Case Study: Deep Cleaning of Carpet and Restrooms

 

Facility Type: Truck Trailer Manufacturer

Location: Stoughton, WI

 

Service Provider: Interior Environment Management (IEM), a commercial cleaning company in Southeastern Wisconsin

 

Problem Statement:

• The facility experienced significant contamination from vehicle undercoating tracked into the premises, affecting both the factory restrooms with ceramic tile floors and the adjacent office areas with carpeting. This undercoating was resistant to removal by traditional detergent-based cleaners, posing a cleaning challenge.

 

Objectives:

1. Effective Removal: Eliminate undercoating residue from both ceramic tiles and carpets without damaging these surfaces.

2. Minimal Disruption: Ensure cleaning processes cause minimal interruption to daily factory and office operations.

3. Long-term Protection: Implement a maintenance strategy to protect surfaces from future undercoating contamination.

 

Solutions Implemented:

 

For Carpeted Office Areas:

• Cleaning Process:

  • Product: Split Carpet Cleaner, a non-detergent cleaner designed for low moisture cleaning.

  • Equipment: Camel rotary machine for misting the carpet with Split and simultaneous drying with a cotton bonnet. This method effectively breaks down the undercoating at the molecular level, allowing it to be released from the carpet fibers.

  • Quick Drying: Due to the low moisture approach, office activities resumed shortly after cleaning.

• Protection:

  • Application: Post-cleaning application of MINERAL ARMOR CARPET DEFENDER using a pump sprayer, followed by driving the product into the carpet fibers with the Camel rotary machine and a cotton bonnet.

  • Benefits: The mineral silicates in CARPET DEFENDER not only resist staining but also enhance carpet reflectivity and brightness by filling micro-abrasions in the carpet fibers.

 

For Ceramic Tile in Factory Restrooms:

• Cleaning Process:

  • Product: Split Restorative, another non-detergent cleaner, was used.

  • Method: The cleaner was left to dwell on the floors to break down the undercoating, followed by mechanical agitation with a rotary scrubber and extraction using a Kaivac machine with a grout tool for detailed cleaning.

  • Rinse: A clear water rinse was applied to ensure all residues were removed.

• Protection and Maintenance:

  • Application: Application of MINERAL ARMOR to create a ceramic barrier on both tiles and grout, significantly reducing future staining and microbial growth.

  • Ongoing Maintenance: Use of MINERAL ARMOR REJUVENATOR by the custodial staff to preserve the surface integrity and cleanliness.

 

Results:

• Efficiency: The cleaning and protection processes were completed with minimal downtime, ensuring factory operations were not significantly impacted.

• Durability: The treated areas showed resistance to further undercoating contamination, reducing the frequency and intensity of future clean-ups.

• Health & Odor Control: The ceramic barrier inhibited microbial growth, leading to a cleaner environment and the elimination of persistent odors in the restrooms.

 

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