What is Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning?

Encapsulation cleaning, or “encapping” is a relatively new cleaning method in the industry, as compared to traditional wand cleaning.

What is encapsulation carpet cleaning?

Encapping is a “very low moisture” (VLM) type of cleaning using a special encapsulating cleaner that features polymers to encapsulate and crystallize stains and dirt for immediate vacuuming. These polymers act like small sponges. The crystals absorb and hold dirt and soil to be vacuumed out, leaving no sticky residue and providing a deep clean. For the past few decades, encapsulation has gained popularity and garnered a reputation for both commercial and residential carpet cleaning.

What are the benefits of encapsulation cleaning?

Improves carpet appearance

According to the ICS Cleaning Specialist, encapsulation carpet cleaning is proven to result in a preferred aesthetic appearance compared to traditional carpet cleaning methods, keeping the carpet looking cleaner for longer periods of time. The majority of soil is removable by conventional dry vacuuming but oily or sticky soil can leave the carpet dull and unattractive. Encapping traps soil held in the carpet so stains and dirt may finally be extracted and new soil can’t attach itself to carpet.

Faster cleaning and drying times

Wet cleaning methods usually take an extra day for the solution to dry prior to vacuuming. The crystallization process used in encapping allows for immediate vacuuming and overall faster cleaning and drying times.

No sticky residue

Wet cleaning may leave a sticky residue. This residue is known to resoil the carpet faster as new dirt finds ways to stick, causing the carpet to deteriorate. With encapping, the crystals are easy to vacuum out with regular dry vacuuming.

Low initial cost and fast payback

Encap machines easy to use and clean quickly and thoroughly. An encap machine and a vacuum are enough to get the job done.

Which encap machine is right for me?

For the best cleaning results, use one of Mytee’s ECO PRO Orbital All Surface Floor Machines.

Orbital All Surface Floor Machine
ECO14-PRO | ECO17-PRO

The ECO PRO Orbital All Surface Floor Machines are perfect for Encapsulation Cleaning. The orbital motion of the cleaning head works the encapsulation chemical deep into the carpet fibers for a thorough clean.

• Available in 14″ and 17″ versions.
• Features an industry first 1.5 horsepower motor which overcomes surface tension, resulting in a faster, more thorough clean.
• Includes two ScrubMax™ Microfiber Bonnet Pads.

What kind of pads should I use?

In general, there are two different types of pads; non-absorbent and absorbent.

Non-absorbent pads

Non-absorbent pads are usually fiber-based and pull very little soil or moisture from the carpet. For encapsulation cleaning, non-absorbent pads would be used for agitating carpet or pre-scrubbing. This would generally be followed up with an absorbent pad.

Absorbent pads

Absorbent pads extract soil and moisture from the carpet. Some even have scrubbing capabilities. They come in many varieties including cotton, terrycloth, and microfiber.

What is the encapsulation cleaning process?

Encapsulation cleaning is a fairly simple process. In general, there are two broad steps to follow; pre-vacuuming and encapsulation.

Each cleaner may find their preferred method of encapsulation but to get you started, Damon Williams from encapstore.com has an article on his website outlining the basics of encapsulation cleaning in greater detail.