CJL CLEANING SERVICE

Latex Displacement in Carpets After Steam Cleaning: Rare, annoying and usually harmless

When you notice your carpet rippling or developing lumps after a thorough steam cleaning, it’s not a cause for panic. It’s a normal occurrence, albeit a temporary one. So, let’s break it down

The Carpet Layers:

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Your carpet is like a well-constructed sandwich. It consists of four essential layers:

• Face Yarns: These are the carpet fibres you walk on—the plush, cozy part.

• Primary Backing: The layer right beneath the face yarns.

• Latex Adhesive: Sandwiched between the primary and secondary backing, this is where the magic (and sometimes the hiccup) happens.

• Secondary Backing: The sturdy layer that provides structural support.

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image from: https://www.beaulieutechnicaltextiles.com/​

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1. What Is Latex Displacement?

   • In our carpet lingo, we call it “latex displacement.” It’s also known as “expanding differentials” or “differential expansion.”

   • The primary culprit here is the latex adhesive. Most manufacturers use a type of clay (often made from marble dust) to bulk up the latex and make it spread evenly.

   • Unfortunately, this clay is a bit of a water sponge—it’s hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture.

2. The Steam Cleaning Scenario:

   • When your carpet is steam cleaned, (courtesy of your trusty cleaning crew), hot water is involved.

   • Heat causes the latex adhesive to expand. Imagine it stretching out like a contented cat after a nap.

   • As the latex expands, it creates extra space behind the carpet—like a little bubble.

   • And guess what? That extra space has to go somewhere. So, voilà! You get those ripples and buckles.

3. Good News, Bad News:

   • The good part is that this is temporary. As the carpet dries, the latex will regain its normal size and shape.

   • The bad part: While your carpet is doing its post-steam yoga session, it might look a bit disconcerting. But fear not—it’ll settle down normally within 24 to 48 hours.

4. Sometimes there are other factors at Play:

   • Carpet Type: Different fibers absorb water differently. Wool fibres are absorbent, retaining a high percentage of their weight in water, while nylon and polypropylene fibres are far more water-resistant.

   • Looped or Dense Carpets Types: Loop pile carpets might take longer to dry because the water doesn’t wick away as easily from the fibres.

   • Installation Matters: If your carpet doesn’t bounce back to its original shape or mysterious wrinkles appear, there is a possibility it could be due to improper installation. Carpets need to be power-stretched and properly attached to the smooth edge.

5. The Marvel of Wet-to-Dry Glue:

   • Here’s a fun fact: When latex glues get wet, they become weaker. But once they dry out again, they’re structurally stronger than before. 

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So, next time you see your carpet doing its impression of ocean waves, remember: It’s just a little latex stretching its legs. Soon enough, it’ll be back to its flat, cozy self! 🏖️🏠