[Jamie Pearson]

I was wondering if anyone had a killer technique for removing heavy (white) ice melter deposits from carpet.

I already have a process which works well but I have seen a real nasty this week and would like to consider a different approach.

After all - every day is a school day!

[Jim_77]

Can't say I've ever had to tackle it.  Do you mean rock salt or a different type of de-icer?

I would imagine if it is crystalline deposits, they should be re-soluble again in the appropriate solvent?

[Jamie Pearson]

Its the white stuff.

Calcium Carbonate based.

These mats look like they are made of stone the deposits are so heavy.

Tamping with a wire brush has some effect but its still solid.

[Jim_77]

 

Have you tried wetting it to see if it goes back into solution?

Calcium carbonate would suggest something acidic like phosphoric... although how much you'd need for that by the sounds of it.....

Is it economical to clean or would be cheaper to replace?!!

[Jamie Pearson]

Thanks for the input Jim.

I have a couple of ideas from others to try.

We can get them reasonably good but the issue we have is degredation of the fibres as they are a rayon/polyprop/nylon mix.

[Jim_77]

That's an odd mix of fibres!  I would guarantee 33% success (the polyprop bit!!)

Best of luck mate sounds like a nightmare

[Jamie Pearson]

Took me over an hour to clean about 70% of the right hand side of the doorway.
Where it is mixed with soil its particularly tough, almost like stone, and will only scrape out with a spotting spatula.
Unfortunately the work was booked at late notice so had to make do with what I could find.
I have an acidic gel for limescale removal I am going to try while I wait on supplies being delivered for Tuesday night.

CLIENT - Hello, you know that job we were talking about? (10,000m2)
ME - Yes
CLIENT - Can you have it done by Wednesday morning?

[Jim_77]

CLIENT - Hello, you know that job we were talking about? (10,000m2)
ME - Yes
CLIENT - Can you have it done by Wednesday morning?

Me: F****** ****** ***** ******* !! ! ! !!!!!!

Have you got a scutch hammer in your garage?  (the type builders use to break bricks)  I'd be trying something like that to break it up first, followed by a normal claw hammer to try and crush it into as small a pieces as possible.

I would mix up some phosphoric based descaler about 1:5 with hot water, pour it on and watch it fizz! (hopefully)

[Jamie Pearson]

Phosphoric won't touch it without it turning purple.

Chemspec DFC Calcium Lime and Rust Remover with a wire brush and chewing gum perforator seems to be performing.

Paul Moss had the best suggestion but we didn't have time to order it in as they originally wanted the work done end of the month!