Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get down with the carpet?

Unlike other company's systems, Britex Cleaning System is hot water based which allows you to clean your furnishings as often as you like, ideally every 3–6 months. This ensures allergens, bacteria, dustmites and dirt levels are kept a minimum, promoting a healthier atmosphere.

The actual time between cleanings will vary according to the amount and type of usage of an individual room. The chart below can be used as a guide for your home. You’re assured of the maximum life span on carpet and furniture that have been maintained by other companies. But with Britex, more frequent cleaning will actually extend the life of the fabric. So it really does pay to steam things up yourself.

Note: Other D.I.Y. and trade carpet cleaning systems use brush-based machines. These may damage carpet fibres in the long term.

Household Occupancy		Type of environment / Frequency
Normal	Dusty	Cold	High	Humidity
2 Adults - Non Smoking	6 to 12 Months	2 Months	4 to 6 Months	4 to 6 Months
2 Adults - Smoking	4 Months	2 Months	3 Months	4 Months
Family - No Pets	6 Months	1 Months	3 Months	4 Months
Family - With Pets	3 to 6 Months	1 Months	2 Months	2 Months

Is it true once a carpet is cleaned it will get dirty much quicker?

Only if the cleaning process leaves shampoo or heavy soap residues in your carpet. Our cleaning process doesn’t leave heavy residues and removes most residues from other cleaning methods. The Britex Carpet Cleaning System removes the solution and soil from your carpet.

Reappearing Stains

Some stains may reappear after drying or after a few days of usage. This is usually caused by a previous soap build-up or rogue stickiness from a spill. Stains reappearing from a process called “wicking” are also common. This is caused when the stain wicks up from the backing of the carpet.

Carpet Fibre Shading

Traffic or worn areas on carpet or furniture can take on a dark shade. This is caused from normal wear and is a permanent condition.

Carpet Buckling

A carpet that is improperly stretched to the walls or loose from its backing will buckle when cleaned. Some carpet has permanent buckles and other carpet will buckle only on hot, humid days or when cleaned. In most cases, the carpet will recede to the condition prior to cleaning when completely dry.

Black Carbon Edge

An accumulation of carbon or soot from air circulation (furnace or air conditioning) may collect along edges, air ducts, and at the bottom of draperies and doors. The build up (the bad type) is most noticeable on a light coloured carpet. Carbon condition isn't always completely removable.

Odours

Accidents by pets or water damage can cause damage to areas below the carpet fibres. Padding, backing, tack strip, sub-floor, walls, etc. can become affected by odours such as urine or mildew. Regular Britex carpet cleaning will assist to remove the odour and keep things soft and fresh.

Useful Facts

Germs and bacteria of all kinds can be tracked onto your carpeting. Even the use of treated doormats may significantly retard the process. These germs are alive and getting it on in your carpet. As long as it remains dirty, they will continue to breed and grow.

Sand, Grit, and Hard Dirt Particles

Sand, grit, and hard dirt particles which are deeply embedded in your carpet, will cause abrasion of the tips and sides of the fibres. In time, these scratches will make the carpet look dull.

Dirt Particles

Dirt particles contain an assortment of minerals and chemicals gathered and blended from a wide area. Humidity or moisture tracked into your home on shoes can act as a catalyst to this foreign matter. The reaction may cause severe damage to the carpet dye and can actually change the colour of the carpet over long periods of time.

Gasses in the Air

Gasses in the air caused by the burning of various fuels and the action of the sun on certain other gasses in the atmosphere can affect the carpet dye. Your own gasses can affect those around you.

Disinfectants

Many disinfectants and harsh detergents can affect carpet dye. The longer these foreign elements remain in your carpet, the more likely the colour is going to fade. It is dye damage that first causes you to notice a change in the colour of your carpet.

Soapy, Sticky Residue

Soapy and sticky residue from conventional shampoo, dry foam, spray and bonnet methods of cleaning will cause rapid re-soiling due to the lack of proper extraction of the chemicals from these methods. Spots and stains will resurface as they are only thrust a little deeper, and traffic lanes will appear dirty much sooner.

Soil

About 90% of all soil is dry particulate and can be easily removed by normal vacuuming. Only about 10% is oily and needs special attention.