Author
Bill Luallen

Bill Luallen is the Director of Technical Services for XL North, a division of Textile Rubber and Chemical Company. He is the current IICRC CCMT TAC Chair and also the former Vice Chair of the RFMT. He participates on many panels and boards including the CRI 204/205 Carpet Maintenance and Cleaning Standards. When Bill is not traveling to work with customers or talking on the phone, he spends all his down time with his wife Cynthia of 30 years, outside enjoying this beautiful world.

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Many technicians hear the words “Just see what you can do” when met with a flooring problem. But how many of these issues are actually fixable? How often does “seeing what you can do” turn into “this can’t be repaired”? Do you know how to correct the below common flooring issues?

Click on the image to see the cause and, if possible, the fix.

 

Carpet is lighter in areas. Can this issue be fixed?
Carpet is lighter in areas. Can this issue be fixed?

 

PROBLEM:

If the area of concern is lighter than the main field, the fiber is damaged. It’s not a soiling issue.

SOLUTION:

It can’t be fixed.

 

This problem has become increasingly common. Can it be fixed?
This problem has become increasingly common. Can it be fixed?

 

PROBLEM:

Hand sanitizer drips on carpet. It is a problem that becomes more common everyday.

SOLUTION:

It can’t be fixed.

 

What's the cause of this issue? Can it be repaired?
What’s the cause of this issue? Can it be repaired?

 

PROBLEM:

The damage is caused by an extreme build up of ice melt.

SOLUTION:

It can be restored … with lots of patience.

 

Is this carpet soiled? Can it be fixed?
Is this carpet soiled? Can it be fixed?

 

PROBLEM:

This is a carpet defect. The tufts have “rolled”, giving the appearance of soiled carpet.

SOLUTION:

It can’t be fixed.

 

Can this problem be corrected?
Can this problem be corrected?

 

PROBLEM:

This is caused by UV fading. The carpet on the right was under a bookcase.

SOLUTION:

It can’t be fixed.

 

Can you identify the issue? Can it be resolved?
Can you identify the issue? Can it be resolved?

 

PROBLEM:

This issue is caused from water pooling on the carpet.

SOLUTION:

It’s easy to identify, but can’t be fixed.

 

What's the issue here? Can it be restored?
What’s the issue here? Can it be restored?

 

PROBLEM:

Having a piece of attic stock dropped into a field of carpet is a tall task.

SOLUTION:

With 6×6 Nylon carpet, this should be easy to restore.

 

A common issue. What's the cause and how to fix?
A common issue. What’s the cause and how to fix?

 

PROBLEM:

Quat walk off – a common issue with caused by quaternary disinfectant detergents.

SOLUTION:

Without GRAB Charge Away, this issue can’t be fixed.