Cleaning methods can affect new-carpet warranty 

Be sure to check warranty’s fine print for approved maintenance processes.

It’s up to cleaning professionals to make sure their choice of cleaning methods doesn’t negate or limit a carpet manufacturer’s warranty.

Carpet Void

Collins & Aikman Floor coverings, a Dalton, GA-based carpet manufacturer, states in its maintenance guide that the company "will not warrant problems caused by poor or improper maintenance".

The company identifies four "non-approved" carpet cleaning methods:

• Dry foam. "Detergent is difficult to remove, contributing to rapid re-soiling. Does not deep clean."

• Rotary brush. "Detergent is difficult to remove, contributing to rapid re-soiling, and the action of the brushes can cause pile distortion. Does not deep clean.

• Bonnet. "This method only affects the surface of the carpet. The buffing action can distort the carpet pile and grind dirt deeper into the pile, and the spinning action of the pad can distort face yarn."

• Dry powders. "Not recommended as a primary cleaning method for [company] products. Use instructions for dry powders must be closely followed to make sure powders do not build up in the carpet which result in performance problems."

Collins & Aikman says that water extraction "is the recommended and most effective method to deep clean."

Preferred Cleaning

Carey Mitchell, director of technical services for carpet manufacturer Shaw Industries Inc., says his company won’t void its warranty based on cleaning methods used. He says Shaw "recommends hot water extraction as a preferred process.

The company’s recently revised maintenance program states its recommendations "are based on significant laboratory work and many years of experience in the field."

In its maintenance program guide, Shaw Industries opposes bonnet cleaning its carpet:

"It is not a substitute for hot water extraction. It has very limited capability for soil removal and often leaves most of the detergent in the pile. The spinning bonnet may distort the pile of cut-pile carpets and leave distinct swirl marks. Shaw’s experience has been that more customer soiling complaints result from this system than all other causes combined. The bonnet system may damage the edges of some carpet tiles."

Insider Input

The topic of carpet warranties recently surfaced on Cleaning & Maintenance Management’s online forum, accessible at www.cmmonline.com.

Clayton Shull is a senior carpet inspector employed as a "trouble shooter" for British Columbia, Canada-based Edenvale Restoration Specialists. He says an unidentified university facility manager told him that a carpet representative for various carpet manufacturers stated that bonnet cleaning can destroy carpet, thus voiding the warranty.

Mickey's Sales & Service recommends that cleaning managers tell the carpet manufacturer that they want a letter that allows them to use bonnet cleaning without affecting the warranty. Managers should make it clear in the letter that they won’t buy or recommend a manufacturer’s carpet without the waiver.