Filtration soiling is a common problem that occurs on residential and commercial carpets. Filtration soiling is referred to as those gray or black stains that most often occur along baseboards, under doors, and along the edges of stairs. Filtration soiling can be difficult to remove and they often return after a few weeks. To properly clean and manage filtration soiling stains, Palm Spring Carpet Cleaning will share why these stains occur and what some of the best methods to remove these stubborn stains are.

Black Lines Around Edges of Carpet?

Filtration soiling is essentially air borne particles that settle and become trapped in carpet along the air flow paths. The air is often pushed along the edges of baseboards, stairs steps, and under doors by an HVAC vent. Some of the common particles that cause the stain is dirt, grease, and fireplace soot. However, other common contributors are candles, indoor smoking, and cooking oils. Removing filtration soiling stain can be a challenge and often requires more than one step to remove the stains completely. Here is how to remove filtration soiling from carpets.

Filtration Soil Remover

First step always begins with thorough vacuuming. As filtration soiling most often occurs along the edges, so make sure to use the vacuum hose to finely clean the edges. Before you begin cleaning the stains, you may want to protect the baseboards or walls by using a shim or plastic sheet. You will need a quality filtration soil cleaner. Some of the recommended filtration soil cleaners are Prochem, Filter-Out, ResCare, or Kleenrite Blackout. With your preferred cleaner, perform a pretest before continuing with the cleaning. When doing a pretest, select a discrete area of carpet that can’t be easily seen. Apply a small amount of the cleaner and see if the carpet reacts to the cleaner. If no reactions occurs, then proceed. Most filtration soil cleaners require dilution, so follow manufactures directions. Some may require a spray bottle for application. Some you can pour onto the stains. Carefully read the directions, apply the cleaner and wait the allotted time. Often filtration soiling stains require a bit of scrubbing, Use a scrub brush to begin removing the stain. After the stain has been cleaned, be sure to rinse the cleaner out of the carpet with plain water. You can use a carpet cleaning machine, or shop vac to extract the water out of the carpet. Another method is to use dry towels to press down on the damp carpet to absorb the moisture out of the carpet.

How to Prevent Carpet Filtration Soiling

Filtration soiling will once again return. To help reduce and prevent the stain from returning there are a few steps you can take. One way to prevent filtration soiling is by applying a soil-and-stain guard on the carpets. Another step that can help reduce filtration soiling is to regularly change out the HVAC air filters as they can help capture the dust, grease and other particles instead of the carpets.

Carpet Cleaning, Stain Removal & More in Cathedral City, Indio, Riverside, Coachella Valley, California

If you find it to be too challenging to remove filtration soiling or other stains, contact Palm Spring Carpet Cleaning. We provide carpet cleaning services and more. Contact Palm Spring Carpet Cleaning to schedule our services today.