Just had a call from a client that was referred to us . She said the last time she had her carpet cleaned it was done by the guys in the yellow vans. The carpet was 2 yrs old at the time and when they were done there was a black line around several rooms and they told her she didn't vac good enough. I thought it sounded like filtration lines but she says they weren't there before they cleaned. What do ya think?

How about old solution hoses which have
Black junk inside and they start to spray black water on the carpet?
Best thing to do is take a bottle of pre-mixed encap and a brush and do a test spot on part of the black lines. Always test & qualify before you accept a job. Take Before & After pics.

I think Charles nailed it. Even if it was not what Charles said then he is still right about testing and qualifying before hand and then you will at least know whether or not you can remove the black line.

Kevin Pearson
www.pearsoncarpetcare.com

Depends, if the lines are uniform against the wall, then it is possible they have pulled the soiling to the top of the pile, in which case I would probably say that they could be soil filtration lines and possibly need a solvent or alkaline cleaner to remove them.

If they are across the carpet, then yes, probably what you say above.

I would imagine that if the hose was spraying dirty water, there may also be soiling on the skirting boards or walls. ??

Whatever, the thing is the yellow van guys did not address the problem correctly.

Here's your chance to shine.

Shorty.

Thanks for your imput guys. Sometimes you just need a refresher course on the things you already know!

Pete Peterson

Sadly the guys in the yellow van are not known for dry strokes. They also dont prespray. Crappy hoses is not usually there problem. I would agree with Shorty's idea that they are filtration lines were actually brought up by the wetness left behind.