I need a recommendation on what type of portable to use to clean rubber backed nylon twist floor mats- the one typically cleaned by the big guys in tunnel washers.

 

I'm considering getting into a mat exhange service but like most new business' I do not have the capital to invest/risk in such large scale industrial machines.

 

What is preferable is a portable system to:

 

1) Get the dirt/sand out ( at least most of it) with an industrial vaccum and/or pile lifter.

 

2) then with  the appropriate use of chemical and 'salt wash'  use a portable machine to clean the carpet.

 

I would love to hear from the various factions supporting HWE and especially from Padman and the OP process.

 

Most mats at the worst of time ( which is what I need to plan for) will either be wet from snow & salt, or dry with salt stains.

 

Your assistance in helping me decide on what will work so that the client gets fresh looking;  hence perceived clean,  reasonably dry ( damp should be OK but I want to avoid the wick once they dry) floor mat would be much appreciated.

 

Let's get started.

 

Thanks you all in advance for your time to reply.

 

 

use a good chem for the salt

drying is the important part or they'll dry with a white dust on them

perhaps some gaurd

 

We have spoken about this mat cleaning a few times and I have made my personal suggestions as you know and we have discussed it. Thinking about what may be the best for you at this particular time...I have changed my mind once again.

 

 

First off, you would need a http://www.kleenkuip.com/portables/steamin_demon.htm - Steamin Demon direct hook high flow extractor. This would be the most single-unit system that would offer you speed, fairly quick drying and maximum soil removal. In my estimation this would remove even more soil than a truckmount. If you could afford only one piece of equipment this would be a wise choice. It will clean carpets in wet or dry condition.

 

Now, everybody knows that all carpets should first be dry vacuumed to remove insoluble soil before you wet them and make mud pies. That being said, 90% of extraction carpet cleaners skip this process mainly because of extra labour costs. If this is you choice you would need a good industrial vacuum or even go as far as a pile lifter. Keeping in mind the pile lifter costing more in labour to operate compared to a regular vacuum cleaner. The pressure washer idea should only be used in extreme circumstances as a pressure washer will blow away the tuffs in the carpet leaving bald spots, damaging expensive mats.

 

Now, if the high-flow Steamin Demon should leave soil on the surface after cleaning and possibly make the final appearance look dull, then an OP Machine with cotton pads going over then quickly would offer a better and brighter appearance. On carpets that do not look that bad in the first place you could eliminate the Demon cleaning and go straight to OP cutting your costs once again. Experience will quickly help you make your cleaning decisions for either of or both. The carpet should be pre-treated first with a http://www.kleenkuip.com/products/saltAndIceMelt.htm - Salt & Ice Melt Remover for the purpose of no recurring salt stains.

 

The only other piece of equipment that could help in once again lowering your heating and drying cost would be an air mover to speed dry.

 

Hope this helps, and I look forward to comments from others. Keeping in mind I am attempting to give Paul the best cleaning with reasonable cost for equipment.