Which cleaning methods does the tile maker recommend?
Interface's Carpet Tile Maintenance Guidelines (revised March 9, 2026) describe each method. This table summarizes them.
| Method | What it is for | Drying or access |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuuming | "The single most important part of a maintenance program" | Immediate |
| Dry extraction (compound) | Regular interim maintenance | "Allow 30 minutes for drying" before vacuuming the compound out |
| Crystallizing (encapsulation) | Interim maintenance between deep cleans | Typically 30 to 60 minutes |
| Hot water extraction | Restorative cleaning; "removing heavy soil and residue" | Longer; schedule after hours |
| Bonnet or rotary machine | Not recommended | "May void all warranties" |
Why does Interface warn against bonnet cleaning?
Its guidelines put it in capitals: "USE OF A BONNET OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF ROTARY MACHINE FOR CLEANING OR DRYING IS NOT RECOMMENDED AND MAY VOID ALL WARRANTIES." A bonnet is a spinning pad, often used by janitorial contractors because it is quick. If your building's carpet tile is under warranty, ask whoever cleans it what machine they use. Our understanding is that the spinning action can distort the face of the tile and shift tiles out of line, but that reasoning is ours; the warning itself is Interface's.
How does a proper hot water extraction of carpet tile go?
Interface's own sequence: vacuum first; apply a detergent pre-spray covering "the entire carpeted surface, not just the traffic lanes"; agitate it; "allow 10 minutes of dwell time"; then, "using only clean water in the extractor, thoroughly rinse the carpet". In heavy traffic areas the extraction "can be repeated until the extracted water is relatively clear". That is close to how Klein's cleans any commercial carpet by hot water extraction; see commercial carpet cleaning.
When should a carpet tile be replaced instead?
When it is damaged rather than dirty: burned, cut, permanently dyed by a spill, crushed flat under a cabinet, or with a backing that has come away. That is the advantage of tile over broadloom: one square can come out without disturbing the rest. Expect a new tile to look a little different from tiles that have been walked on for years, at least at first. Keep a box of spare tiles from the original installation for exactly this.
Do I need chair mats on carpet tile?
Not on Interface tile, according to its guidelines: "Chair pads are NOT required with any Interface carpet." Other makers may say otherwise, so check your own product's care document. Where chairs roll all day, vacuum those areas more often; they are part of the medium or heavy zone in how often to clean office carpet.
Get a commercial carpet quote
Tell us the type of space, the rough square footage of carpet, and when the building is empty. We reply within one business day and can look at a larger floor before quoting.