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Carpet Clean
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Carpet Clean

Carpets are the most susceptible area in the interior of a vehicle to accumulate vast amounts of contaminants such as dirt, grime, and grease. Further to removing the dust and debris from the carpet, carpet cleaning is a deeper clean that loosens and removes embedded contaminants.

There are three main methods to deep clean the carpets in the vehicle interior:
  1. Extraction (using X-TRACT and a hot water extraction machine). This method effectively breaks down dirt, grime, and grease in all types of carpet and fabrics. X-TRACT removes most stains, leaves a clean fresh aroma, and eliminates residue which prevents re-soiling.
  2. Shampoo (using CRYSTAL FOAM, a wet-dry vacuum, and a stiff-bristled scrub brush or foam cleaning gun). CRYSTAL FOAM develops a rich lather which lifts and encapsulates soils, preventing re-depositing. The residual foam dries to a brittle crystal that vacuums out easily.
  3. Steam Clean (using a steam cleaner). Steam cleaning is an effective way to lift build-up from carpet fibers. By heating water to an above boiling point, the steam cleaner sends a jet of steam (hot water vapour) onto the areas of application. This hot water vapour loosens embedded contaminants, and once dry, can be removed with a vacuum.
Choose the best method based on:
  • The level of cleaning required. Steam cleaning and extraction are deep cleaning methods used to remove embedded contaminants. Shampooing is used more as a surface clean and does not penetrate as deep.
  • Amount of drying time. Both steam cleaning and extraction methods require hours (usually overnight) to fully dry. Shampooing requires a drying time as well; however, is shorter compared to either the steam cleaning or extraction methods.
  • Surfaces to be cleaned. The use of an extraction machine or steam cleaner on headliners and visors is discouraged as it may lead to adhesive failure resulting in a stretched or sagging liner. Use the shampooing method to clean headliners and visors. 
  • Equipment that is available to use. Following equipment is required for each method (1) extraction, a hot water extractor; (2) shampoo, a wet-dry vacuum; and (3) steam clean, a steam cleaner tool.
The time to clean carpets is dependent on the interior surface area of the carpet space, the method of cleaning (including the drying time), and the intensity and dirtiness. Once the carpet clean is complete, the areas of application will be clean; stain, and odour free.

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, and impervious gloves. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Floor

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Spare Tire Compartment

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Trunk

PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED DIRECTIONS TIPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Directions

METHOD 1: EXTRACTION

Uses X-TRACT and a hot water extraction machine.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. Pretreat any stains or salt deposits (see interior stains and salt deposits task). Remove any wax, tar, or gum with SUPER-O. For heavily soiled areas, either use diluted PURPLE POWER, 1 part PURPLE POWER to 5 parts water (1:5); or diluted GREASE TERMINATOR, 1 part GREASE TERMINATOR to 4 parts water (1:4). Pre-spray the areas with the diluted cleaner degreaser solution.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE EXTRACTION DETERGENT

In the solution tank of the carpet extraction machine, dilute 10 mL of X-TRACT per 1 L of hot water (1:100).

STEP 3: APPLY THE EXTRACTION MACHINE

Use the carpet extraction machine according to the manufacturer’s directions. Draw the hand tool across the carpet to disperse the X-TRACT solution. Make 2 to 3 more passes on the areas of application, extracting only; do not disperse more X-TRACT solution unless needed. To rinse the areas of application, use hot water in the carpet extraction machine, dispersing and extracting the water at the same time.

STEP 4: DRY THE AREAS AND REVIEW YOUR WORK

Allow the areas of application to air dry. To speed up the drying rate it is recommended to use heaters and/or fans. Review your work to ensure all areas of application are clean and dry. Use carpet adhesive film and paper generic floor mats to protect and prolong the clean carpets from accumulating dirt.

METHOD 2: SHAMPOO

Uses CRYSTAL FOAM, a wet vacuum, and a stiff-bristled scrub brush or foam cleaning gun.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. Pretreat any stains or salt deposits (see interior stains and salt deposits task). Remove any wax, tar, or gum with SUPER-O.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE SHAMPOO

Dilute 70 mL of CRYSTAL FOAM per 1 L of water (1:15). Whip the diluted CRYSTAL FOAM into a dense foam, or use a foam cleaning gun to produce a thick lather. If using the CRYSTAL FOAM aerosol, shake the aerosol can before use and do not dilute.

STEP 3: APPLY THE SHAMPOO

Using a soft brush, transfer the foam from the CRYSTAL FOAM mixture onto the carpet. Using a stiff-bristled scrub brush, scrub the foam, covering the entire surface area. If using the CRYSTAL FOAM aerosol, hold the can 15 cm (6”) away from the area of application. Apply to an area of 60 cm (24”) at a time. Brush the area of application briskly using a stiff-bristled scrub brush.

STEP 4: ALLOW TO DRY AND VACUUM THE SHAMPOO

If a wet vacuum is available, use it to remove residue. Allow the applied CRYSTAL FOAM to dry. To speed up the drying rate it is recommended to use heaters and/or fans. Vacuum the dried CRYSTAL FOAM from the treated areas. If using the CRYSTAL FOAM aerosol, wipe with a clean, dry, lint-free microfiber towel.

STEP 5: REVIEW YOUR WORK

Review work, and if necessary, touch up any missed areas by repeating steps 3 to 4. Use carpet adhesive film and paper generic floor mats to protect and prolong the clean carpets from accumulating dirt.

METHOD 3: STEAM CLEAN

Uses a steam cleaner.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. Pretreat any stains or salt deposits (see the interior stains and salt deposits task). Remove any wax, tar, or gum with SUPER-O.

STEP 2: APPLY THE STEAM CLEANER

Use the steam cleaner machine according to the manufacturer’s directions.

STEP 3: DRY AND VACUUM AREAS

Allow the steam cleaned areas time to dry. To speed up the drying rate it is recommended to use heaters and/or fans. Once the areas are dry, vacuum to remove any loosened remaining contaminants and to fluff up the carpet.

STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK

Review your work, and if necessary, touch up any missed areas by repeating steps 2 to 3. Use carpet adhesive film and paper generic floor mats to protect and prolong the clean carpets from accumulating dirt.

Tips

  • Start cleaning the interior carpet at the rear of the vehicle, with the front seats in the fully forward position. Follow by working in the front area of the vehicle.
  • Use extreme caution when using heaters to dry the areas of application.
  • Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.

EXTRACTION

  • Each carpet extraction machine is slightly different to operate. Read and follow the carpet extraction machine manual according to the manufacturer’s directions.
  • Hot water is considered to be between 82˚C to 104˚C (180˚F to 220˚F).
  • Use hot water, with care, when diluting and rinsing X-TRACT, in a carpet extraction machine, for best results.
  • To avoid rinsing the areas of application after applying X-TRACT, dilute 7 mL of X-TRACT per 1 L of hot water (1:143).

SHAMPOO

  • Avoid over-saturation of CRYSTAL FOAM on fabric surfaces.
  • If using the CRYSTAL FOAM aerosol, there are two nozzle options; inverted and regular. The inverted nozzle is best used for carpets where the aerosol is used upside down.

STEAM CLEAN

  • Read and follow the steam cleaner machine manual according to the manufacturer's directions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Carpet extraction detergent, using X-TRACT, is applied in a carpet extractor machine. Upholstery shampoo, using CRYSTAL FOAM, is whipped into a dense foam, applied using a soft brush, allowed to dry, and then vacuumed off from the area of application. Both methods effectively clean a vehicle’s interior carpets and upholstery. The method best, for you, can be determined based on the equipment you have available.

Vehicle’s interior carpet and upholstery surfaces can effectively be cleaned without a carpet extractor machine using CRYSTAL FOAM. CRYSTAL FOAM is an upholstery shampoo that can be applied by hand, using either a rotary scrub, bonnet buff, or dry foam method.

Each carpet extraction machine will be slightly different to use. Read and follow the carpet extraction machine manual according to the manufacturer's directions.

Hot water is considered to be between 82˚C to 104˚C (180˚F to 220˚F). Use hot water, with care, when diluting and rinsing X-TRACT, in a carpet extraction machine, for best results.

CRYSTAL FOAM aerosols are available in two options; regular and inverted. The options showcase the nozzle usage. For the regular aerosol nozzle, use the aerosol with the nozzle upright, at the top of the aerosol container. The regular nozzle is best used for the back of seats and headliners. For the inverted aerosol nozzle, use the aerosol with the nozzle upside, at the bottom of the aerosol container. The inverted aerosol nozzle is best used for carpets, where the aerosol is used upside down.

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