Module 1: Understanding Soil Types & How They Bond

Particulate Soils

ParticulateTiny solid particles — sand, dust, dirt crumbs on carpet fibers. soils are dry, insolubleCannot dissolve in water. Stays as solid particles. particles that bond to fibers primarily through physical adhesionWhen something sticks to something else — here, how dirt sticks to carpet fibers.:

• Sand & grit: Large angular particles that lodge between fibers and at fiber bases
• Dirt & dust: Fine particles that accumulate on fiber surfaces
• Bonding mechanism: Gravity, fiber geometryPhysical shape and texture of carpet fibers. Affects how soil particles lodge and how easily they come out., and static chargeElectrical charge on synthetic fibers that makes dust and dirt particles stick. Humidity reduces it. hold these particles
• Extraction method: Vacuuming removes 60-80% of particulate soil; hot water extraction flushes remaining particles

Water-Soluble Soils

These soils contain compounds that dissolve in water, creating chemical bonds with fibers:

• Sugar, salt, food residues: HygroscopicAbsorbs moisture from air. Leftover soap pulls in moisture which attracts more dirt. compounds that attract moisture
• Biological residues: Proteins, fats from food and skin
• Bonding mechanism: Water molecules form hydrogen bonds between soil and fiber
• Extraction method: Hot water alone partially dissolves these; surfactantSurface Active Agent — one end grabs water, other grabs dirt. Bridge between water and grease. chemistry accelerates removal

Oil-Based Soils

Oil-based soils require specialized chemistry because water alone cannot dissolve lipophilicOil-loving. Some dirt and fibers naturally attract oil. compounds:

• Cooking grease, petroleum, wax: HydrophobicWater-fearing. The part of soap that grabs onto oil and grease. compounds that repel water
• Bonding mechanism: Oil-based dirt sticks easily to synthetic fibers because both oil and synthetic fibers push water away — they "like" each other
• Extraction method: Alkaline pre-sprayChemical sprayed on carpet BEFORE main extraction to loosen dirt. (pH 10-12) turns grease into soap (saponificationWhen alkaline cleaner turns grease/oil into soap that dissolves in water.); surfactants suspend the mixture for extraction

How Fiber Type Affects Cleaning

Different carpet fiber types trap and hold soil differently. Knowing the fiber type helps you choose the right chemistry:

• Nylon: Most common commercial fiber. Fine texture captures particulate soil easily. Handles a wide pH range (3-11). Very forgiving.
• Polyester: Smoother surface traps less particulate but holds oil. Requires stronger alkaline chemistry for greasy soils. Slightly narrower safe pH range (4-10).
• Wool: Natural protein fiber with scaled surface that traps soil. Very delicate — safe pH window is only 4-8. Never use high-alkaline products on wool.
• Olefin (Polypropylene): Lowest static charge of all fibers. Resists stain adhesion but is dye-sensitive. Avoid oxygen-based cleaners on dark colors.

Soil Particle Size Effect

How soil particles bond depends on their size:

• Large particles (100+ microns): Visible immediately; physically adhesive; easily vacuumed; extraction solves 95%
• Medium particles (10-100 microns): Visible but appear as discoloration; mix of physical and chemical bonding; light pre-spray helps
• Extremely tiny particles (invisible to the eye): These float in water and won't settle. You need soap (surfactant) to capture them. They're what make carpet look gray and dull.

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Module 2: The pH Scale & Safe Ranges

pHScale from 0-14 measuring acidity/alkalinity. 7 = neutral. is the measure of acidity or alkalinity on a 0-14 scale. Understanding pH is essential because cleaning chemistry works within specific pH ranges, and incorrect pH can damage fibers or cause rapid resoilingCarpet getting dirty again fast after cleaning — usually from soap residue..

The pH Scale

• 0-6: Acidic (vinegar ≈ 2.5, lemon juice ≈ 2, stomach acid ≈ 1.5)
• 7: Neutral (pure water at 25°C)
• 8-14: Alkaline/Basic (baking soda ≈ 9, bleach ≈ 12.5, ammonia ≈ 11.5)

The pH scale jumps by 10 times at each number. This means pH 5 is 10 times more acidic than pH 6, and pH 4 is 100 times more acidic than pH 6. Small number changes = big difference in strength.

Why pH Matters in Carpet Cleaning

pH directly affects:

• Fiber integrity: Extreme pH damages protein fibers (wool) and synthetic fiber dyes
• Soil suspension: Most soils suspend best in alkaline conditions (pH 9-10); acidic conditions can re-precipitate soil
• Drying time: Alkaline residues absorb moisture; proper neutralization speeds drying

Danger Zones

• Below pH 2: Extremely acidic; dissolves fiber structure; can bleach natural fibers; never use without extreme caution
• Above pH 12: Extremely alkaline; saponifies natural fiber fats; swells and weakens fibers; limits dwell time to 10 minutes max

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Module 3: Cleaning Chemistry & Dilution Science

Cleaning chemistry is the science of using chemical compounds to break soil bonds and suspend soil for extraction. The primary chemical components are surfactantsSurface Active Agent — one end grabs water, other grabs dirt. Bridge between water and grease., solvents, emulsifiersKeeps oil and water mixed so oil doesn't go back on carpet., enzymesNatural chemical that breaks down specific things like blood, urine, food stains., and oxidizersChemical that removes color from stains by breaking color molecules..

Surfactants: The Workhorse of Cleaning

Surfactant = Surface Active Agent

Surfactants are molecules with two ends:

• HydrophilicWater-loving. The part of soap that grabs onto water. head: Water-loving; bonds with water
• HydrophobicWater-fearing. The part of soap that grabs onto oil and grease. tail: Water-fearing; bonds with oils and fats

How surfactants work:

1. Surfactant molecules surround oil-based soil particles
2. Hydrophobic tail points toward the oil; hydrophilic head points toward water
3. This creates tiny bubbles called micellesTiny ball of soap molecules surrounding dirt. Inside grabs dirt, outside lets water carry it away. — imagine a ball where the outside loves water and the inside holds the dirt. Water carries the whole ball (and the dirt inside it) away.
4. The micelle keeps oil suspended in water, preventing re-precipitation
5. Extraction removes suspended soil and surfactant together

Solvents: Dissolving Resistant Soils

Solvents are substances that dissolve other compounds. In carpet cleaning:

• Water: Universal solvent; dissolves water-soluble compounds; inexpensive
• Organic solvents: Petroleum distillates, alcohols; dissolve oils and waxes without water
• Soap/detergent solutions: Alkaline solvents that saponify fats and oils
• Use case: Specialized for tar, wax, dried grease where water alone fails

Emulsifiers: Stabilizing Suspended Soil

EmulsifiersKeeps oil and water mixed so oil doesn't go back on carpet. prevent separated oil and water from re-combining:

• Similar structure to surfactants but stronger stabilization
• Keep oil droplets suspended indefinitely (without emulsifiers, oil separates and re-deposits)
• Critical in wet-cleaning solutions to prevent rapid re-soiling post-cleaning

Enzymes: Breaking Biological Bonds

EnzymesNatural chemical that breaks down specific things like blood, urine, food stains. break protein bonds in biological stains (blood, urine, food) — see Module 6 for protocols and products.

Oxidizers: Breaking Color Bonds

OxidizersChemical that removes color from stains by breaking color molecules. break color stains by destroying chromophoreThe part of a stain that gives it color. Oxidizers break this — the color disappears.s — see Module 6 for protocols and products.

Reducing Agents: For Rust & Minerals

Reducing agents reverse oxidation in rust and mineral stains — see Module 6 for protocols.

Why Dilution Ratios Matter

CMCCritical Micelle Concentration is the smallest amount of soap you need in water for it to actually clean. Think of it as the "minimum dose" — below this, the soap barely works: (Critical Micelle Concentration) is the smallest amount of soap you need in water for it to actually clean. Below CMC, individual soap molecules float around doing very little. At CMC, micelles form and cleaning works. Going above CMC provides minimal additional benefit — but leaves excess residue.

Always follow manufacturer dilution specifications:

• Pre-spray: Typically 1:10 to 1:20 (product to water)
• Extraction tank: Typically 1:20 to 1:100 depending on product

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Module 4: Alkaline Pre-Spray & Dwell Time

Alkaline Pre-Spray: For Oils & Grease

pH range: 10-12

Alkaline pre-spray converts grease into water-soluble soap (saponification, covered in Module 1), making extraction easy.

• Best for: Kitchen grease, cooking oils, petroleum residue, heavy body oils
• Dwell time: 5-10 minutes optimal; longer increases risk of fiber damage at pH >11

Acidic Pre-Spray: For Mineral Deposits

pH range: 2-5

Mechanism: Acid dissolves mineral bonds formed between minerals and fiber protein:

• Mineral (e.g., calcium) + acid → soluble salt + water
• Mineral dissolves and can be rinsed away
• Best for: Hard water spots, rust stains, mineral deposits from water damage
• Caution: Never use on wool; never exceed pH 2 (too aggressive)

Neutral pH Pre-Spray: General Soiling

pH range: 6-8

Use case: Light, general soiling where soil is mostly dust and light oils

• Lower risk of fiber damage
• Adequate for non-greasy, non-mineral soils

Dwell Time Science

Dwell timeWait time after spraying chemical before extracting. Usually 5-10 minutes. is the period between pre-spray application and extraction. It's critical:

• 0-2 minutes: Insufficient; surfactants haven't fully penetrated soil
• 5-10 minutes: Optimal; bond-breaking is complete; extraction is maximized
• 15+ minutes: Diminishing returns; risk of fiber damage (especially alkaline on delicate fibers); alkaline pre-spray dries and redeposits residue
• Best practice: Apply pre-spray to non-high-traffic areas first; by the time you reach high-traffic zones, dwell time is at 5-10 minutes

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Module 5: Rinse, Neutralization & Fiber Safety FRP-004

The Rinse Sequence

After extractionMachine sprays hot water into carpet, then vacuums dirty water out., residue remains in the carpet. Proper rinsing prevents resoiling (covered in Module 3). The exact sequence:

1. Hot water extraction removes soil and most detergent
2. 2–3 fresh water passes (no chemistry) flush residue
3. Acid rinse (pH 3–5) neutralizesBringing pH back to neutral (~7) after cleaning. remaining alkalinity
4. Final fresh water pass removes acid

The "Squeaky Clean" Test

A simple field test confirms proper rinsing:

• Run a clean, dry cloth over just-extracted carpet
• If cloth squeaks against fibers, residue is minimal ✓
• If cloth slides smoothly without squeaking, residue remains (apply more rinses)
• This tactile feedback confirms extraction adequacy

Fiber-Safe pH Ranges by Fiber Type

Fiber Type	Safe pH Range	Danger Zones	Notes
Nylon	3-11	Below 2, Above 12	Synthetic; most forgiving. Handles alkaline well.
Polyester	4-10	Below 3, Above 11	Synthetic; slightly more delicate than nylon.
Wool	4-8	Below 3, Above 9	Protein fiber; very delicate. Avoid extreme pH.
Olefin	3-11	Below 2, Above 12	Synthetic; dye sensitive. Avoid oxygen-based cleaners on dark colors.
Acrylic	4-9	Below 3, Above 10	Synthetic; dye sensitive to alkaline.

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Module 6: Specialty Chemistry Protocols

Enzyme Cleaners: For Protein Stains

Target stains: Blood, urine, feces, food residues, sweat, saliva. Proteases break peptide bondsLink holding protein chains together. Enzyme cleaners cut these to break stains apart. — protein becomes water-soluble amino acidsBuilding blocks of proteins. Enzymes break protein stains into these — they dissolve in water., then extract.

• Temperature: 40–50°C optimal. Boiling denaturesWhen heat destroys an enzyme so it stops working. Use warm water, not boiling. enzymes (destroys them). Too cold = slow.
• pH range: Most active at pH 5–8
• Dwell: 15–30 minutes minimum. Keep area moist.

Oxidizers: For Color Stains

Target stains: Wine, coffee, tea, juice, berries, plant-based dyes

Mechanism: Oxidizers destroy the color in stains. The part of the stain that has color is called a chromophore — the oxidizer breaks it apart so the color disappears:

Oxidizer	Strength	Best For	Cautions
RMC PROXI Spray & Walk Away (pH 7.8)	Mild	Wine, coffee, tea, juice	Neutral pH safe on all fibers; spray and let air dry; no scrubbing
Sodium Percarbonate	Moderate	Plant-based stains, tannins	Escalation option if PROXI doesn't resolve; releases O₂ in water

Application:

1. Spot-test first — oxidizers can bleach fibers
2. Apply oxidizer solution to stain
3. Allow 5-15 minute dwell (monitor color change)
4. Extract with hot water
5. Repeat if needed

Reducing Agents: For Rust & Metallic Stains

Target stains: Rust, iron oxides, metallic discoloration

Mechanism: Reducing agents change rust from a solid stain into a form that dissolves in water, so you can rinse it away:

• Sodium thiosulfate: Converts rust to soluble iron sulfate
• Sodium dithionite: Powerful reducer for severe rust
• Application: Similar to acid rinse—apply, dwell 10-15 minutes, extract
• Caution: Can discolor some dyes; test first

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Module 7: Chemical Safety & WHMIS

Cleaning chemicals can be hazardous. WorkSafeBC and WHMIS 2015 regulations ensure worker safety and liability protection.

WHMIS 2015 Classification Symbols

Products are labeled with pictograms indicating hazard class:

• Corrosion: Causes chemical burns to skin or metal (found on strong acids and alkalines)
• Exclamation Mark: Irritant, skin sensitizer, acute toxicity (found on most cleaning chemicals)
• Health Hazard: Respiratory sensitizer, carcinogen, reproductive hazard (found on some solvents)
• Flame Over Circle: Oxidizer (accelerates fire — found on peroxide-based products)
• Environmental Hazard: Aquatic toxicity (relevant for drain disposal decisions)

Other WHMIS symbols exist — always consult your Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full classification.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Every chemical product has an SDSSafety Data Sheet — info on what's in a chemical and how to use it safely. (formerly MSDS) that includes:

• Product identification: Name, manufacturer, emergency contact
• Hazard identification: Classification, signal words, hazard statements
• Composition: Ingredients, concentration, CAS numbers
• First-aid measures: Actions if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed
• PPE requirements: Gloves, respirator, eye protection
• Storage & handling: Temperature, ventilation, incompatible chemicals
• Disposal: How to properly dispose of product and containers

Servus Standard: All employees must have access to SDS sheets for every product. Keep digital and paper copies on site and in vehicles. Review before first use of any new product.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Requirements

Chemical Type	Gloves	Eye Protection	Respiratory	Other
Alkaline Pre-Spray (pH 10-12)	Nitrile or rubber	Safety glasses	Not required	Apron optional
Acidic Rinse (pH 2-5)	Nitrile or rubber	Safety glasses + face shield if concentrated	Not required	Apron recommended
Chlorine Bleach	Rubber (nitrile is permeable)	Safety glasses + face shield	Respirator if spraying	Apron, long sleeves
Solvent (Organic)	Nitrile	Safety glasses	Organic vapor cartridge	Apron optional
Enzyme Cleaner	Nitrile	Not required	Not required	Avoid skin contact if sensitized

Critical Mixing Hazards

NEVER mix these chemicals:

• Bleach + Ammonia = Toxic Chloramine Gas (DEADLY)
  • Some general cleaners contain ammonia
  • Some urine enzymes produce ammonia as byproduct
  • If bleach is applied afterward, toxic gas can form
• Bleach + Acid = Chlorine Gas (DEADLY)
  • Avoid applying bleach after acidic pre-spray without thorough rinse
• Hydrogen Peroxide + Alkaline = Weak but Still Toxic
  • Creates peroxide decomposition; avoid combining in same tank
• Multiple Alkaline Products = Excessive Residue
  • Results in rapid resoiling and poor drying

Storage Requirements

• Temperature: Most products store best at 15-25°C; avoid freezing and extreme heat
• Ventilation: Store in well-ventilated area; volatile solvents can accumulate in confined spaces
• Separation: Keep incompatible chemicals apart (oxidizers away from organic materials; acids away from bases)
• Containers: Original labeled containers always; never transfer to food containers or unlabeled bottles
• Vehicle storage: Secure bottles to prevent spills during transport; ensure vehicle ventilation
• Spill kit: Keep absorbent, neutralizer, and clean-up materials on hand

WorkSafeBC Compliance

Servus must maintain:

• Documentation of all chemical products in use
• Accessible SDS sheets (digital and/or paper)
• Employee training records on chemical hazards and PPE
• Incident reporting for any exposure or spill
• Regular refresher training (annual minimum)
• Proper waste disposal (never down drains; hazardous waste contractor)

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Module 8: The Servus 8-Step Protocol FRP-003

The Servus Protocol is a systematic, decision-based approach to selecting and applying chemistry. Following this protocol ensures consistency, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Steps 1-3: Identify, Test, Select

Identify the soil type, test its pH, and select chemistry using the Decision Walkthrough below. The walkthrough guides you through the complete identification and selection process interactively.

Step 4: Spot-Test, Then Apply

Test chemistry on a hidden area first. Check for dye bleeding or damage after 30 minutes. Once cleared, apply to visible soiling.

Step 5: Apply with Proper Dwell Time

• Spray chemistry evenly; don't oversaturate (residue risk)
• Set timer for dwell period (5-10 min for alkaline; 20 min for enzyme)
• During dwell, address other areas/rooms (efficient sequencing)
• Return to area at timer's end
• Light agitation (brush gently) can improve bond-breaking, especially for alkaline pre-spray

Step 6: Extract

Hot water (45–50°C), 3–5 overlapping passes. Keep momentum — no downtime between passes.

Step 7: Rinse & Neutralize

2-3 clean water passes (no chemistry), then acid rinse if alkaline was used (see Module 5).

Step 8: Verify pH & Document

Test final rinse water with pH meter. Target: pH 6–7. If above 7, repeat acid rinse. Record final pH, all products used, and dwell times in job notes.

The Servus Chemistry Decision Walkthrough

Walk through the decision process step by step. At each stage, examine the carpet and answer the question — the next step will unlock based on your choice. This is how you'll think on the job.

Documentation & Quality Assurance

For every job, record:

• Soil type(s) identified
• Chemistry/chemicals used
• Dwell times applied
• Initial stain pH (if tested)
• Final rinse water pH
• Any areas with poor results (for follow-up)
• Customer feedback

This documentation protects Servus against liability claims. If a customer calls back, you have proof of proper procedure.

Servus Product Quick Reference

Complete Product Selector

Use this table to quickly find the right Servus product for any cleaning scenario. The pH scale below shows where each product falls — green is safe for most fibers, red zones require caution and limited dwell time.

Full Product Reference

Product Name	Category	pH	Dilution	Water Temp	Primary Use
Rust Remover	Stain Remover	1.0	RTU / Dilute	Varies	Rust, mineral deposits, iron oxide stains
Fibre Rinse	Rinse Agent	2.3	1:1 or 1:2	Cool to Warm	Final acidic rinse, residue removal
Brown Out	Specialty	3.0	RTU or Dilute	Warm	Prevent browning, yellowing treatment
Benefect Daily Cleaner	Daily Cleaner	4–5	RTU	Room Temp	Daily spotting, light maintenance
Benefect Decon 30	Disinfectant	4–5	RTU	Room Temp	Sanitize while cleaning, health facilities
All Fiber Rinse	Rinse Agent	4.0–4.5	1:6	Warm	Universal safe rinse, fiber protection
Proxi Encap	Interim	4.5	1:4 or RTU	Room Temp	Quick-dry encapsulation, interim cleaning
Ends Odor	Deodorizer	6.5–7.5	RTU or 1:1	Room Temp	Odor elimination, neutral pH safe
Advanced Protector	Protector	7.5	RTU or 1:1	Room Temp	Post-clean protection, stain resistance
Proxi Spray & Walk Away	Interim	7.95	RTU	Room Temp	Quick-dry, neutral encapsulation
Un-Duz-It Unleashed	Stain Remover	9.0	1:1 or RTU	Warm	Organic stains, moderate alkalinity
Benefect Atomic Degreaser	Degreaser	9–10	RTU or 1:1	Hot	Kitchen grease, oily buildup
Avenge Heavy-Duty	Prespray	10.0	1:1 to 1:3	Hot	Heavy traffic, industrial soil
Performance CBS	Booster	9.7	1:1 add	Hot	Enhance alkaline presprays, emulsify oils
Enz-All	Enzymatic	Neutral	RTU or 1:1	Warm	Organic stains, pet urine, enzyme action
Dry Solv	Specialty	Neutral	RTU	Room Temp	S-coded fabrics, solvent-based cleaning
Citrus Break	Prespray	12.0	1:1 to 1:2	Hot	Heavy oily soils, citrus surfactants
Bridgepoint Ripsaw	Hard Surface	12.6	RTU or 1:1	Hot	Tile, grout, hard-surface deep clean
Professional Tile & Grout	Hard Surface	12.8–13.2	RTU or 1:1	Hot	Heavy grout buildup, hard-surface specialist
Liquid CBS	Booster	13.5	1:1 add	Hot	Maximum emulsification, oily removal
Citrus Burst	Degreaser	Neutral	RTU or Dilute	Warm	Spot cleaning, natural citrus degreaser

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Key Takeaways

• Identify first, then choose: Soil type → chemistry selection → pH range → product
• Rinse and neutralize every time: Clean water passes + acid rinse = no callbacks
• Safety is non-negotiable: SDS, PPE, never mix incompatible products
• Follow the decision walkthrough: The interactive walkthrough covers every scenario. Use it.