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Carpet Cleanups: The Science Behind It

Imagine you are having fun at a party and dancing along to the music of your choice when suddenly… oh no! The drink spills on your carpet. This is a common cringe-worthy moment. Thankfully, carpet cleaning gordon can help! You may have wondered what magic is used to remove those stubborn stains.

Put on your lab glasses because we are about to dive deeply into the stain-removal science – go here!

Bonds, bonds and more bonds

In its essence, stain-removal is about breaking and forming bonds. A substance that spills on carpets forms bonds to the fibers. It is the goal of every cleaner to dissolve these bonds, and then form new ones. This is called “saponification.”

Its role in the pH

All stain removal products have a pH value. Some cleaners are acidic while others have an alkaline pH. It is the pH of a cleaning agent that determines its reaction with a stain. An acidic cleanser, for example, might neutralize alkaline staining substances like wine and coffee.

Temperature is important

Noticed how certain stain-removal instructions mention a specific water temperature? The temperature of the water can affect how quickly stains are removed. The reaction rate is generally faster at warmer temperatures, but you should be cautious: excessive heat can damage some carpet fibers or set certain stains.

Agitation: the Physical Push

Even though chemicals will do the majority of the job, you can improve their effectiveness by using some elbow grease or mechanical agitation. It is for this reason that scrubbing gently (but firmly) can be beneficial. It is possible to boost stain removal by using a gentle scrub.

The Unsung Heroes: Surfactants

Most stain removers are made up of surfactants. The molecules are made up of two ends, one hydrophilic and the other hydrophobic. The molecules are able to surround stain-causing particles in order for them to be more easily lifted and washed away by water.

It’s the grand finale of Rinsing

Rinse away any cleaning agent and stain particles you’ve removed after all of the scrubbing and chemical treatment. The residue that can be left behind will attract dirt and make the area dirty again.

Steam Star Carpet, Upholstery & Tile Cleaning
1a/802 Pacific Hwy, Gordon NSW 2072
(02) 83112088


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