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Help! How Do I Apply Carpet Protector?

Applying Carpet Protector is Quick, Easy, and Profitable

Here's a quick primer.

Whichever protector you choose, measure to know the proper amount you need and mix up just a little extra. You don’t want to run out, and there will always be a little left in your sprayer. There are different application rates for different conditions and different carpet styles.  A gallon of concentrate of Advanced Protector with Teflon and Maxim Advanced will cover up to 2,400 sq. ft.  

Thicker carpets, or carpets that have not had a protector applied regularly, may need up to twice the standard amount. Thin carpets, like commercial glue down, may need only half the standard amount.

Use an electric, battery-operated, or pump-up sprayer. Use 35 to 55 PSI pressure. For application to carpet, most manufacturers suggest an 06 opening. This is found by taking the spray jet number; e.g., 6506, and using the right 2 numbers--the “06” in 6506.  Read our article on “Carpet Cleaning Spray Jets 101” if you want to learn more about spray jets.

I like to use an 08 tip which has an even larger orifice. Using the correct tip assures that your sprayer produces larger droplets that fall onto the carpet quickly and do not drift around in the air. This makes it easier to control where it sprays. Hold the spray wand 12" to 18" off the carpet. Too close and there is bounce back. Too far away and you’ll get it in places you don’t want it.

Smaller jet size openings (remember, the two, sometimes 3, numbers on the right) are used for the upholstery to prevent over-wetting the thinner fabric.

Fiber protectors are meant for the carpet, not for anyone’s lungs. Consider protecting your lungs with a simple dust mask or a respirator if a solvent protector is being applied. Other people, including pets, should be kept away from the area you are working in, and off the surface until the protector has dried.

Apply half the amount while walking in one direction. Turn 90 degrees and apply the 2nd half of the amount moving perpendicular to the first pass. If you have a little left, apply this in the highest traffic lanes to give a little added benefit. Use a Grandi Groom Brush or Grandi Groom Rake to rake the protector into the pile.

To ensure you get every surface of the carpet, consider agitating with a Brush Pro counter-encapsulating machine. This is much easier on the body than raking it with a Grandi Groom Rake, it looks more professional, and is a versatile machine that you can use for a lot of different things. 

Wondering how often you should protect carpets? Every one to two years is generally recommended as hot water extraction, and hundreds of vacuum passes will eventually remove the protector from the carpet.

Side note: offering a carpet or upholstery protector on every job is one of the most powerful ways to add value to your customer, and increase your profit per job. Also, different protectors work better and offer more benefits on particular fibers. See How to Choose the Right Protector for the Job to learn more. 

How do you apply carpet and upholstery protectors? Let us know in the comments below.

 

Featured Products 

 

Advanced Protector-3

Hydro-Force Carpet Protector Advanced Protector, 1 Gallon

 

Maxim Advanced 1 Gallon-3

Bridgepoint Systems Carpet Protector Maxim Advanced, 1 Gallon

 

Brush Pro 20

Hydro-Force Counter-Rotating Brush Machine, Brush Pro, 20"

carpet cleaning, carpet protector

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