|
Fabric softener as Defoamer |
Post Reply 
|
Page 123 4> |
| Author | |
Beatrice West 
Newbie 
Joined: 18/August/2023 Status: Offline Points: 14 |
 Post Options
 Thanks(0)
 Quote Reply
 Topic: Fabric softener as DefoamerPosted: 05/October/2023 at 1:22pm |
|
I'm not against using "fabric softener" as a defoamer substitute when in a pinch. If it's going to help protect my carpet cleaning equipment from costly repairs I'm all for it. But, we have learned that it's best to use products specifically designed for carpet cleaning, including defoamers recommended by the equipment manufacturer or cleaning product supplier. These products are formulated to work effectively without causing any adverse effects on the carpet or the cleaning equipment. |
|
|
Beatrice West Cleans the Best!
|
|
 |
|
| Sponsored Links | |
|
|
|
CarlLagger
Newbie
Joined: 14/October/2018 Status: Offline Points: 1 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 14/October/2018 at 4:25pm |
|
Reading you guys talking about cleaning makes me feel like i dunno a thing about cleaning and i realized how much of a full i was even in cleaning. So, there always something to learn. Then i realize -If you think, that you already posses every knowledge needed and you do believe that you already know above and beyond in something - you wrong. Last time i was so lazy, that i got a cleaning service and i realized how much of a full i was even in cleaning. So, there always something to learn.
|
|
|
|
|
Billy Barty
Newbie
Joined: 09/August/2018 Status: Offline Points: 23 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 04/September/2018 at 9:55pm |
Do you clean a load of laundry using no soap?
|
|
|
When I clean it, I mean it! :)
|
|
|
|
|
S R C
Newbie
Joined: 02/September/2018 Location: Oxfordshire Status: Offline Points: 1 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 02/September/2018 at 7:02am |
|
I've just Brought a new carpet washer. I first went over the carpet two times with hand hot water and cold water in the Reservoir just in case. I was amazed at the dirty water. Not so much dirty water when I used their carpet shampoo. I came on here originally to find out if I could use fabric conditioner in my machine my carpet is older so no stain protection left) I am wondering if doing a quick clean water will be enough, I may try one day but not today as I have a paint stain.
|
|
|
|
|
Lavon
Groupie 
Joined: 05/June/2017 Location: San Diego Status: Offline Points: 43 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 05/June/2017 at 7:27pm |
|
I would only use the former from a carpet supplier store I'm not sure about using detergent never heard of that but I would keep it safe because it seems like if you use detergent it would be a lot of soap inside of the carpet so I would go with a defoamer
|
|
|
|
|
Turbo-Man
Newbie
Joined: 25/November/2016 Location: Arizona Status: Offline Points: 3 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 25/November/2016 at 7:46am |
|
Most things I've read on this forum topic I've tested and tried different brands of consumer softener for laundry. Downy ended up for me to deliver the best knock down when I dilute it with some water to help disperse it. Snuggle was worthless. Knock down in the waste tank is one thing but when the hoses get loaded from heavy foam coming directly out of the carpet you end up stopping often so you can suck up softener enough to knock down this CFM reducing foam. It can literally turn a 1.5 inch hose into a 1" hose in seconds. If you use soft water your foaming problem is even more difficult to resolve.
Some have commented that the softener chemistry affects the emulsification process if used as a prespray or applied to the carpet while cleaning but if there is already an over use of detergents the dirt and oils are already suspended in the dried surfactants and just need to be rinsed out as efficiently as possible so I say go ahead and prespray away as long as you know that you are dealing with this over foaming situation. I was doing hotel rooms where previous "in house cleaning" crews constantly over applied and never rinsed properly the sudzy bubbles from the carpet. This dogged down the whole cleaning process for me. I was once told that the old fashioned urinal cakes used in typical gas station bathrooms would melt down foam in the waste tank really well but besides the overpowering odor exhausted these cakes (made from the same compounds as mothballs) were toxic to breathe (carcinogenic) and are now banned by the janitorial industries. And so we just keep searching for the best solutions. I say learn on....
|
|
|
|
|
luigi
Newbie
Joined: 28/April/2016 Location: maryland Status: Offline Points: 4 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 28/April/2016 at 7:47pm |
|
Plus, all of these geniuses seem to know a lot about throwing chemistry terms without having much understanding of what they mean or how they work.
You don't mix anionic and cationic products as it creates an insoluble compound. That is why the fabric softener goes in the rinse cycle and is not mixed in with the detergent. Many carpet cleaners know just enough about chemicals to get into trouble. They know ph and solvency and a few other terms but nothing else. If you don't understand how bleach "bleaches" (oxidation/reduction), how buffering agents work, or even simple things like why you shouldn't clean an iodine stain with ammonia, then you probably should either learn or just don't experiment. I doubt any of the people here throwing around the words cationic and anionic have ever even heard of zwitterionic |
|
|
|
|
luigi
Newbie
Joined: 28/April/2016 Location: maryland Status: Offline Points: 4 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 28/April/2016 at 7:03pm |
|
Why would anyone put a defoamer in their cleaning solution? It goes in the waste tank.
|
|
|
|
|
Soil Lint Green
Carpet Cleaning Specialist 
Joined: 30/December/2007 Location: Oregon Status: Offline Points: 551 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 24/October/2010 at 2:34pm |
|
Salt takes the head off a beer in 2 seconds so I know it works to break down carbonates. I should test it in my wife's dishwater to see what happens and then look innocent. I have heard it also has a softening effect on water making for a lower quantity of detergent being required to get the same job done.
I know it is an excellent seasoning. |
|
|
It's ORY GUN, not OR A GONE. Learn to talk.
|
|
|
|
|
infinityinf
Newbie
Joined: 24/October/2010 Location: Murrieta Status: Offline Points: 1 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 24/October/2010 at 12:43pm |
|
I have been using sea salt for many years.
I would also recommend some chemical De-Foamers for extreme cases. They are more expensive but your will make sure your job doesn't get delayed or have any issues. The amount of money you could lose if a job didn't get completed is much smaller than the cost of these products. I use both sea salt and chemicals, depending on the situation. Sammy
|
|
|
|
|
LilNiteRidrhood
Master Carpet Cleaner 
Joined: 17/March/2004 Location: Antarctica Status: Offline Points: 1257 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 23/September/2010 at 10:21pm |
|
Oct 4 and 5 in Toronto
|
|
|
|
|
nightrider
Marketing Master
Joined: 12/March/2004 Status: Offline Points: 4666 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 22/September/2010 at 3:40am |
|
I don't have a problem with wicking because cement and or concrete does not absorbe the spillage or the stain that was introduced to the carpet fibres. Secondly, as far as restaurants go, they don't even look at the job you did, they just see a cleaner carpet and they know that the inspectors will see the same thing, thus one less headache to worry about. They cou;ld give a rats ass about any stains that are left, and if they do.....I tell them, well you waited to long before cleaning it up when it happened and now that stain is like Herpes.....sorry I can't do any better, if you like I can leave you a portable machine for a week and you can have one of your busboys clean that spot 10 times a day if you like . ( They never take the offer )
As far as being your guest at a IICRC class, Sure I would like that. Let me know where and when.
Nightrider
|
|
|
|
|
LilNiteRidrhood
Master Carpet Cleaner
Joined: 17/March/2004 Location: Antarctica Status: Offline Points: 1257 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 21/September/2010 at 8:56pm |
|
Nightrider- you never know who might actually try some of the ideas you put forward. You don't see what damage it does.
I invite you to come to my next IICRC CCT class on me---then you tell me if you want just anyone trying home brewed concoctions.
People need guidance in developing a system that is safe.
Safe for them to employ all of the time--not most of the time.
I just saw a guy pay $28K for a new wool/viscose carpet installed in a master bedroom. He cleaned it twice with a truckmount. First time with an enzyme. Ruined.
This is a very reputable company too. These things are happening all the time. I see them as an inspector. Its tough to tell people you know they are screwed. No one is out bragging about screwing them up either, so no one knows its happening. But I am the guy who does get to see them.
Yes 95% of carpet are dummy proof. 4.9% can be a bit of a hassle. 0.1% are a possible damage claim. But when you clean thousands of carpets I don't like the odds. I will stick to be safe but sure.
What I don't understand is how you are not getting horrendous wick back with using all these alkaline surfactants in restaurants .
|
|
|
|
|
Michael
Carpet Cleaning Specialist
Joined: 18/June/2005 Status: Offline Points: 557 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 18/September/2010 at 10:41pm |
|
I dunno, duckcountry. It depends on your customers, I guess. Those interested in "green services" usually have a specific interest in our methods and chemistry. It's pretty nice, actually, because being invited to demonstrate our knowledge and commitment to their interests helps us get off on the right foot. Anyone who markets their business as green should be able to answer a few questions. I've even handed a jug of HD DFC to a customer and invited her to check it out online. Nothing to hide and eager to share just makes me seem that much more trustworthy. Aside from those types, you and Steamer are pretty much right on the money. They just want clean carpet.
At the end of the day, I do my best and hope for the best. I'm not a scientist. I'm not even a tradesman. I'm just a serviceman trying to build a business.
|
|
|
|
|
Post Reply
|
Page 123 4> |
| Tweet |
| Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |
Topic Options
S R C wrote:
Welcome to KleenKuip.com's Professional Carpet Cleaners Discussion Forum!