So you want to clean your outdoor glue down carpet. Whether done so professionally or DIY, there are some things you need to know. Yes, I know, what could you possibly need to know about commercial glue down carpet. Well, more than you would have thought! Let’s talk about it.

Most carpet mills manufacture carpet in a very similar way, but not all carpet mills use the same adhesives to bond the carpet backing. This is just an example of some differences you will find between carpet manufacturers. So, why does this matter to you? Well, it matters a lot because it’s the difference between success and failure from a cleaning perspective. Most consumers that purchase glue down grade carpet probably don’t consider cleaning negatives or positives. Having said that, that is until their carpet is cleaned with negative results and then the questions come rolling in! Your probably asking what questions are you referring to? Here goes.

  1. Why is my carpet bubbling up?
  2. My carpet is coming unglued
  3. Why are the carpet seams coming undone?
  4. There are snags and runs in my carpet

Oh yes, but I was told when I purchased my carpet it was easy to clean! In some ways yes and some ways no, really depends on the process and the knowledge used to clean it. As mentioned above, there can be negative affects from cleaning a glue down carpet. Here is a list of what “Not To Do” when cleaning a glue down carpet.

  1. Do not use too much heat! Number one mistake made by carpet cleaners or DIY consumers…
  2. Never ever use POG (Paint, Oil & Grease Removers) on glue down carpet. The solvents used will dissolve the glue and carpet will bubble up!
  3. Do not use brushes or rotating extractors as this can cause tears and snags on your carpet
  4. Using carpet detergents to clean with are harsh and can discolor your carpet
  5. Leaving the carpet too wet can cause the glue to come loose and carpet will bubble or ripple
  6. Carpet can delaminate. This is where the carpet separates from the latex backing

The bottom line, avoid the negatives mentioned above and your carpet can be cleaned without negative results. To avoid the negatives, here is what you should do when cleaning a glue down carpet.

    1. First, use cold water to clean your glue down carpet – prevents rippling or bubbling
    2. Use detergent and solvent free pre-treating and cleaning solutions
    3. Do not manipulate or rub spots or stains too much – carpet will bubble or ripple
    4. Keep from rubbing as this will disrupt the loop causing a wear spot that’s permanent
    5. Avoid cleaning near tears or snags – trim them immediately!
    6. Never vacuum your carpet without trimming any snags a well – the vacuum brushes will pull the snag and run the carpet
    7. Be sure to extract as much cleaning solution as possible and let dry
    8. Use drying fans to speed up the drying process

These are just a few of the steps used to prevent a carpet malfunction. Be sure to take your time when cleaning and properly follow the steps listed above.