CARPET SCIENCE · ACID RINSE, ALKALINE RESIDUE
pH neutralization
An alkaline pre-spray is what releases oily soil from fiber. Alkaline residue left behind is sticky and attracts soil, so the carpet must be rinsed with an acid rinse agent that returns it to roughly neutral pH. Skipping this step is why some carpets resoil within weeks of being cleaned.
What is actually happening
This is also why protector fails on some jobs. Carpet protector will not bond correctly to fiber carrying alkaline residue — it needs clean, neutralised fiber to chemically attach to. A company that cannot tell you whether they use a rinse agent is not doing this step.
How you prevent it
Ask directly: is an acid rinse included, and will the carpet finish at neutral pH?
An alkaline pre-spray is what releases oily soil from fiber. Alkaline residue left behind is sticky and attracts soil, so the carpet must be rinsed with an acid rinse agent that returns it to roughly neutral pH. Skipping this step is why some carpets resoil within weeks of being cleaned.
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BloomingRapid re-soilingGrayingWickingFiltration soilingThermoplastic recoveryEncapsulation residueBonnet friction damageMicroabrasionWhere soil settlesDry time and mildew riskOptical brightenersPet odour chemistryThe blacklight inspectionPressure and PSISoil suspensionSurfactantsOxidisersDust in carpetWhat carpet holdsFibre identificationEnzyme flushUrine crystallizationSubfloor contamination
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