CM/Spotlight: Carpet Care are dry, they are more vulnerable to resoil-ing,” Berjer adds. Finally, extractors that heat the cleaning solution can also prove to be more effective at traffic lane soil removal. Berjer points to author and cleaning expert Dr. Michael Berry, who writes that many contaminants can be removed “even without soap” because the hot water dis-solves them. However, Berjer recommends prespray-ing traffic lanes with an effective cleaning agent before extraction. Prevention Now that we understand what traffic lane soiling is and how to remove it, we can dis-cuss how to prevent it. According to Christopher Tricozzi, vice president of sales and marketing for Crown Mats and Matting, one of the leading and oldest matting companies in North America, “A high-performance matting system is designed to capture, trap and hold soils and moisture before they can be walked onto carpets and soil pathways.” However, just placing a mat at the door will not do. Tricozzi suggests as much as 15 feet of matting is necessary, including: Five feet of scraper mat placed outside the facility, which is designed to scrape off debris from shoe bottoms Five feet of wiper/scraper matting placed directly inside doors, which removes more debris and moisture Five feet of wiper matting placed directly after the wiper/scraper mat, which removes any remaining debris and moisture from the shoes, complet-ing the matting system. “What is vital to understand about a high-performance matting system is that it requires three different types of mats, each five feet long, all working together,” adds Tricozzi. “This ‘systems’ approach is espe-cially necessary in locations where pathway soiling is a problem.” In years past, carpets in office areas were expected to last five to seven years, while hallway carpets would have to be replaced every two to three years. Now, we know there are effective ways to both remove traffic lane soils and help prevent them. This can be a major cost savings for end customers, which can earn the cleaning contractor that puts them into practice a hearty “job well-done” from their clients, in addition to their repeat business. CM Robert Kravitz is a former building service con-tractor and the author of two books on the profes-sional cleaning industry. He is a frequent writer in many publications regarding cleaning, health and related issues. He may be reached at [email protected]. Circle Product Information no. 203 on page 32 40 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • July 2011
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