The truth about some carpet complaints

"Blotching" as a carpet complaint is often treated as a mystery spot or a carpet defect. It is seldom blamed on a cleaning process. Three requirements necessary for success in (HWE) wet extraction cleaning is 'even' wetting, consistent extraction and quick drying.

Double stroking (solution valve open in both directions)causes the solution to puddle at the end of the back stroke as the direction of the cleaning head is reversed. Excess moisture settles deep into  the carpet fibers. Double stroking is the lazy way to clean and some equipment makers even install a lock so the operator does not have to key the valve with a finger or thumb.

Even plain water contains trace minerals and chemicals. Deeper wetting dries at a slower pace and as the last drop of water evaporates into the air it leaves a residual trace on the tip of the fiber that eventually attracts soil. Discoloration may not occur for weeks or even months after the carpet is cleaned.

Single stroking (solution applied only on backstroke with vacuum head brought over moisture line before reverse) is a mark of care and good workmanship. This is one of many subtle differences in the various techniques used in the HWE process.