Why agitate pre-treatments?

In the quest for a better quality of cleaning it is worth exploring a stage of the cleaning process which sometimes receives scant attention − The agitation of pre-sprays.

There are several reasons for agitation:

Homogeny.

By brushing-in a pre-spray we can increase the probability of getting it in contact with every fibre , every particle of soil
that it has been applied to attack.

Mechanical disturbance.

Brush action aids the separation of fibre and soil particles. Larger soil masses are broken to permit better penetration of the pre-spray and thereby speed the reaction. Insoluble particulate soil, particularly when impacted, is loosened, thereby aiding later extraction.

Pile conditioning.

Especially when the agitation is provided by one of the twin contra-rotating brush machines, such as the Host, Envirodry or Sebo Duo, since they work in the vertical plane the pile is combed and ''opened up'' which again makes for more complete removal of soil at the extraction stage. It is also likely to result in a ''bouncier'', more resilient pile − an important factor in wear reduction as well as providing a better feel underfoot.

If the aim is to ultimately return the carpet as near as possible to its'' new condition, then, like pre-vacuuming, I consider this stage indispensable.