Many homeowners and business owners may not be familiar with carpet cleaning terminology. However, understanding these terms and their respective categories can be quite challenging.
At USA Clean Master, our carpet cleaning experts have put together a user-friendly glossary to help you better understand the terminology.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Absorbent Compound Cleaning: A dry cleaning method in which a powdered cleaning compound is sprinkled onto the carpet and then worked into the fibers with a machine before being vacuumed away.
Absorption: It's the process of a carpet soaking up a liquid. The cleanability of a carpet is affected by its absorption properties. Different carpet fibers have varying absorption levels. By understanding absorption, professional carpet cleaning companies can determine the required cleaning method for optimal results.
Adhesive Residue: Sticky substance left on the carpet after using tape, gum, or other sticky elements.
Agitation: The action of stirring or disturbing the carpet fibers to loosen soil or spread cleaning agents.
Alkaline: A substance with a pH level higher than neutral, used in carpet cleaning solutions to break down and remove oily soils.
Allergen: A substance, typically a protein, that can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.
Antimicrobial: A substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.
Anti-soiling Agent: A treatment applied to carpets to reduce the attraction and adherence of dirt and stains.
Antistatic Treatment: A process to reduce static electricity from carpet fibers.
Biocide: A chemical substance or microorganism that can control or destroy harmful organisms.
Biodegradable: Capable of being broken down into simpler substances by natural processes.
Bleach: A chemical agent used to remove color, whiten, or disinfect.
Blower: A device that directs the air stream, often used in carpet drying.
Bonnet Cleaning: A low-moisture, quick-drying method that employs a rotary machine with an absorbent pad to freshen the surface of the carpet.
Bristle: Stiff fibers used in brushes for agitating and loosening dirt in carpets.
Browning: An occurrence where the carpet shows a brown discoloration after cleaning due to over-wetting or cellulosic material.
Buffer: A solution used to maintain the pH balance of a cleaning solution.
Carpet extractor: A machine used to deep clean carpets by spraying a cleaning solution and then extracting it with suction. Any local cleaning company must have such equipment to do home or office cleaning services properly.
Carpet Protector: A solution applied to the carpet to resist soiling and staining.
Carpet Tiles: Square or rectangular-shaped carpet pieces that can be easily installed and replaced.
Cellulosic Browning: A discoloration that can happen when carpets are cleaned due to cellulosic fibers in the backing materials getting wet and bleeding their color into the carpet fibers. This can likely be treated by professional carpet cleaners.
Chemical: A substance used in cleaning to remove stains, dirt, or contaminants.
Cleaning Solution: A mixture of chemicals and water used for cleaning carpets.
Colorfastness: The ability of a material to retain its color when exposed to cleaning agents.
Contaminant: Any substance that makes a surface or environment impure.
Debris: Loose fragments or particles of matter, often found in carpets.
Deep Cleaning: A thorough cleaning method that reaches down into the carpet pile to remove soil.
Dehumidifier: A device that reduces humidity levels in the air, aiding in drying.
Deodorizer: A substance used to eliminate or mask unpleasant odors.
Deodorizing: The process of removing or neutralizing odors.
Detergent: A cleaning agent that emulsifies dirt and stains.
Disinfectant: A substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms on surfaces.
Disposal Filter: A filter designed to capture and contain debris removed during cleaning.
Dry Cleaning: A cleaning method that uses minimal moisture suitable for delicate carpets.
Dry Foam Cleaning: A method that involves the application of a detergent solution that has been whipped into a foam and then applied to the carpet before being vacuumed up.
Dry Solvent Cleaning: A method that uses solvents to dissolve soil, which is then absorbed into a powder or other absorbent and vacuumed away.
Dry Time/Drying Time: The period it takes for a cleaned carpet to dry completely. For each carpet, the time is estimated separately due to the size, type of fabric, and other factors. According to the opinion of many best cleaning company specialists, this is usually a period of 4 to 8 hours.
Dwell time: The amount of time a cleaning solution is allowed to sit on the carpet before being extracted. This allows for better penetration and loosening of soils.
Eco-Friendly: Products or processes that are environmentally sustainable and minimize ecological impact.
Emergency Cleaning: Rapid cleaning in response to unexpected situations or accidents.
Encapsulation: A cleaning method where polymers are used to surround and encapsulate dirt particles, which are then removed through vacuuming.
Enzyme Cleaner: A cleaning solution containing enzymes to break down organic stains.
Extraction: The process of removing soil, water, cleaning solution, and pollutants from the carpet. Requires professional carpet cleaning skills.
Face Weight: The weight of the carpet fibers per square yard, excluding backing material.
Fiber Identification: The determination of the type of fiber used in a carpet to help in choosing appropriate cleaning methods and solutions.
Filtration Soiling: Accumulation of dirt along carpet edges and under doors.
Fibers: The individual strands that make up the yarn in a carpet. They can be synthetic or natural, such as wool, nylon, polyester, etc.
Fluffing: The process of using a brush or other tool to restore the pile of a carpet to its original state after cleaning.
Foam Stabilizer: A product used in dry foam cleaning to maintain the consistency of the foam.
Fray: The unraveling or fraying of carpet fibers at the edges.
Germicides: These are disinfecting agents or chemicals used during the carpet cleaning process to eliminate germs, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms. Germicides help ensure a hygienic and healthy environment.
Green Cleaning: A carpet cleaning approach that emphasizes the use of environmentally friendly products and techniques. Green cleaning methods prioritize sustainability and minimize the use of harsh chemicals, reducing the impact on both human health and the environment.
Grime: A term used to describe dirt, grease, or other forms of soil that accumulate on carpets over time. Effective carpet cleaning methods aim to remove grime and restore the carpet's cleanliness.
Grooming: Combing or brushing the carpet fibers to improve appearance and promote even distribution of cleaning agents.
High-traffic Areas: These are the sections of carpet that receive the most foot traffic and are more prone to wear and soiling. These areas typically include hallways, entryways, and frequently used pathways within a room. Carpet cleaning in high-traffic areas often requires more frequent attention and maintenance to keep the carpet looking clean and extend its lifespan.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA): An air filter that traps particles, improving air quality.
Hot Water Extraction (HWE): A cleaning method that involves the application of hot, pressurized water and detergent solution into the carpet and then its immediate extraction. Performed using carpet cleaning machines.
Hydrocarbon Solvent: A hydrocarbon solvent is a type of cleaning solution used in carpet cleaning. It is typically derived from petroleum and is known for its effectiveness in removing oil-based stains, grease, and certain types of stubborn residues from carpets. Hydrocarbon solvents are commonly used by professional carpet cleaners to treat specific stains and spots on carpets.
Hypoallergenic: Products designed to minimize the likelihood of causing an allergic reaction.
IICRC Certified Carpet Cleaning Technicians: Technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification for carpet cleaning expertise.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): The air quality inside a building, including factors like ventilation and cleanliness.
Ink Lifter: A specialized product used to remove ink stains from carpets.
Interim cleaning: A surface-level cleaning process that removes superficial dirt and debris from carpets. This is typically done between deep cleaning sessions.
Interim maintenance: Regular, ongoing maintenance of carpets that includes vacuuming, spot cleaning, and interim cleaning to keep them looking clean and fresh.
Jute: Jute is a natural fiber sometimes used in rug and carpet manufacturing which can be difficult to clean using traditional hot water extraction methods.
Light Fastness: The ability of carpet colors to resist fading or discoloration from exposure to light.
Loop pile: A type of carpet where the fibers are woven into loops, providing a durable and textured surface.
Low Moisture Cleaning: A cleaning method that uses minimal water to avoid over-wetting.
Maintenance Program: A customized plan for regularly cleaning and maintaining carpets to prolong their lifespan. Most often, specialists from a professional cleaning company prescribe this for their clients.
Matting: The flattening and tangling of carpet fibers over time due to heavy foot traffic or furniture. Regular carpet cleaning can help prevent matting and keep carpets looking fresh.
Microfiber: A type of synthetic fiber used in some carpet cleaning methods (such as bonnet cleaning), known for its ability to trap and remove dirt and stains effectively.
Moisture Extraction: The process of removing excess moisture from carpets after cleaning to expedite drying and prevent issues like mold and mildew growth.
Natural Fiber Cleaner: A cleaning solution used to clean natural fibers without causing cellulosic browning after drying.
Neutralizer: A product used to balance the pH of the carpet after cleaning.
Non-Resilient: A term used to describe a carpet that does not recover well from crushing or matting.
Odor Neutralization: Odor neutralization is a carpet cleaning technique used to eliminate unpleasant odors that may be trapped in the carpet. It involves the use of specialized deodorizing agents or enzymatic cleaners designed to break down and neutralize odor-causing molecules. This process helps to refresh the carpet and leave it smelling clean and fresh.
Odor Neutralizer: A substance that eliminates or neutralizes unpleasant odors.
Overwetting: A complication of carpet cleaning that happens when the cleaner lacks experience and uses too much water. When overwetting of the carpet occurs, you risk water damage.
Oxidation: The process of a substance reacting with oxygen, often resulting in color changes.
Oxidizer: A chemical that removes stains through oxidation.
Padding: A cushioning material placed underneath a carpet to provide support and comfort. This is most often used by professional cleaning company experts.
pH Balance: Maintaining a balanced level of acidity or alkalinity in cleaning solutions for effective and safe cleaning.
pH Level: pH is a numerical scale used to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A value of 7 indicates neutrality.
Pile: The visible wear surface of the carpet, consisting of yarn tufts in loop and/or cut configuration.
Pile Height: The measurement from the top surface of the carpet to its backing.
Pile Lifting: The process of standing up the carpet pile with a specialized machine to improve cleaning effectiveness.
Pile Reversal: Known as shading or watermarking, this is a phenomenon where certain areas of the carpet appear to have changed color due to light reflection.
Post-Spot Treatment: The application of a specialized solution to a stain after general cleaning.
Powder Cleaning: A dry cleaning method that uses an absorbent powder to attract soil and then vacuum it away from the carpet.
Preconditioner: This cleaning solution is specifically designed to effectively break down and loosen soils prior to extraction.
Preconditioning: The application of a cleaning solution prior to the actual cleaning to break down soil and stains.
Pre-Spot Treatment: The application of a specialized solution to a stain before general cleaning.
Pre-Spray & Extraction: The application of a cleaning compound to the carpet, followed by extraction with a machine. Requires commercial-grade equipment because it is most often used by professional cleaning company experts.
Quadrant Cleaning: The practice of cleaning a carpet in sections to ensure thorough coverage. Most often, this is ordered for large areas as part of office cleaning services.
Quality Assurance: Quality assurance in carpet cleaning refers to the systematic processes and procedures put in place by professional carpet cleaning companies to ensure the highest standards of service. It includes measures like pre-inspection, post-cleaning inspections, customer feedback, and adherence to industry best practices to maintain the quality and consistency of their carpet cleaning services.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Quaternary ammonium compounds, often abbreviated as "quats," are a type of chemical disinfectant and sanitizer used in some carpet cleaning solutions. Quats can help kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in carpets. They are sometimes used in commercial carpet cleaning applications, especially in healthcare or high-traffic areas where sanitization is crucial.
Quick-Drying: Quick-drying is a desirable characteristic of carpet cleaning methods and solutions. Carpet cleaning processes that allow for rapid drying help prevent the growth of mold and mildew in the carpet and minimize inconvenience for homeowners or businesses. High-powered extraction equipment and low-moisture cleaning techniques are often employed to achieve quick-drying results.
Raking: The process of using a carpet rake to reset the pile after cleaning.
Residue: Any remaining cleaning solution or dirt left on the carpet after cleaning. This can lead to re-soiling if not properly removed.
Resilience: The ability of carpet fibers to return to their original shape after being compressed.
Restoration Cleaning: Intensive cleaning to restore carpets damaged by water, fire, or other disasters.
Rinse Agent: A solution used during rinsing to remove cleaning agents. If this is not done, the cleaning agents can leave behind residue and cause streaking, but in most cases, only the best cleaning company specialists know how and when to do this correctly.
Rinsing: A step in the cleaning process where the cleaning solution and suspended soil are flushed away. This is always followed by extraction, to suck up the water so the carpet will be able to dry.
Rippling: The presence of wrinkles or puckers on a carpet can result from improper installation or high humidity levels.
Rotary Brush: A rotating brush that agitates and lifts dirt from carpets.
Rotary Extractor: A machine that combines brushing and extraction for deep carpet cleaning.
Rotary Shampoo Cleaning: The use of a rotary floor machine that whisks a detergent solution into a foam, which is then worked into the carpet and subsequently vacuumed away.
Scrubbing: A vigorous cleaning action involving the use of a brush or other cleaning tool to remove stubborn dirt or stains from the carpet.
Seam: The line where two pieces of carpet are joined.
Shampooing: A cleaning process where a foamy detergent solution is applied to the carpet and then extracted using a rotary machine.
Shedding: The process where a carpet loses loose fibers. This is normal and can occur for up to 6 months after installation.
Spotting Agents: Specialized products for treating specific stains or spots on carpets.
Surface Tension: The force that holds water droplets together on a surface, affecting cleaning efficiency.
Soiling: The accumulation of dirt and other unwanted substances on a carpet, negatively affecting its appearance and longevity.
Spotting: The process of removing spots from the carpet before or after the general cleaning.
Stain Repellency: The ability of a carpet to resist staining due to a protective treatment or the nature of the carpet fibers.
Stain Resistant: A characteristic of some carpet fibers that naturally or chemically resist staining.
Stains vs. Spots: Stains refer to permanent discoloration of the carpet, while spots are temporary marks caused by spills or other substances.
Steam Cleaning: A common, misused term often confused with hot water extraction. True steam cleaning uses steam alone to sanitize.
Suction: The process by which a vacuum cleaner or extractor removes dirt and debris from carpets.
Texture Retention: The ability of a carpet to retain its original texture and appearance after cleaning or use.
Thermo-fogging: A method of applying deodorizing agents through a fogging machine.
Traffic Lane Gray: The darkening of high-traffic areas in carpets due to constant foot traffic and soil accumulation.
Tufting: The process of fabricating a carpet by punching yarn through a backing material.
Underlay: Also known as padding or cushion, it is placed under a carpet to provide support and enhance its feel.
Upholstery Cleaning: The process of cleaning fabric used for furniture using specialized cleaning solutions and equipment.
Vacuuming: The removal of dry soil, dust, and other small particulates from the carpet with a vacuum cleaner.
Velvet Cut: A type of carpet pile consisting of evenly cut yarns that provide a smooth, luxurious surface.
Water Clarity: A measure of the cleanliness of the rinse water during extraction, indicating the level of soil removal.
Wet Cleaning: A method of carpet cleaning that involves the use of water or other liquids to remove soil from the carpet fibers.
Wetting Agent: A substance that reduces the surface tension of water, aiding in wetting and penetration during cleaning.
Wicking: The process of soil and stains traveling to the surface of the carpet after drying, often caused by over-wetting during cleaning.
Xenon Light Fastness Test: A test to measure the resistance of carpet colors to fading when exposed to artificial light. Most often done by commercial cleaning services, for example, in order to understand what could be causing problems with a certain type of carpet.
Xylene: Xylene is a type of solvent that can be used in the removal of certain types of stains from carpets. It is effective in breaking down and dissolving various substances, including adhesives, paints, and some ink stains. However, it is essential to use xylene with caution, as it is a strong chemical and should be handled with care in a well-ventilated area.
Yellowing: Carpet discoloration that can be caused by sunlight exposure, chemical reactions, or even improper cleaning. It may be able to be reversed by professional cleaning services, depending on the root cause.
Z-Bar: A strip of metal used to transition from carpet to another type of flooring.
Remember to use these terms correctly and avoid any confusion between similar ones, such as steam cleaning and hot water extraction.
Remember to use these terms correctly and avoid any confusion between similar ones, such as steam cleaning and hot water extraction.
