To properly start this off… who am I, and why should you care about my thoughts on this piece of equipment? My name is Jason, and I’m an IICRC Master Certified Technician with over 15 years of experience in the mitigation and restoration industry. Before that, I was in law enforcement, and I coached lacrosse.

I’m sharing this with you hoping that my personality comes through in the text. I’m a no-nonsense kind of guy who lives for efficiency and quality of work. So, when a manufacturer of equipment makes a piece of gear that can simplify my life, I like to share it with everyone, especially my competitors. While I enjoy fixing their mistakes (it’s just easy money), I can’t do everything myself, and I need more (me + golf) or (me + fishing) time!

What is ENCAP Carpet Cleaning?

ENCAP is short for Encapsulate. In this industry the term encapsulate has 1 meaning…to surround. So, whether we have encapsulated building materials for microbial growth, or odor removal, or flooring for the purposes of deep cleaning the meaning is the same. To surround and contain.

In the carpet cleaning world ENCAP Process refers to a LOW-MOISTURE method of deep cleaning carpeting. Low moisture methods are beneficial to residential and commercial properties alike. They reduce the possibility of dye bleeding, shrinkage, delamination, and increase the dry time significantly meaning the flooring is safe and usable almost immediately.

Whittaker Systems takes the encapsulating process a step further by means of a propriety polymer-based cleaning solution that surrounds embedded dirt and soil and dries as microscopic crystals which then are removed by a traditional vacuum.

The Whittaker system provides the solution to deep cleaning, deodorizing and professional carpet cleaning in a faster, safer, and more cost-efficient manner. By eliminating the need for time consuming “prep” work such as pre spraying product and waiting for set time, setting up equipment and reducing the number of consumables needed to complete this process the equation of time = money has never been truer.

The Whittaker System raises the bar in outdated CRB carpet machines, by adding a 3rd roller brush to the assembly increasing the surface agitation which provides a deeper complete cleaning process. The system also includes a top mounted spray jet which applies the encapsulation detergent as the brushes turn in counter rotational direction to thoroughly loosen soil and encapsulate the soil at the same time.

There are multiple brush options available depending on the type of carpet to be cleaned. Not only is the encapsulation solution exceptional, so are the pre spotting and stain removal agents.

Portable Carpet Cleaner Machine by Whittaker | On the Job Performance:  

The Job: Commercial property in Upstate New York.

Extremely dirty and abused commercial carpeting over concrete slab. Oil and grease stained, Salt residue from snow covered parking lots, very high traffic areas, multiple liquid beverage stains.

First Impressions of Ease of Use

Scenario One | Traditional Hot Water Extraction

• Unpack the truck mount (get hoses, wands, water, heater and supplies off truck and assembled)
• Start off by vacuuming the entire carpet on both sides to remove any dry soil
• Apply pre spotting agents to visible stains agitate then flush with a neutral lubricant
• Apply pre spray solution to combat general soil and deodorization
• Perform Hot water extraction Rake and groom carpet to restore initial luster and feel Hang dry carpet up to 48 hours depending on saturation.
• Inspect and repeat the process until all staining is gone. Roll up hoses, collect all attachments, drain solution and recovery tanks, pack everything up.

Scenario Two | Conventional ENCAP System

• Vacuum Carpeting
• Pre spot stains hoping for no redeposition or color bleeding
• Pre-spray ENCAP solution and WAIT
• Run machine and keep fingers crossed the renovators stay attached and do not rattle too loudly or pop off during a turn of the machine causing soil and fibers to spill out over freshly cleaned carpet.
• REPEAT

Scenario Three | Whittaker System

• Vacuum carpet on both sides
• Inspect carpet for stains and pre-treat using Whittaker proprietary spotting solutions as
  directed
• Fill the solution tank with Whittaker Crystal Dry and clean the carpet.
• Once dry to touch pass vacuum over the carpet to trap crystalized soils.
• Get paid and go to the next job.

My overall Thoughts

Thought #1 

The Whittaker Company is a 3rd generation family owned and run company based in the USA. They have the same core values and standards that were put in place in 1961 when the company first started. I’ve spoken with Trent Whittaker who has assured me that nothing short of some minor technological advancements has changed since his grandfather developed the system in the 1980’s. Their system holds several US patents, meaning their technology cannot be replicated. The fact that this is a US based company speaks volumes about their integrity and family values. It also means that there will never be any additional tariffs or waiting for parts if you should ever need them.

Thought #2

The advantage of having more environmentally safe, laboratory tested and verified chemicals is a bonus to all. The low moisture method of carpet cleaning means that ZERO wastewater will make its way to any storm drain system.

I have been in this industry for a minute…I remember using the old Electrolux encapsulating shampoo machine which had the knap lifting attachments for post cleaning. I have seen pre spray applications be uneven, over saturated, or under applied. All causing uneven drying, redeposition, returning stains, and insufficient cleaning. The Whittaker System reduces all the above with a simple, proven, time tested, complete system to tackle carpet cleaning efficiently and extremely effectively. I was so impressed with the effectiveness of this system we spoke about it the whole way home. 

Product Rating: 6 out of 6  

Rating of 1-3 (does not get a written or video review)

1 – Did not work – Did not function – QC issue 

2- Worked, but not worth the investment. 

3- Worked, but the learning curve would slow us down.

Rating of 4-6

4- Worked Well | It’s better than what I use now, so when it’s time, this is my new “go-to”. 

5- Worked Well & Saved Time | It’s better than the old stuff and you can get home for dinner!

6- Where Have You Been My Whole Life | A New Standard.

For more info on Whittaker System visit:  | whittakersystem.com

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS of WORKING WITH PAUL DAVIS?

INSURANCE AGENT BENEFITS | Assign a Claim 

• Cost savings
• Improved productivity
• Complete documentation to help you close claims faster
• Satisfied customers

POLICY HOLDER BENEFITS | Assign a Claim 

• Fast response
• Less disruption
• Quality repairs
• Insurance claims assistance

Here at Paul Davis, we use the latest technology and techniques to repair and restore the damage caused by fire & smoke damage. We treat contents such as carpets, art, clothing, drapery, furniture, and other items using sophisticated ozone equipment and thoroughly remove the stains and odors associated with smoke and other fire-related damage.

All Paul Davis offices are certified in Applied Structural Drying (ASD). ASD maximizes the removal of water from building materials using scientific methods and specialized equipment. This approach uses the proper combination of air movement, temperature control, humidity control and dehumidification to quickly remove moisture with little disturbance to the structure or contents. ASD allows us to save building materials (including drywall, carpets and padding) and, in most cases, dry affected areas in as few as 3 days.