Commercial Carpet Cleaning: What Does Office Carpet Cleaning Involve?

Commercial carpet cleaning entails keeping business spaces clean and tidy. 

 

Comfort, insulation, and sound absorption are the key benefits of commercial carpets, but they are also a dirt, dust and bacteria trap.

 

Regular cleaning not only provides a professional look but it also prolongs the life of your carpets and saves businesses having to replace them prematurely.

 

In this comprehensive guide – we detail what office carpet cleaning entails, the methods used to clean carpets, pros and cons, as well as the role soft facilities management plays in commercial carpet cleaning.

 

Why commercial carpet cleaning matters

 

Carpets in commercial spaces are subjected to heavy foot traffic, food spills and pollutants every day.

 

This gives dust mites, allergens, and bacteria the ability to grow and thrive, creating an environment that can be poor for air quality and, possibly, health. 

 

Commercial carpet cleaning helps to boost workplace hygiene, help improve air quality, and create a good impression for clients and employees.

 

In the UK, in 2022, there were 185.6m lost working days due to sickness or injury according to the Office for National Statistics – a record high.

 

Almost a third of these lost days were due to minor illnesses – 29.3% – which a clean office, including the carpet, can help prevent.

 

Commercial carpet cleaning is a must in industries that rely on cleanliness, but it’s also part of creating a spotless workplace for your staff.

 

Find out more about the workplace experience and how you can improve it.

 

Methods of commercial carpet cleaning

 

There are several cleaning techniques for different kinds of carpet, industries and individual needs.

 

However, understanding these methods enables businesses to make the best choice for their commercial space.

 

Hot water extraction

 

One method used for deep carpet cleaning is hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning.

 

This involves a combination of hot water and professional cleaning agents that break apart dirt and bacteria deep in the fibres of the carpet.

 

A very powerful vacuum pulls out the water and debris leaving the carpet refreshed. 

 

This is a particularly effective method for tackling tough stains and removing carpets in particularly busy places.

 

Benefits include:

• Exceptional at removing stains and odours
• Kills bacteria and allergens
• Thorough cleaning for heavily soiled carpets

 

Carpet shampooing

 

Carpet shampooing is a traditional yet still widely used cleaning method. It involves applying a foamy detergent to the carpet, agitating it with a brush, and then extracting the residue.

 

Benefits include:

• Simple and affordable
• Ideal for light to moderate cleaning
• Minimal equipment required

 

Dry carpet cleaning

 

This is an economically viable choice for businesses that do not have sufficient downtime to allow for extended cleaning cycles and requires a specialised powder and minimal moisture.

 

The powder absorbs dirt and bacteria and when vacuumed away, leaves your carpets clean and ready for use.

 

Benefits include:

• No drying time
• Suitable for delicate carpet materials
• Easy to implement during business hours

 

Encapsulation cleaning

 

This process, known as encapsulation cleaning, uses foam detergents, which crystallise dirt particles when dried. Once the crystals form, you can just vacuum them away.

 

Benefits include:

• Quick drying
• Long-lasting results
• Environmentally friendly due to reduced water usage

 

Bonnet cleaning

 

Bonnet cleaning uses a rotary machine with an absorbent pad to clean the carpet surface. It is a low-moisture method best suited for quick touch-ups in high-traffic areas.

 

This technique is often used in conjunction with other methods as part of a comprehensive cleaning schedule.

 

Benefits include:

• Minimal downtime
• Effective for surface-level dirt

 

Comprehensive carpet treatments are often a key part of deep cleaning. Read this detailed guide – What does a deep clean include? – to find out more.

 

Office carpet cleaning

 

Office carpets enhance appearance, are comfortable, and good at absorbing noise. But they need particular treatment to endure daily use.

Key considerations for office carpet cleaning include:

 

• Minimal downtime: Cleaning must not disrupt offices which all operate on tight schedules. Dry carpet cleaning and encapsulation methods are in demand owing to their short turnaround time.
• Durability: Certain areas such as corridors and meeting rooms should be cleaned with robust methods to avoid early wear.
• Health and hygiene: Cleaning makes for a healthier workspace for employees that is also free from allergens and bacteria.

 

Also, take a look at out guide on preparing for health and safety inspections.

 

Routine maintenance combined with periodic deep cleaning of office carpet is often the best option to prolong the life of carpets.

 

Retail-specific carpet cleaning

 

Different industries have unique challenges when it comes to carpet maintenance.

 

In retail, carpets must be strong enough to stand the heavy traffic yet still look as good as they did when first installed.

 

Encapsulation can quickly solve the problem of busy stores as well as bonnet cleaning, for example, but there are a wide range of ways to make carpets in retail stores look perfect.

 

Find out more about our boutique retail cleaning services.

 

Commercial carpet cleaning as part of facilities management

 

Soft facilities management provides services that make a workplace more comfortable and functional. For more details, read about the differences between hard and soft facilities management.

 

This will ensure that carpets maintain their clean appearance while also looking inviting to employees, visitors and customers.

 

Outsourcing carpet cleaning will provide businesses with access to tailored solutions specific to their needs and requirements.

 

Experts will discuss carpet types, amount of foot traffic, and what’s required by the industry to deliver the best.

 

Final thoughts: Commercial carpet cleaning

 

Commercial carpet cleaning is essential for maintaining the hygiene, appearance, and longevity of carpets in business spaces.

 

That’s particularly the case if you have office pets! Read about the best office pets to boost workplace productivity.

 

By understanding the various cleaning methods and their applications, businesses can make informed decisions that align with their needs.

 

For industries ranging from healthcare to hospitality, professional cleaning ensures carpets remain pristine, supporting employee well-being and leaving a positive impression on clients.

 

As part of soft facilities management, carpet cleaning goes beyond aesthetics. It contributes to a clean, efficient workspace that reflects the professionalism and care of a business. 

 

Partnering with an experienced provider like Think FM ensures your workspaces are always at their best.

 

Working with the #1 commercial cleaning company London has to offer allows you to scale your cleaning needs up or down whenever you need.

 

That’s why we provide arguably the best daily office cleaning services London businesses throughout the capital rely on. Our promise is that we always do what we say we’re going to do.

 

For more details about our wide range of cleaning services, including specialist floor cleaning, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

share this article

Related articles