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Learning how to clean commercial carpet is critical, whether your business is open to the public or not. And despite what you may have heard, it’s easier than ever to keep carpet clean.

Researchers say that customers changed their opinions about carpet during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people looked for ways to keep surfaces crisp and clean, they moved away from furry carpets and toward hard flooring (like marble).

However, carpet can muffle sounds and reduce echoing. If you’re hoping to entice reluctant workers away from their home offices and back to base, carpet could help. You’ll just need to keep it clean. Here’s how to do it.

Critical Steps Before You Start Cleaning

Doing a little research before you start the cleanup process can ensure that you handle the job perfectly (without causing damage). Here are some steps to take:

Determine Your Carpet Type

Research from 2022 suggests that most commercial comments are made of nylon. This fabric is both stain-resistant and remarkably durable. For example, you can use high-heat methods without worrying that the fibers will warp and shrink.

However, some eco-friendly commercial spaces use carpet made of natural fibers, such as wool or silk. These carpets may produce fewer office pollutants, but harsh chemicals or cleaning methods can damage them.

If you’re not sure what’s on your floor, call your building owner and ask. Some cleaning companies will also perform testing to help identify what your carpet is made of.

Identify Hot Spots

Commercial buildings are much bigger now than they were in 2012. However, the cleaning demands haven’t changed dramatically. Commercial carpets in doorways, hallways, and elevators will be dirtier than carpeting in offices or living spaces.

Take a survey of your space and identify the carpets that are the most stained and discolored. These spots will need spot cleaning, and they may even benefit from added protection (like rugs or floor mats).

How to Clean Commercial Carpet: Main Methods

To clean commercial carpet, you’ll choose from one of the following cleaning methods. Either could be appropriate for you, your company, and your flooring.

Dry Carpet Cleaning

This method could be appropriate for carpets that can’t handle significant agitation (such as wool). The name is a bit of a misnomer, as dry carpet cleaning does require liquid. However, it uses foam to lift dirt from the fibers, so less beating and brushing is involved.

To use this technique:

Vacuum loose debris and crumbs.
Add dry cleaning solution to water and apply it to carpet.
Allow the solution to foam and lift dirt.
Use brushes to scrape up the debris from the carpet fibers.
Allow the solution to dry.
Vacuum to remove any remaining debris.

Wet Carpet Cleaning

When most of us think of commercial carpet cleaning, we think of this method. It’s been used for decades on nylon and other durable carpets, and it’s remarkably effective at removing ground-in dirt.

To use this technique:

Vacuum loose debris and crumbs.
Add a wet detergent to the carpet, focusing on high-traffic areas.
Use a brush to push the detergent deep into the carpet fibers.
Allow the solution to soak into the carpet.
Using a special hot-water sprayer and extractor, remove the detergent and dirt from the carpet.
Allow the area to dry.

How Often Should You Clean Commercial Carpet?

For many business owners, a once-yearly deep cleaning is enough to keep commercial carpets clean. However, you can stand apart in a competitive market with a space that looks cleaner than the rest.

For example, research conducted with hotel consumers in 2020 found that cleanliness resulted in higher consumer satisfaction scores. In other words, when people thought things were clean, they were more likely to recommend the space to their friends.

By keeping your carpets very clean, you could signal to consumers and staff that you care about their health and well-being. That could be very good for business.

How to Protect Your Carpet Investment

Researchers say the cost of carpet is rising. During 2022 alone, the average price jumped about 10%. It’s a smart business decision to keep the carpet you have now rather than spending too much to replace it. These three tips may help:

1. Disinfect & Spot Treat

Disinfecting carpet can help you tackle stains when they happen, so you’ll have less cleanup to do during your marathon carpet cleaning sessions. Keep kits around your commercial space, and ensure that your staff understands the importance of identifying and handling spills and stains immediately.

2. Use Rugs or Mats

High-traffic spaces (like doorways and hallways) may benefit from rugs or floor mats. This simple step can ensure that muddy shoes and frequent footsteps don’t turn into messes you can’t fix with regular carpet cleaning. Choose your rugs with care, so they don’t become tripping hazards. But don’t be afraid to use them.

3. Make Cleaning a Priority

Put your yearly cleaning on the company calendar, and commit to sticking to your appointment. This simple step ensures that you put your floors and the cleanliness of your office first.

Get the Help You Need

Alsco Uniforms offers facility services to keep your business looking fresh and clean. We provide all of the products you need, including floor care and floor mats. If you need even more help, we offer washroom supplies, cleaning uniforms, and more. Contact us to find out how we can help.