Cleaning polypropylene carpets from industrial oils is a difficult issue that professionals constantly have to face, as industrial carpet holds a persistent mix of oily and adhesive soils that bond tightly to fibres.
Polypropylene and older nylon constructions are common in commercial and industrial facilities because they are durable, cost-effective, and tolerant of repeated maintenance cycles.Their main challenge is that they readily attract petroleum residues. Olefin, in particular, absorbs oils into the fibre surface, and older nylons often retain oily films that dull their appearance even after routine cleaning.
The encapsulation method using Encap Pro provides an efficient way to remove petroleum-based soils without overwetting, downtime, or chemical loading. Encap Pro breaks down oily residues, suspends them, and captures the loosened material within a polymer film that dries brittle and is removed during post-vacuuming. This supports fast turnaround, reduced resoiling, and consistent presentation across large areas.
How Encapsulation Ensures Clean Carpets.
Encapsulation works particularly well in industrial sites because it delivers strong soil release while keeping moisture levels low. Encap Pro dissolves oily contamination, suspends the loosened soil, and surrounds it with a polymer film that dries to a brittle structure. This structure fractures during the next vacuum cycle, carrying away both soil and detergent residues and preventing rapid resoiling. The method supports fast drying, minimal disruption, and clean presentation across large areas.
Why Encapsulation Works Well on Polypropylene and Older Nylon
- Low moisture prevents wicking of oily residues and keeps downtime minimal.
- Aggressive soil release without high alkalinity protects older nylon fibres.
- Polymers prevent redeposition, which is common in oily environments.
- Short drying time supports operational continuity in high-traffic sites.
Low moisture carpet cleaning detergent
Dilute 1:32 (30ml per 1L)
Encap Pro softens and suspends petroleum-based contamination, releases bonded oil films, and encapsulates loosened soil. Its polymer structure dries crisp for efficient post-vacuum removal. It is designed to handle heavy commercial residues, making it well-suited for industrial environments.
Important Note
Cleaning Polypropylene (Olefin) Carpets
Polypropylene is highly resilient, yet it holds oils tightly. Encap Pro releases these oils effectively. Because polypropylene is a smooth, round fibre, it often appears dull even after cleaning. Adding Perox as a booster provides a clear improvement by brightening the fibre and reducing the visual impact of remaining dullness.
Equipment
- Rotary or oscillating pad machine
Delivers the agitation required to break oily bonds on olefin and older nylon. - Pump-up sprayer or onboard tank
Used for even application of Encap Pro at the correct dilution rate. - High quality vacuum with power head
Essential for both pre-vacuum and post-vacuum phases to lift encapsulated soils. - Air movers or improved ventilation
Accelerates drying and reduces downtime. - PPE
Required whenever working with chemicals and petroleum-based residues.
The Process
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Pre-Vacuum
Remove the dry particulate load that combines with oily residues. Polypropylene attracts fine dust easily, so effective vacuuming improves the cleaning outcome.
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Prespray
Apply Encap Pro diluted 1:32. Aim for a light, even application that wets the fibre tips without saturation. Good coverage ensures polymer distribution.
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Agitate
Use a rotary or oscillating pad machine to break down petroleum soils and work the polymer into the fibre surface. One to two passes are usually sufficient depending on soil load.
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Drying
Allow the carpet to dry for 40 to 60 minutes. Increase airflow to accelerate the process and minimise walk-on disruption.
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Post-Vacuum
After 24 hours, vacuum thoroughly to remove polymer-bound soil. Power-head vacuums produce a noticeably better result on polypropylene and older nylon.
Further Notes
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Booster for Improved Appearance
Add up to 20ml per ready-to-use litre. Perox brightens the fibre, improves visual clarity, and counteracts the dull finish common in polypropylene.
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Coverage
Approximately 1L ready-to-use per 3 to 10m² depending on pile density. Limit prespray to 25m² at a time to avoid premature drying.
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Encapsulation Spotting Options
Conquer
Suitable for general oily and water-based spots.Citrus Gel
Used for bonded grease, tar, bitumen, and heavy petroleum spots. Blot, then extract or continue with VLM.
Where To Buy
Encap Pro
Low moisture carpet cleaning detergent
Low moisture carpet cleaning detergent
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