EC 70 Operating Instructions

Encapsulation or "encap" is a newly evolving area of carpet cleaning.  Encap differs from the cotton pad based cleaning method that removes dirt while you are operating the machine.  Encap is scrubbing into the carpet a kind of cleaning agent that removes the dirt from the carpet’s fibers and encapsulates it in small invisible clumps in the residue of the cleaning agent.  The secret to this cleaning method is agitation.

The encap cleaner dries in a crystallized form.  What is extraordinary--the carpet looks incredibly clean when you have finished your work.  The fine powder, which includes the dirt, is removed the next time the carpet is vacuumed.

Pre-Vacuuming:

1. A good pre-vacuuming is the first step before beginning any carpet cleaning process. Removal of the dry soil is very important. If cleaning solution is added to a carpet filled with dry dirt, it would essentially make mud. 
2. Commercial clients should be instructed to adhere to a good vacuuming program before cleaning is scheduled. If the carpet is in need of vacuuming at the time of cleaning, it should be pre-vacuumed before proceeding.

NOTE: Always vacuum the carpet before you start the cleaning procedure.

Pre-Treating:

WARNING:  Pre-test each surface to be cleaned in a hidden area. Check for any color or texture change. If any color or texture change occurs, stop cleaning IMMEDIATELY!

1. If there are more heavily soiled areas, pre-treating can assist the cleaning process.  The encapsulation chemical should be mixed per manufacturer's instructions.  Simply spray enough solution to dampen the carpet. Do not allow the pre-spray to dry before you progress with the cleaning.
2. Fill the spray tank on the machine with the cleaning chemical. Fill the solution tank of your scrubber with chemical.
3. Lay a towel flat on the carpet. Align the machine in the center of the towel. Pull the lever under the handle bar to spray chemical. Make a wet pass by holding the solution valve open – then return over the same pass without releasing more detergent. In most cases one wet-pass followed with one dry-pass is all that is needed. If the carpet needs a little more scrubbing because it is heavily soiled simply make additional dry passes (just a touch more solution can be applied during the extra passes). Clean until this side of the towel is heavily soiled. Pull the towel from the pad driver, turn it over and clean with this side of the towel. This way both sides of the towel are used to remove dirt and moisture and fewer towels are used.

NOTE:  Make sure the towel is laying flat without any creases or wrinkles.  If the towel bunches up, re-set the towel.  Do not operate the machine with a wrinkled or creased towel, as it can cause the machine to become difficult to operate and can also damage the carpet.

4. Release and lower the handle to a comfortable working position. The machine will operate with or without the handle locked.
5. Turn the machine on using the rocker switch on the front of the handle.  (I) is the "on" position. (O) is the "off" position.
6. The machine should be guided straight ahead at the pace of a slow walk for thorough cleaning.  For easier forward control put slight downward pressure on the locked handle.

NOTE:  There is usually no need to move the machine back and forth or side to side since the plate is already oscillating in all directions in its normal action, but sometimes a different direction or back and forth will aid in better cleaning.

7. Move the machine over the 100 square feet of dampened carpet.  After cleaning is complete, turn the machine off.
8. Spray the next 100 square feet.  Change or flip the towel and continue to clean, spraying and changing the towel each 100 square feet until cleaning is complete.
9. Some carpets require more than one cleaning.  For a second cleaning, spray only 10 to 12 oz. per 100 square feet and change the towel. 

   NOTE: Do not operate the machine on carpet without a towel.

   NOTE: Do not operate the machine on dry carpet.

   NOTE: Keep the machine moving to prevent heat buildup.

    

10. Some carpets and irregular surfaces cause the machine to be difficult to operate. If this occurs, try one or a combination of the following:

    a.  Change the direction of the machine.

    b.  Try pulling the machine backwards.

    c.  Lock the handle in an operating position.

    d.  Place a nylon floor pad between the towel and the rubber pad driver.

    e.  Use a Glide Plate (4 to 6 inch round disk) between the towel and the carpet at the back of the machine under the handle.  This allows the machine to be less aggressive on certain types of carpet. (Please see diagram below.)

11. To clean ceramic tile, use the special green tile-scrubbing pad instead of a towel. Spray and clean using the same method for carpet cleaning. After cleaning is complete, towels can be used to dry the surface for safety.
12. IF A NOISE DEVELOPS, TURN THE MACHINE OFF.  Call for maintenance. Check for loose nuts and bolts.  If loose nuts or bolts are found, tighten.  Use liquid lock tight (medium strength) to secure the tightened nuts and bolts and avoid future problems.

13. If you need parts or service, please call Orbital Technology at

(800) 528-1376.

Limited Warranty

Send mail to clark@orbitecsolutions.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: May 03, 2007