I have noticed some acid rinses actually leaves some fibers hard. But other brands made some fibers really soft. I still havnt found a really good fabric rinse that works that great yet.
The question assumes that all acid rinses are the same... They're not, though. In general, "No", they're not necessary on every job. When they are necessary, is when there is a lot of prespray (such as a heavily- soiled carpet, restaurant, etc.) present that needs to be flushed out efficiently, or when there is a specific problem that they can address well. Many "acid rinses" are simply an acid of some kind, and water. But even at that simple "definition", they can't be put into a category together accurately, because different acids have different characteristics. For instance, citric acid, which is often used, is difficult to rinse and therefore typically leaves a noticeable residue. And, if you're using it as an actual rinse , then you're compounding the problem because you're rinsing with the very thing that you're trying to remove from the carpet. (It ain't gonna work...) A good rinse has more than "just" water and acid. And the acid or acids chosen rinse extremely well. Also, it's highly concentrated, so that the amount necessary in rinse solution is minimal. At any rate, the answer is, "No", not always. Rinses are more for trouble- shooting pre- existing problems...
Hey, Rob... No. I'd planned to, assuming that I could get the Nemesis project underway in time enough to have one to show there. But it just didn't work out that way. The first one will be being assembled starting next week. And it will take a week or so to do, the first time, in order to get everything lined up properly and tested, etc. I've got three of them sold at this point, so the next two to three weeks will be pretty busy. I will be looking into Connections, Las Vegas, though. And of course, the mini fests. Thanks...
Thanks, Keith. Same here. I've seen you posting "around" lately and hope to meet you soon. I'm also looking forward to presenting the new systems I've designed to "the public".
An acid rinse can be used to neutralize or acidify textiles that are adversely affected by alkaline cleaners for instance wool; indicator dyes etc. Since most effective cleaning is on the alkaline side there is a tendency to use alkaline based cleaners. On the safe side to clean alkali affected materials its best to use less alkaline or neutral or acid cleaners as the situation permits. If an alkaline cleaner was used to clean alkali sensitive fibers, it is a good idea to use an acid rinse. Another advantage of a well formulated acid rinse is that it leaves the fibers soft.
Acid Rinse I use a product called Matrix All Fiber Rinse (sold by jon-don), I find it leaves the fibers nice and soft.
So does a little detergent in the water. I think some people confuse stiff carpet with lack of acid rinse when it is caused by hard water.
I always thought that the acid rinse was to neutralize, remove residue, and soften the carpet. I also thought fibers need to be neutral if appying protectors for proper attatchment. I have also used some rinses that seem to leave the fiber stiff. Bobby Hales
Dr Aziz, are there different kind of acid rinses like Duane mention. And what are the differences. Chris Kallas
Hey Duane, got another chem question for you. I use ultrapac renovate for my worst cleanings. Traffic areas, furniture lines and such. My friends call it "nuking" the carpet. I DO replace the protectant. (Not that there was any there to begin with) But my question is whether or not there is perhaps a better way to get the same results that renovate gives me? Matt PS. I know renovate isn't "listed" for carpet cleaning.
No truth to that whatsoever, however, I and many others would never recommend the use of D.I. water. It is "mineral hungry". R/O water is safe, and my system gets nasty city water to an extremely low T.D.S. Now making the water "dirt hungry" Hope this helps...
I used Reverse Osmosis water, which is slightly acidic (6.5). I also double rinse everything and double extract. Leaves the carpet nice and soft. So, I don't find a use to acid rinse agents. If we are facing natural fibers, we start by spraying good ol acetic acid (vinegar), works as well as any rinse agent. Just my .02 worth. Jeremy
