extraction?...I really woulnt like to be picked on radar...there's enough air traffic around heathrow as it is.

[Dave_Lee]

Scot,
 By spraying with something like fibre & fabric rinse or a detergent etc, you are emulsifying.
Dave.