As often happens forum posts get me to thinking about the topic in a different way. Many encaps are getting more aggressive in their cleaning chemistry. Results of better cleaning are easy to see. Changes in soil resistance happen over time and not as readily apparent as the cleaning results. All of the encapsulates we formulated had multiple soil resistant tests performed to assure that carpets would stay cleaner longer (true of our original competitors as well). We use either no fragrance or a small amount as fragrance residues attract soil. Reducing this attraction uses up some of the polymer added to the original formula. Not all encapsulants have the same level of soil resistance. Encapuclean Green DS is a good cleaner but generally the residue is even better at resisting soiling. Our Encapuclean O2 is a better cleaner but resists soil at a lesser degree. All encapsulant that you use deal with this balancing act. This is not to say that new formulas neglect this balance, but passing the CRI resoiling test is not easy (we failed 3 times early in the process) unlike the extractor test comparing Rug Doctors to Truckmounts.
A lot of cleaners have taken to boosting their encapsulate with other products like a solvent booster, a bacterial deodorizer, odor encapsulate, fragrance, alkaline booster, etc. Each of these additives will change the balance of cleaning and soiling. I have often said that too much was made by the Carpet Rug Institute about re-soiling. The primary reason was that these formulas were extracted. In low moisture or encapsulation cleaning, the carpet is either bonneting or brushed by
CRB. The bonneting will pick up some of the soils and product residues, but not as much as extraction. The
CRB only evenly spreads the residues evenly around the soils and fibers. It is obvious to see that a re-soiling formula will be more of an issue than forms of extraction; bonneting and extraction.
How have we gotten to this point? Encapsulation cleaning is easy to do with immediate results readily apparent. Also an hour of training and most people can perform it at a suitable level. Every one who does encapsulation cleaning wants to extend it one more time before extraction, because it is so much easier. When we first came out with Encapuclean around 2005, I cleaned my carpet in my home with only Encapuclean for 5 years. At first it was great, but over time it stayed clean for a shorter period of time as it needed extraction. What would have happened if the formula was only neutral in soil resistance? It would not have worked. Encapsulation is a great process when viewed for long term maintenance and not short term maintenance.
Discusses the need for balance.
https://blog.aramsco.com/encapsulation-balancing-cleaning-and-soil-resistance
Dry
compound can be treated in more soiled areas to allow you to extend your cleaning cycle one more time.
https://blog.aramsco.com/why-i-chan...ush-pro-dry-compound-when-commercial-cleaning
