7-Step Element Exchange Method
The Element Exchange Method is a process designed to rejuvenate your carpets using thorough care and precision, all while eliminating the need for excess moisture and long dry times. If you've never heard of it, there's a good reason - it's something we developed and coined ourselves! Forged by years of experience and field application, our method is gentle on pets and people yet powerful and effective at removing dirt, stains, pet dander and other allergens from your carpet. The process uses up to 80% less moisture than traditional methods, significantly decreasing dry times and potential for water damage.
What is an "Element Exchange"?
The term Element Exchange refers to the transfer of ion containing encapsulating polymers. A special pad creates a positive charge that attracts the negatively charged ions of the soiled polymers. This is the process that allows the breakdown and removal of dirt and allergens, without the need for excess moisture.
7-Step process
Prep & Inspection
Prep & Inspection
Prep & Inspection
The process begins by vacuuming the carpets to remove loose dirt and debris so that stains and problem areas can be efficiently detected. The technician will analyze each area and determine the best products and methods to utilize.
Spot Treat
Prep & Inspection
Prep & Inspection
Stains from things like ink, dyes, and synthetic coloring have a higher risk of becoming permanent if cleaned incorrectly. This is why we carefully spot treat any problem stains before we even begin applying the cleaning solution!
Pre-spray
Prep & Inspection
Rake / Agitate
After determining the appropriate level of moisture to apply based on the pile height and soil level, the technician coats the area in a special encapsulating pre-spray. It's gentle enough that its safe to touch, yet powerful enough to eliminate dirt and allergens.
Rake / Agitate
Rake / Agitate
Rake / Agitate
While the pre-spray dwells, the technician uses a rotating brush or scrubbing pad to rake the carpet fibers. This helps to break down and loosen dirt and allergens as well as providing increased coverage and penetration of the cleaning solution.
Extraction
Rake / Agitate
Extraction
While the star of the show is still the powerful ionic exchange, it can also complement water extraction effectively when the situation requires it. This can include presence of pet urine and odor, large spills, and excessive soiling that has penetrated through the bottom of the padding.
Exchange
Rake / Agitate
Extraction
At this stage, the cleaning solution has done its work to break down dirt and allergens on a molecular level. Microscopic polymers that attract and trap the remaining residues have begun forming. The dry pass creates the element exchange by attracting negatively charged ions in the fully formed polymers.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation
Encapsulation
The magic of encapsulation doesn't stop there - the polymers left behind continue to attract and trap dirt. A barrier is formed around the carpet fiber that allows soiled polymers to be easily extracted. The soil-suspension properties can last several months with routine vacuuming!