Do you provide cleaning services in a facility that contains carpet tiles? Carpet tiles---sometimes referred to as carpet squares---are a popular choice within many facility types (offices, schools, hospitals, airports, etc.). It is estimated that carpet tiles account for > 30% of the carpeting installed in those types of facilities. What are the differences between tiled carpet and wall to wall broadloom carpet? What are the differences when it comes to cleaning carpet tiles?

Tiles vs Broadloom - the Difference

Design and Installation

Carpet tiles come in individual squares. The individual tiles are available in a variety of sizes. Each tile contains its own individual backing which permits direct installation onto the base substrate of the flooring. A tiled carpet system will have many seams across the finished surface.

Carpet tiles are easier and less expensive to install. Carpet tiles are often installed on a DIY basis.

Broadloom carpets are packaged in large rolls. The broadloom system is laid onto carpet padding that has been installed on the base substrate. When properly installed, a broadloom system with have very few seams and have a more homogeneous appearance.

Due to their bulk, broadloom carpeting is more difficult to handle and to lay. Installation of broadloom is also more labor intensive due to the padding installation and gluing processes that are required.

Cleaning Carpet Tiles

In general, cleaning carpet tiles is easier than cleaning broadloom carpeting. The individual tiles are equipped with a backing that prevents penetration of spills and stains. In most cases, spills on carpet tiles will remain on the surface making the spills easier to isolate and remove. The fact that individual tiles can be easily removed, cleaned, and replaced is also an advantage. The basic steps of cleaning carpet tiles:

1. Vacuum: Vacuum the entire surface using a high-quality vacuum. In some cases you may want to remove individual tiles from hard-to-reach areas (along walls, in corners, etc.).
2. Manual Cleaning: Use a carpet scraping device to remove any stains that have become encrusted on the surface of individual tiles.
3. Isolate Problem Tiles: Remove any tiles that appear to have tough stains that would be better cleaned on an individual basis. Being able to remove those tiles is a distinct advantage when cleaning carpet tiles.
4. Stain Removal: Using a carpet shampoo or a mixture of water and detergent, use the traditional blot and dab technique to remove the stain(s). Once the stain has been removed make sure that all residual shampoo and detergent has been rinsed away.
5. Dry: Allow all tiles to dry completely before relaying. Do not reinstall tiles that are still damp as this could lead to the formation of mildew.

Depending on circumstances such as facility type, flooring budget, design ambitions, etc. carpet tiles can be an excellent choice. Properly cleaning carpet tiles can ensure that your choice of carpeting surface will provide you with years of robust and attractive service.