So i have a space to set up my first wash pit. I have pool liner and a pump. Im also very comfortable in identifying fiber type, colorfastness and construction method. What chems do you keep on hand for different situations: regular cleaning, pet damage, deodorizer, dye lock, fringe cleaning, etc. Also, when applying a dye lock on a bleeder how do you apply? Spray on with pump up or do you fill the pit with it and soak the rug? Thanks
Fringe Cleaning Formula To 1 gallon of hot water, add 4 ounces of Bridgepoint Fabric Shampoo, 2 ounces of Buff All, 1 Ounce of Boost All. Stir into a foam and apply to fringes with soft brush. Bridgepoint's Dye-Loc is the best product for prevent bleeding issues. Mix it at 3 ounces per gallon and saturate the rug before putting it into the wash pit. TCU Neutralizer disolves the alkaline salts left from urine damage. It also helps remove the lipids (animal fats) included in urine deposits that could be a barrier to water based cleaning solutions. So I always pretreat with TCU Neutralizer for spots or add TCU Neutralizer to the pit and allow the rug to soak if there is urine over a large area. Hydrocide deodorizer is safe for wool and works on a variety of odors.
I use Carolyn Extol in the pit. Expensive to ship so I will be changing as soon as I am out. Lots of cleaners use MB orintal rug shampoo. I like it but always had trouble getting it out of the rugs. For urine I use acetic acid (hard to find) - vinegar instead. Soak in a bath of 50/50 with water and flush. Fringes - what Scott said works great. You should be able to clean them in the pit - scrub them. Dye block is good - vinegar will help set dyes. Hydrocide is good - also hear good things about MB skunk odor remover. Do a search and read - read - read! Where in NJ are you? I am in Orangr County NY if you need me.
Thanks Scott and Rugman, Anybody ever us Chemspec's In-Plant? Or is that not what that is for? Im in Somerset county NJ, about 30 mins outside Manhattan.
Chemspec is a long time favorite of many plant rug cleaners. However, there definition of "in-plant" is for Moore machines and similar large automated systems, not the mini rug plants most on this forum might have.
Got it. So would you suggest an oriental shampoo for basic cleaning? If so, can you suggest one that i can add deo or TCU to without problems?
Bridgepoint's Fabric Shampoo is safe for all natural fibers. It also provides plenty of lubrication if needed when agitating with rotary machine or brushes. Fab-Set is a good rinse for wool rugs.
I think Chemspec makes a Oriental Rug Shampoo in addition to the Inplant - not sure though. Never tried it. Buy a gallon of some different types and see what you like. Just make sure it is safe for wool. Not too many dist around in our area. call me any time 845-258-1099. i am down on Marlboro, NJ lots - Sister lives there.
We use liquid enzyme deodorizer, odorcide or Bridgepoint Spice is nice too, we also add some acetic or citric acid to the pit. This is for the urine nasties.
I second the LST. Paul Lucas at Chemmax has a full line for rug washing. You should at least call and talk to him before making a decision. He is a great source for technical help also. Ask him about relying on acetic acid for dye stabilization. 800 858 7237
