coir carpet

[Ryan Smyth]

Just got a phone enquiry about a "choir" carpet dont know if thats the right spelling or what it is.Aparently she has done some research and has come to the conclusion that it can only be cleaned by Host,can anyone shed a bit of light on this?
Ryan

 

[Joe Hatton]

Hi Ryan
Take out the "h" and it will be spelt correct.
Do a search here on Cleantalk and you will find a few threads and posts to keep your attention for half an hour or so.
Basically coir doesnt like to much water hence the customers research comes up with Host (or other very low moisture granules) - the search will help with alternatives.

 

[Ryan Smyth]

Cheers Joe

 

[Neil Legg]

Ryan. Craftex have just brought out a product called Ecotex. Its a foam that is apparently based on plant extracts but is designed for problems such as coir etc. About the same price for 5 litres but coverage is only about 60m2 per litre so not for general use! I have some but haven't needed it yet so cant report on results.

 

[John Bolton]

Neil,

If you are going to use a foam to limit moisture, you might just as well use M-Power at low levels.

 

[Jim Neal]

Singing carpets, that'll be the day

Good advice above.

I've corrected the spelling of the title of the thread, because it may help people searching in future and also the forum software may be able to match it up to similar threads.

(scroll down and you should see a list)

 

[Neil Legg]

What sort of level would you suggest John?

 

[John Bolton]

Neil,

Easier to demonstrate than describe!

I cleaned a 16th century cottage that was completely carpeted in coir, which was laid over undulating stone floors. The carpet had dog urine stains and a large cellulostic browning stain in the lounge resulting for the spillage of a glass of water.

I used what i call the 'Continuous Moisture Method'. This involves a very light misting followed by immediate brushing. With the light application, the friction of mechanical brushing removes a noticeable amount of moisture, which is replaced by further misting. this is repeated as often as required to produce the required result, with the fibres never being 'wet' but maintained as 'moist' throughout the process. In this instance, because of the very uneven surface, I used a Host machine fitted with gold brushes but a rotary could be used on flat surfaces.

I have used this method also on sisal and seagrass but take no responsibility for any damage that may result from using this method. A successful result is a matter of judgement based on experience. My basic advice remains that these three fibres are best cleaned with granules and that even then care should be taken in even distribution as even a pile of granules sitting in one spot too long can result in problems.

 

[Neil Legg]

Thanks for that John. Will bear that in mind. I have granules as well so plenty of options in the armoury should I get a customer with this sort of floor covering.

 

[Des Rynne]

Ryan just to say i had a job once on a coir carpet where there was a small area of carpet that was gruby and i cleaned it with granules and it took the colour out of the carpet

 

[Terry Morris]

hi Des which granules did you use?

 

[Steve Carpenter]

Hi Terry,

Des’s has highlighted how sensitive these natural carpets are! Even with dry compound cleaners (it doesn’t matter which brand), problems can still occur. Some of these carpets simply can’t be cleaned!

You see many cleaning solutions or products in the market, which are advertised, as being safe on natural textiles and fibres. Until you test thoroughly for suitability you won’t know!

Testing for suitability of method is just as important as improper agitation can also cause damage.

Regards

Steve

 

[John Bolton]

I quite agree - please note my last paragraph. I stopped short of saying unless you are really expert and experienced, don't try it because that would sound arrogant.......... BUT !

 

[Ian Harman]

As usual Steve and JB's advice is spot on. I looked at one once and it watermarked if you even blinked at it! The sad thing is that the flooring supplier sold it as being "durable" (even with grandchildren!!!!!!!!).

 

[Trevor Ives]

There is a company in Kidderminster - of all places!- that specialise in natural carpets. Fortunately I don't come across them very often. Except sisal fitted in a pub bar and dining room.
I declined to get involved.

Trevor