If you have air conditioning and climate control in your Redding home, you use it to cool down multiple rooms during the summer and warm then up in winter months. Both systems adjust air temperature and then push that air into rooms, connected by a system of ducts and vents. This creates positive air pressure in the connected rooms. Like a balloon, the air in the room is forced to escape out of any unsealed opening until the pressure is equalized. Typically, such areas are gaps between carpet and walls, leading to unsealed spaces under closed doors. The air vents themselves are also common escape routes.
Gradually, you might see darker areas that look like shadows along those gaps, under those doors, or around those vents. They might look like gray or black stripes. This is called filtration soiling. It’s a common phenomenon that happens more often with large numbers of particulates in the ambient air. These particulates come from candle smoke, cooking oils, fireplace ash, and wildfires. Since Redding has seen lots of wildfire smoke this year, odds are high that you also see filtration soiling in your home.
Removing the Soil Buildup
When you see this buildup around your air conditioning vents, usually all it takes is a damp towel and a mild cleaning agent to wipe it away from the walls. Getting filtration soiling out of your carpet is much more challenging. The particles causing the discoloration are extremely fine, and they easily get lodged into your carpet pile at the microscopic level. Vacuuming helps, but over time a homeowner vacuum cannot remove all of the smoke particles from your carpet fibers.
The best way to remove filtration soiling is with professional hot water extraction, especially from Preferred Carpet Care. Our specialized applicators get deep into your carpet, dislodging the particles that create filtration soiling. Our extraction method also reaches to the very edge of your carpet where it meets the wall or baseboards, and we easily clean any areas creating unsightly shadows under the doors.
Prevention of Filtration Soiling
Air conditioners and climate control units have filters to help catch particles as the air moves through the system. Make sure your filters are regularly changed or cleaned. Always install the best filter your system can handle. Some climate control models can use a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter for your system that catches even smaller particles. Also, be sure your air ducts are clean. Dust and dirt can easily accumulate in your ductwork, only to get blown out into your room over time.
Avoid Particulate Buildup!
Of course, one of the most effective methods of keeping soil filtration away is a professional carpet cleaning every six months from Preferred Carpet Care in Redding. Don’t give those particles a chance to accumulate! With each visit, any buildup of soil filtration gets removed before you can notice it’s presence. The edges along the walls and under the doors are just as fresh and clean as the rest of your carpet!
You don’t need to put up with filtration soiling when our years of expertise and specialized equipment removes it for you. To schedule a cleaning or to get more information on filtration soiling, please call Preferred Carpet Care in Redding or schedule an appointment online.