Why is it important to apply Scotchgard
Carpet Protector after each cleaning?
The easy answer is... "It will keep your carpet and upholstery clean longer."
But unfortunately there is probably as much confusion in the carpet cleaning industry about protectors as there is about cleaning. There are many uneducated, uninformed and I am sad to say dishonest carpet cleaners causing a great deal of confusion by giving out false information or intentionally misrepresenting the product.
Carpet manufacturing and protectors: A nylon stain-resist carpet is made with two protective properties: The first is an acid dye blocker that is basically a clear dye that fills the extra dye sites in a fiber. This helps to keep "foreign" dyes (such as red dye in a beverage) from penetrating the carpet fiber. The second property is called a "fluorochemical". It is commonly known as 3M Scotchgard® or DuPont Teflon®. This treatment helps keep spillage from actually getting to the acid dye blocker, but it's most important job is to resist dry soil.
Scotchgard Protector helps your carpet resist dry soil, which is the culprit in ruining your carpet appearance. Dry soil sits at the bottom of your carpet and acts like sandpaper grinding away at your expensive carpet fibers. Every time you walk on it, you are grinding the carpet fibers against the soil and causing your carpet to wear out prematurely. With protection applied the dry soil is less likely to adhere to the carpet fibers and in turn it can be extracted easier by your vacuum or professional carpet cleaner. Take note though... "Once the traffic areas are broken down or uglied-out, there is no way to bring them back to their original state." And lastly about Traffic areas, "Clean them before you see them." Carpet manufactures design carpet to hide soil, so if you can see soil and spots you are on the way to ruining your carpet if not cleaned immediately.
"2" primary ways factory protector is removed from your carpet…
1. Regular foot traffic. Over a period of
6-24 months, depending on the traffic, a significant amount of protector can be removed from your main traffic areas and protector will need to be reapplied.
2. Using the wrong cleaning agents. Using harsh store bought shampoo or having your carpets cleaned by unprofessional companies using inexpensive detergents, will cause your protection to be removed.
4 Mistakes Some Carpet Cleaners
Make In Applying Protector
1. Not using high quality protector. Discount protectors are not as effective and sometimes void the factory warranty. 3R uses only the highest quality, recommended protectors.
2. Not using a dedicated applicator or container. Using the same container for carpet protector as other cleaners can contaminate the protector causing it to become gummy and ineffective. 3R uses dedicated containers reserved specifically for carpet protector (Scotchgard).
3. Not applying the product properly. Some cleaners either under apply or over apply the protector. Under applying does not allow for complete penetration of the carpet yarns. Over applying causes the carpet to become overly stiff and crusty. 3R technicians are diligently trained for proper application.
4. Not grooming the carpet. For the best results, Scotchgard Protector should be groomed into the carpet for maximum penetration. This ensures contact with all surfaces of the carpet yarn and proper distribution and drying. 3R thoroughly grooms the protector into the carpet pile.
SIX Reasons to Apply Carpet Protector
1. Reduces permanent stains
Spots will less likely become a permanent stain. Stains are kinda like that brother-n-law that comes to visit and never leaves. A great looking carpet can be ruined by an ugly spot or visitor. Remember, unprotected carpet does not repel spills as well as protected carpet. You are more able to remove a spot from a carpet that has been protected.
2. Preserves your traffic areas
Traffic area soil is very abrasive and cuts carpet yarns like a knife. By applying protector, you will increase the life of your carpet dramatically. When you vacuum your protected carpet the soils will release from the carpet pile much more effectively.
3. Make spots easier to remove
The easier a spot is to remove, the less cleaner you will have to use. The less agitation you will have to use, and the less time it will take to remove. Many spots can be removed easily with just water or your handy "3R Spot Out Cleaner".
4. Professional cleaning is more effective
Having protector applied to your carpet will enhance your next cleaning. More soil will be removed because it is less likely to adhere to the carpet fibers. Your carpet appearance will be enhanced with proper maintenance.
5. Avoid costly service calls
Most spots can be easily removed with the "3R Spot Out Cleaner" you receive with each service call. But if a spot is giving you trouble, call us immediately so the spot does not become a stain.
6. Protect your investment
Carpet is expensive to replace. Not to mention all the hassle of moving furniture and putting your home back together when the installers are done.
"Your carpet will look better and last longer with a proper cleaning schedule
and Scotchgard Protector applied!"
