How to Deep Clean Polypropylene (Olefin) Carpet
Using the Hot Water Extraction (HWE) Method with Polyprop Plus (Liquid) or Clean Force (Powder)
Organic soils, such as food spills, beverages, body oils, and general grime from human activity, which is commonly found around pubs, restaurants, offices, community buildings, and childcare facilities, are acidic in nature. They bind strongly to carpet fibres and attract further soiling. To remove them effectively, a powerful alkaline pre-spray is required to break down and suspend the contaminants for extraction. Polyprop Plus is designed specifically for this purpose — it effectively cleans olefin carpets with strong soil release, making stain removal easier. It improves appearance by reducing dullness and greying.
The Hot Water Extraction (HWE) method is the most effective process for deep carpet cleaning. It combines heat, agitation, and high-pressure rinsing to flush out embedded soil, detergents, and residues from deep within the carpet pile. This method is ideal for restorative cleaning, where a full soil removal is needed, rejuvenating heavily used or neglected carpets and restoring fibre brightness, texture, and cleanliness.
Important Note
Cleaning Polypropylene (Olefin) Carpets
Polypropylene (Olefin) is a highly resilient fibre; however, it does hold oils, which the Encap Plus effectively removes. As it is a smooth, round fibre, polypropylene carpets can look dull, even after cleaning. Due to this type of fibre, the addition of Perox as a booster provides a significant improvement in the appearance of the clean fibre.
Prespray (Liquid)
Dilute 1:32 (30mL/1Lt)
PolyProp Plus effectively cleans olefin carpets with strong soil release, making stain removal easier. Its improves appearance by reducing dullness and greying.
Prespray (Powder)
Dilute 1:64 (15mL/1Lt)
Clean Force tackles tough soil build-up with powerful enzyme cleaning, penetrating and emulsifying stubborn stains for a thorough, residue-free clean.
Extract/Rinse Agent
Preferred for Truck Mount Machines
Dilute 1:1000 (5ml/5Lt)
Extracta Pro (Powder) is a high-performance extraction/rinse agent, ensuring effective removal of emulsified soils. High heat stability ensures its effectiveness in extreme temperatures, preventing residue and clogs. Fibresafe formula protects stain-resistant carpets and equipment, ensuring thorough cleaning.
Extract/Rinse Agent
Preferred for Portable Carpet Cleaning Machines
Dilute 1:600 (8ml/5Lt)
Emulsifier Plus (Liquid) is a high-performance extraction/rinse agent, ensuring effective removal of emulsified soils. High heat stability ensures its effectiveness in extreme temperatures, preventing residue and clogs. Fibresafe formula protects stain-resistant carpets and equipment, ensuring thorough cleaning.
The Process
-
Pre-Vacuum
Thoroughly vacuum the carpet to remove dry soiling. (Dry soiling makes up 80% of the soil in the carpet)
-
Prespray
Using a sprayer, apply the prespray, either Polyprop Plus (liquid) or Clean Force (powder), evenly across the surface and agitate. Allow the prespray at least 5 minutes dwell time to break down oils, greases, & bonded soils, ensuring they are suspended for effective removal during extraction.
-
Rinse / Extract
Using a hot water extraction machine, rinse the carpet with the extraction product, either Extrator Pro (powder – ideal for truck mount machines) or Emulsifier Plus (liquid – ideal for portable carpet cleaning machines).
-
Dry / Rake
Accelerate drying by using air movers or ensuring good ventilation. Rake or groom the carpet pile to lift fibres, speed drying, and leave a uniform appearance.
Further Notes
-
Pre-Treating Stains
Start with a full carpet clean before tackling individual stains, as many will come out during extraction. However, pretreat stubborn spots with a multi-spotter such as Actichem Conquer before extraction to improve removal success. Always identify the stain type, such as tannin, oil, or protein, and choose the correct spotting solution if needed after extraction.
-
Speed up Drying
Speed up drying with air movers, dehumidifiers, or HVAC systems to prevent wick-back and mould growth.
-
Booster
Colloidal Boost is a cleaning booster additive. It is a concentrated blend of the best of modern cleaning and stain removal technology. The beauty of Colloidal Boost is that it doesn’t rely on harsh solvents or alkaline cleaning agents, but uses smart chemical technology to achieve it’s brilliant results, making it an ideal product for use in professional carpet and upholstery cleaning.
- 10 – 20ml per ready-to-use litre of prespray solution.
-
Spotting
Always identify the type of stain, such as tannin, oil, or protein, and select the corresponding spotting solution. This is made easy with the Actichem Spotting Guide.
Where To Buy
Polyprop Plus
Polypropylene carpet cleaning prespray
Polypropylene carpet cleaning prespray
Find a StockistAdditional Resources
Deep Dive Into Carpet Presprays | Webinar Whitepaper
