Careers
Carpet and Career Descriptions
Rug and carpet cleaners use chemical solutions, soap and water, and a variety of hand brushes and mechanical equipment to clean rugs and carpets. Carpets are usually sewed together and tacked to the floor. They are cleaned in a customer's home. Rugs usually do not cover an entire floor. They are often cleaned in a rug cleaning plant. Most rug and carpet cleaners work for firms that specialize in cleaning rugs and carpets for homeowners, business firms, and other customers. Some rug and carpet cleaners work for building maintenance firms. Others are employed by large establishments, such as hotels and apartment .
When workers clean carpets in a customer's home or business, they first decide on the proper chemical solution and cleaning method to use, depending on the general condition and fiber content of the carpet. Then they apply the chemical solutions to the carpet to break down dirt and stains. Most cleaners use steam vacuums or mechanical circular scrubbers to extract the dirt. The carpet then dries naturally. Some methods require only an hour; others need six to eight hours.
Rug and carpet cleaners also examine floor coverings for stubborn stains that were not removed by the vacuum machines. They select the right type of stain remover for each kind of fiber and for each kind of stain. They work the stain remover into the rug or carpet until the stain is removed.
Rugs cleaned at a plant are usually fed into rug cleaning machines that scrub, rinse, and partly dry them. To finish drying, rugs are often hung in a heated room. Once the rugs are dry, rug cleaners may use a special machine to raise the pile. Other techniques may be used to help the rug keep its shape and resist soiling.
Rug cleaners sometimes clean delicate rugs by hand. They may repair and rebind edges using scissors, a knife, and needle and thread. Some rug and carpet cleaners also clean upholstered furniture. Workers are required to measure rugs and carpets and give customers estimates for the cleaning.
Where to Go for More Information:
Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration
8229 Cloverleaf Dr., Ste.
460 Millersville, MD 21108
(800) 272-7012
The Carpet and Rug Institute
730 College Dr.
Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 278-3176
International Fabricare Institute
14700 Sweitzer Ln.
Laurel, MD 20707
(800) 638-2627
