Use and Care Guide
2.0
VACUUMING
THE MOST IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE TASK
Frequent and thorough vacuuming is the single most impor-
tant component of a carpet maintenance program. Studies
of the soil composition in a facility show that roughly 80%
is dry, insoluble soil, or what most of us refer to as dirt. The
most efcient way to remove this dry, insoluble soil is with
frequent and thorough vacuuming.
Soil accumulation is inevitable if vacuuming isn’t planned
at routine intervals. The best way to plan your vacuuming is
to identify high, medium and low-trafc areas. Continually
monitor these areas for changes in carpet performance and
make adjustments to the maintenance schedule as needed.
It is important to note that carpet is a three-dimensional
product. Unlike hard, two-dimensional ooring, carpet has
depth and the ability to hide soiling. Carpet can trap and
hold up to one pound of dirt per square foot before it ap-
pears dirty, which is a major advantage that carpet has over
other ooring types. Even though it may not appear dirty,
carpet requires routine maintenance, particularly vacuum-
ing, to remove soiling and keep it looking beautiful for years.
VACUMMING TIPS
Vacuum with slow, deliberate passes in length and
width for maximum effectiveness.
Heavy trafc areas require multiple passes back and
forth to sufciently extract embedded soil.
A vacuum with a brush roller will provide agitation to
help with soil removal.
Slow movement allows time for air to circulate through the
face yarn and extract soil.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
To adequately remove dry soil with routine vacuuming, you
will need to ensure that you use the proper equipment.
Mohawk recommends:
An upright, dual-motor vacuum with a brush roller and
high-efciency ltration for the bulk of your vacuuming
needs. Dual-motor vacuums have one motor for
the vacuum suction and one for the brush roller.
A wide-area vacuum for large corridors and other
wide-open areas.
A backpack or canister vacuum for stairs.