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Visit the Carpet Care Section of the ISSA Bookstore!

Get the latest, most cutting-edge resources out there on specific cleaning applications such as carpet and hard-floor care at the ISSA Bookstore. You'll find training manuals, DVDs, books, and software programs designed to teach you and your staff best practices and techniques for cleaning, and more!

And now we have a new, easy-to-use, quick, and secure Self-Serve Web portal for browsing and purchasing our valuable educational resources. Start shopping now!

Carpet cleaning professionals and others who clean carpets may know that a defoamer is recommended when extracting carpets. But, some carpet cleaners may not be exactly sure what a defoamer is, why it is necessary, and how to use it.

Using a defoamer during the carpet cleaning process is integral in many situations. A defoamer is a chemical concentrate designed to eliminate foam, which can develop in the recovery process of carpet extraction. Defoamers are typically used in both portables and truck mount units.

A defoamer is a 'must-have' in situations where carpets have been cleaned frequently using bonnet, shampoo, or encapsulation methods because these methods can leave a lot of [chemical] solution in the carpet. The defoamer keeps the soiled water and cleaning solution mixture from foaming.

But Why Is This Necessary?
Foam that develops in the recovery tanks may cause the tanks to be emptied prematurely, slowing worker productivity.

Additionally, the moisture from the foam can rust or damage key components of the extractor, such as the vacuum motor, reducing the performance of the machine and shortening its lifespan.

Using a defoamer is relatively easy.  Here are some instructions that will apply to most of the defoamers now available:

• Pour 1-3 ounces of defoamer (as instructed on the product's label) into the recovery tank of the extractor
• Clean and extract carpets as usual
• Pour another 1-3 ounces of defoamer directly into the vacuum hose; this will "shower" the recovery tank for additional protection
• Reapply the defoamer each time the tank has been emptied.

Because more and more facilities are combining interim carpet cleaning methods with extraction, using a defoamer and using it properly are critical. Along with protecting the machine and enhancing worker productivity, carpets often come out cleaner and healthier because so much of the chemical residue has been removed.

Related Video Check out this carpet cleaning demo with Ruth Travis. Watch it now.