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Topic: Removing adhesive transferred from plastic adhesive backed carpet protectors (Read 938 times) previous topic - next topic

Removing adhesive transferred from plastic adhesive backed carpet protectors

Before we bring our coach in for service we try and protect the interior surfaces from the inevitable invasion of greases and fluids that come with a diesel shop.  Part of the process is covering the carpeting.

Prior to our last service we laid adhesive backed plastic carpet protector over the carpeting in the coach.  Well...  This stuff is a double edged sword.  There are different brands that use different types of adhesives (some are water soluble and some are not), are different grades, and are rated for different lengths of time - usually either 30 days, or 60 days.

Do not let this stuff sit on the carpet beyond the period rated for!!

The biggest issue with this type of product is something called "adhesive transfer".  The adhesive on the back of the plastic can transfer to the surface of the carpet, leaving a sticky film on the surface of your carpet.  This happens if: the product is left on for too long, the ambient air temperature is very hot, or heavy foot traffic is experienced over a long period of time.  Get all three and it can be a mess.

If you experience adhesive transfer your best approach is to call the manufacturer and ask them how they recommend removing the adhesive used on their particular product.  DO NOT rush out and use carpet shampoo or soap to try and remove it!  This could spread and smear the sticky goo even more and create a bigger mess.

One common removal approach recommended is to use a steam cleaner or a residential carpet cleaner with very hot water, meaning 160-190 degrees.  The hot water will loosen the adhesive and allow the carpet cleaner's water extractor to lift it off when it sucks up the water.

Our recent service was extended by an additional week, and that put the plastic cover beyond it's rated 30 day time frame.  In addition our area experienced prolonged heat in the mid 90s with high humidity.  When we removed the carpet protector we had the adhesive transfer to the the carpet.  The manufacturer of the product we used recommended steam cleaning or cleaning with hot water

We heated water up on the stove and used a residential vacuum style carpet shampooer (with no shampoo).  Two rounds of cleaning with very hot water removed the adhesive.  De-humidifiers and fans ensured that all the carpeting dried out between, and after, cleaning.

If we use this type of product again we will be sure to search for the product rated for the longest number of days, and call the manufacturer to make sure the adhesive is water soluble before we purchase it.

Chris

Re: Something to watch when prepping coach for service

Reply #1 –
We use the same clear protective mats that MOT use. This stuff comes on a roll at our local Walmart store - and not expensive. Roll it up after repairs are done. Bring it out on rainy/inclement days to prevent messy floors.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Lynn & Marilyn Sickel
Tollville, AR
1997  U320  40'
2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup
Motorcader  17257

Re: Something to watch when prepping coach for service

Reply #2 –
Try going to sherwin williams paint store a get painters drop cloth. Comes in various width and length. 4'x12' is the perfect size.It can double as laying on mat when getting under the coach.
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: Something to watch when prepping coach for service

Reply #3 –
We would normally use something like a painters drop cloth, but our experience with different shops is that the longer the coach is there the more drop cloths get moved, wadded up, etc.  So if the coach is going to be in for a number of weeks we try to find a solution that will help anchor the covers.

The biggest problem we had was with one of the much loved shops in Nac.  After a couple weeks the techs pretty much stopped trying to keep the cloths in place, didn't take off their shoes, and even left greasy foot prints on the shower pan.

Chris

Re: Something to watch when prepping coach for service

Reply #4 –
Chris, please name the shop as this may save someone else and get that shop to "clean it's act up, or?"
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Something to watch when prepping coach for service

Reply #5 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Chris, please name the shop as this may save someone else and get that shop to "clean it's act up, or?"
JohnH
That could be a very long list. I don't think we have ever left a service shop without a little extra grime or grease. The floor, the curtains, and the seats have all been victims. We've started pulling up rugs, removing pillows and bed linens every time we know a service technician will be in the coach. We point out damage to the service manager. They would begrudgingly pay for cleaning but it was never as good as before. :( And yes FOT is one of the guilty parties. We prefer to avoid the issue.

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Removing adhesive transferred from plastic adhesive backed carpet protectors

Reply #6 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Chris, please name the shop as this may save someone else and get that shop to "clean it's act up, or?"
JohnH

In this case naming the shop would send this thread off track from it's original purpose and intent - warning about adhesive transfer, and sharing how to clean it if it happens to you. 

My wife wanted me to post our experience with adhesive transfer when using an adhesive backed protector, and share how to we removed the adhesive from the carpet surface.  She wished there had been information like this somewhere in the archives.

Neither of us had ever heard of this, didn't know it was a problem, and were surprised.  It's all resolved now.  This one is "for the file" so to speak.

Chris
 

Re: Removing adhesive transferred from plastic adhesive backed carpet protectors

Reply #7 –
Used lacquer thinner to remove the adhesive long ago.  Not politically correct but worked 30 years ago
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4