Encapsulation 101

MAJORITY OF DIRT AND GRIME isn’t really encased in a capsule or crystal. Instead, well-formulated encap detergents render sticky residue completely NON-STICKY!

Many refer to encapsulation carpet cleaning as “encap” or “encapping.” Although often misunderstood, the cleaning system has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Encapsulation has been around since the late 1990’s or early 2000’s. The method often uses similar equipment as the “Shampoo” method. For that reason, many have confused, dismissed and equated it with that method. But, encapsulation uses a very new and revolutionary different type of chemistry!

The encapsulation cleaning system applies a cleaning solution containing a crystallizing, acrylic polymer. It is this polymer that helps create the magic of encapsulation. Encapsulation formulas also contain other cleaning components such as surfactants. The other ingredients, aid in breaking the bond between dirt, grease & grime and the carpet fibers. The encapsulation cleaning solution is usually worked into a carpet with an agitation machine. The machine types used include Cimex, Rotary Brush, Rotary Bonnet, Oscillating Pad (OP). There are others as well. The agitation facilitates in breaking the chemical bond between dirt and fiber. It also mixes the encap solution with the soil and sticky-residue. Upon drying, the solution crystallizes rendering the residue to be completely non-sticky. Routine vacuuming removes the encapsulated particles. Whichever machine is employed, well-formulated encapsulation detergents can produce remarkable and incredible results!

Most suppliers of encap products explain it as surrounding or encapsulating the dirt. No doubt, this explanation is accurate to some degree. In the mind’s eye, it does make it very easy to visualize how the process works. At VacAway we have ran countless tests. Our tests have caused us to conclude that the above explanation is only a VERY SMALL PART of what takes place. Allow me to explain: The encapsulating polymer does surround a certain amount of the soil. But there is another even MORE IMPORTANT PROCESS that takes place during encapsulation:

Approximately 79% of all carpet soil is dry particulate matter. Routine vacuuming can remove most of these dry soils. But, it is the other 21% that causes carpets to “Ugly Out” and need professional cleaning.

Without sticky residue, there would seldom be a need for a professional cleaning. A good vacuum cleaner could be used to remove the accumulated soil - The 21 Percent. The best performing encapsulation products contain EXCESS ACRYLIC POLYMER. The polymer mixes with and helps liquify sticky substances in the carpet. These sticky substances come from tracked in dirt and oils. They also come from soda spills, and over the counter spot removers. Another contributor is sticky surfactants left from previously applied non-encapsulating cleaners.

In and of themselves, many professional cleaning products are inherently sticky. After their application, the sticky surfactants are never 100% removed. Their sticky residue lingers behind to attract more dirt and soil. What is the major complaint people have after having their carpets professionally cleaned? They complain that their carpets get dirty again very quick! The culprit is usually due to the left-behind sticky residue!

Well-formulated encapsulation detergents remove the stickiness in the carpet. Also, due to their chemical make up, they will never leave behind a sticky residue of their own. A well-formulated encap will crystallize. It can then be removed during routine vacuuming. A carpet cleaned with an excellent encap product will stay cleaner, longer too.

What’s the bottom line? The MAJORITY OF DIRT AND GRIME isn’t really encased in a capsule or crystal. Instead, well-formulated encap detergents render sticky residue completely NON-STICKY!

Here is a demo you can do yourself to see how the process works:

• Place a small drop of dish detergent (sticky residue) in the bottom of a shallow dish or saucer. Using artificial maple syrup (sticky residue) is another test option.
• Place three drops of a pure encap such as our Encap GREEN, Hot Knife X-treme or Commercial Magic with it and mix all together.
• Give it plenty of time to dry, at least 24 hours or more, to be sure it dries completely.
• Pour a lot of black pepper over the dried detergent/encap mixture.
• Immediately dump the pepper off the dried mixture. Give it a quick hard blow to blow off any remaining pepper from static cling.

If any pepper remains, the mixture is still sticky and will attract dirt. What we are sure you will find, is that the detergent or syrup will be rendered non-sticky. It will no longer attract dirt!