What is Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning? Is it better than steam cleaning or hot water extraction cleaning? It is your best defense against wicking, reappearing spots and rapid re-soiling associated with commercial carpets

The first complete soil crystallization system. These products are based on Pro's Choice soil crystallization technology and work together to eliminate wicking and rapid re-soiling.

ARA (Anti Re-Soiling Agent) is the original corrective post-cleaning treatment that solves rapid re-soiling. Simply spray ARA on the carpet following your cleaning procedure to eliminate sticky residue. ARA absorbs the residue and becomes a dry brittle crystal. When vacuumed it fractures away leaving a clean non-sticky fiber.

SCR Soil Crystallization Rinse Encapsulation Extraction Carpet Cleaner is a hot water extraction cleaner/rinse. This product is ideal for the extraction step of restorative cleaning. And yes, any residue dries to a brittle crystal. SCR performs the dual role of emulsifier and rinse agent. SCR functions as an extraction emulsifier in that it contributes to the performance of pre-spray and prevents re-attachment of soil to carpet fiber during the extraction process. Yet, SCR is a rinse agent in that it rinses away surfactant/detergent residues and then during the drying process combines with wicking residue to form non-sticky crystal structures.

Brush & Bonnet is ideal for interim cleaning of commercial carpets - especially low-profile level-loop carpet. Used for spray/brush and bonnet carpet cleaning procedures.

Soil Crystallization Technology is evolving from the original product ARA Anti Resoiling Agent from Pro's Choice into a variety of cleaning solutions now coined “encapsulation cleaners.” Much publicity is given this emerging cleaning method on the web with layman evaluations of cleaning performance, etc. In evaluating the effectiveness of this type of product, the following considerations must be made:

Soil Load Equilibrium Point or "SLEP"

SCR Soil Crystallization Rinse (formerly named “Crystal Rinse”) takes the soil crystallization technology into hot water extraction environments. SCR has soil release agents that work with pre-spray detergents to lift soil out of carpet fibers. Following the extraction process, detergent residue, and/or wicking soil is absorbed into the SCR then dried to a brittle non-sticky crystal. Note that in heavy soil environments, where substantial soil accumulation exists, ARA Anti Re-Soiling Agent should be applied as a post cleaning treatment to assist SCR. The reason for this is that SCR is in a very dilute form when used in extraction, thus leaving only a small amount of crystallization chemistry behind to handle the task of dealing with accumulated soil wicking. When SLEP is exceeded, the crystal does not fracture easily and the fiber stiffness will remain longer.

Here are some typical cleaning situations along with the recommended procedure for each:

• Extreme soil such as Chinese Restaurants:
  1. Pre-Spray with Pro’s Choice Pro-Zyme+.
  2. Agitate (rotary brush if possible).
  3. Extract with PCA™ Formula 4.
  4. Finish with ARA Anti-Resoiling Agent in the heavy traffic lane(s).
  5. In extreme cases of heavy sticky soil, finish with Pro’s Choice Brush & Bonnet and a carpet bonnet or spin pad to encapsulate any remaining soil and detergents and speed up the drying.
• Heavy soil such as entry areas and high traffic lanes:
  1. Pre-spray with Pro’s Choice Pro-Zyme+ or Extreme Clean
  2. Agitate if possible.
  3. Extract with SCR Soil Crystallization Rinse Encapsulation Extraction Carpet Cleaner.
  4. Finish with ARA only in heaviest traffic areas.
• Moderate Soil:
  1. Pre-Spray with Pro-Zyme.
  2. Extract with SCR.

What are some of the Advantages of Encapsulation Cleaning?

• Low overhead - Equipment cost is much lower than with truckmounted equipment
• Fast dry times - resulting in less downtime for the customer
• Less or no wicking - no more spots and stains coming back after cleaning
• Less resoiling
• Much quieter than hot water extraction equipment
• High production rate (more square feet cleaned per hour)

What are some of the Disadvantages of Encapsulation Cleaning?

• Can’t adequately clean heavily soiled, greasy carpet as in restaurants.
• Bonnet encapsulation method cannot be used on cut-pile carpet.
• Thorough vacuum cleaning required to remove the encapsulated soil.
• Not a deep-cleaning method.

Related Carpet Protector and Wicking Information:

• Carpet Protectors
• Detergent Chemistry
• Resoiling of carpet after cleaning
• Wicking of soil after cleaning carpet