| abstract |
Topical antimicrobial floor covering treatments comprising solid antimicrobial particles that become embedded within target fibers to impart a durable antimicrobial finish are provided. Such a topical treatment includes specific inorganic antimicrobial metal ion-based solid compounds, such as silver ion-exchange compounds, silver zeolites, and/or silver glasses, which is present within a liquid medium or mixed with another solid treatment agent. Such treatments also optionally include compositions of stain resistant agents, anti soil-redeposition compounds and liquids, surfactants, antistatic agents, and the like, to impart other characteristics to the target carpeted products. Such carpet treatments thus impart excellent antimicrobial characteristics at both the surface of the carpet pile, as well as within the pile itself. Furthermore, it has been found that application of such solid metal-ion based antimicrobials permits the ability to increase antimicrobial activity for the target carpet product after vacuuming and/or durability after further shampooing. |