| To be suitable for offices, shops or other commercial | | | | Dry Cleaning |
| premises, carpet tiles need to be significantly more | | | | This process involves brushing a detergent powder |
| resistant to wear and soiling than products bought | | | | into the carpet and leaving it for around half an hour. |
| for the home. Part of the reason for this is the fact | | | | It's then removed by vacuuming. In some products |
| that domestic users tend to be more conscientious | | | | this powder is slightly moist, but the vacuuming |
| about spills, staining and dirt tracked in from outside. | | | | process is generally sufficient to dry it ready for use. |
| Tiles near the office's kitchen areas are often | | | | Instructions for use and storage should be closely |
| repeatedly stained and this will become permanent if | | | | followed to avoid hazards. |
| not removed, whatever the quality of the floor | | | | Staining |
| covering. | | | | Staining can be a frustrating problem in office areas. |
| Your new carpet tiles represent an investment in the | | | | Staff education and persuasion may be required to |
| presentation of your business. It makes sense to | | | | ensure that spillages are reported and resolved as |
| maximise the visual appeal of that investment, and to | | | | quickly as possible. Bürofloor commercial carpet |
| make sure it lasts for years. This article gives some | | | | tiles are extremely stain-resistant, but neglected |
| recommendations on keeping them at their best. | | | | staining will inevitably cause permanent damage. |
| Soiling from Outside | | | | Wet Staining |
| Office users rarely wipe their feet on entry as they | | | | Many people react to spills of this kind by scrubbing |
| would at home. This makes reasonably broad barrier | | | | with cloths or tissues. This does little more than |
| mats an important defence against dirt and grit | | | | spread the stain. The correct procedure is to begin |
| tracked in from outside. These mats should be | | | | by blotting the area with clean dry cloths or |
| cleaned and/or changed regularly. | | | | absorbent paper towels. Once as much as possible of |
| Vacuum Cleaning | | | | the liquid has been removed, the remaining staining |
| Bürofloor carpet tiles respond well to cleaning | | | | should be diluted with water applied with a clean cloth |
| via powerful, industrial vacuum cleaners; the pile is | | | | or sponge, working from the edge to the centre of |
| strongly anchored, and the strong suction removes | | | | the stain. Stubborn stains may be easiest to remove |
| dirt and grit from deep down. Cut pile carpet tiles are | | | | if the tile is taken up and washed under a tap. |
| best cleaned using cleaners with driven brushes, while | | | | Copier Toner |
| loop pile should be cleaned with suction only. Where | | | | One of the most common dry stains in office |
| cleaning height is adjustable, the head should be set | | | | premises is a copier or printer toner spill. If you drop |
| so that slight resistance can be felt. Cleaning is most | | | | most of the contents of the cartridge, don't |
| efficient when the head is passed over the surface in | | | | immediately reach for the vacuum cleaner! The |
| two directions at right-angles to each other. | | | | powder is so fine that it can go straight through the |
| Heavy soiling areas, such as entry corridors, lift | | | | filter and the localised problem is liberally distributed. In |
| waiting areas or reception areas, should be vacuumed | | | | the case of a large spill it may be necessary to call |
| daily. | | | | the copier service company. Smaller spills shouldn't be |
| Shampooing | | | | too troublesome for a standard vacuum cleaner. As |
| Periodic shampooing will significantly extend the life of | | | | long as it's kept dry and no solvents are used there |
| carpet tiles. Done properly it removes the abrasive | | | | should be no staining. |
| grit that accumulates at the base of the pile and | | | | Replacement |
| contributes to wear. It also freshens the area and | | | | No carpet tile is invulnerable. In the case of an |
| may reduce allergies such as some types of hay | | | | indelible stain the only solution is replacement. Most |
| fever. The most effective method is by shampoo | | | | installations will leave a few tiles over. Don't throw |
| and hot water flushing. This not only removes | | | | them away - they'll be a better colour match than |
| ingrained soiling, but is also effective in flushing out | | | | any new replacements you buy. An alternative may |
| detergent residue. | | | | be to swap the damaged tile with one from a less |
| The covering should not be walked on until | | | | conspicuous area. |
| completely dry; this can take as much as 24 hours. | | | | |