Treat tough areas with a stain remover spray.
This allows the dirt to break free and the solution draws it to the surface of the carpet for removal. Removing as many of the allergens, dirt and dust mites as possible with a powerhead vacuum before shampooing will significantly increase the quality of the result.
It's not unusual for DIY carpet cleaners to need eight or even 10 passes on a carpet before the water runs clear. This is especially true when: It has been a long time since your carpet was last deep-cleaned.
Most carpets typically need 6-10 hours to dry completely. However, it could take up to 24 hours to dry depending on the time of year your carpets are cleaned, and the air circulation, humidity and temperature in your home.
You have to rinse the carpet removing all the excess soap. Now, take mix half cup of fabric softener with one gallon of warm water. Spray that solution over the entire carpet and allow it to set for about 2 minutes. You have to extract and rinse with clean water now to get soft and fluffy carpet.
Ultimately, running your vacuum over your carpets after a professional deep clean is great but remember to do it only after your carpet is completely dry. Vacuuming your carpet when it's still damp could cause dirt to be transferred from your vacuum cleaner, so patience does pay off.
Carpets that still look dirty or have stains reappear after cleaning is a result of something called wicking. This is due to over wetting the carpet, the backing, and pad which causes them to return back to the surface once dry.
Step 3: Setup Your Carpet Cleaner
After you get out your carpet cleaner, fill the clean tank to the line with hot (not boiling) tap water. Hot water does a better job cleaning than cold but, if you boil it, you run the risk of melting parts of your carpet cleaner.
Reasons Why You Should Vacuum First Before Cleaning Your Carpet. You get the best results after eliminating dirt and dust from the surface of your carpet. If the carpet is not vacuumed before steam cleaning, your carpet will look clean on the surface but remain dirty underneath.
Laundry Detergents aren't Formulated for Carpet Cleaning
Cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to clean and not damage the machines they're used in and the material they're treating. Laundry soap is designed to be used in washing machines to clean clothing.
You can remove virtually any type of high traffic stain from your carpet by using a combination of water, vinegar, and baking soda. This method is less harmful than most commercial carpet cleaning processes and is much more affordable.
If there is a clearly defined path of flattened carpet fibers or the entire carpet looks crushed, the resilience of the fibers can often be restored by cleaning the carpet. While you can tackle just the worst-looking areas, an overall deep clean will make the entire carpet look brighter and fluffier.
Baking soda is the go-to solution for bringing your carpet back to life. Not only does it clean, it also kills bacteria, refreshes the pile and removes odours. Apply plenty of baking soda to completely cover your carpet then use a stiff brush to work it in, rubbing it in different directions.
If you're serious about making your carpet look like new again, deep cleaning with a carpet cleaner is your first step. Whether you rent a carpet cleaning machine or call in a professional for help, shampooing your carpet with a high-quality carpet cleaner will make an immediate and highly visible difference.
The baking soda not only absorbs moisture, but it'll also absorb any nasty odours. As it soaks up moisture, baking soda cakes up, making it easy to remove after the fact – just go over your carpet with a vacuum once it's dry and you're set.
Fortunately, the process is simple. Run a fan pointed at the wet area to help moisture evaporate. A dehumidifier also works to pull moisture out of the air and dry out the carpet. “Another option is to get rags and lay them over your damp area,” says Happy DIY Home founder Jen Stark.
Baking soda and vinegar can refresh and re-fluff your whole carpet. And on top of that, it gives you a way to clean your carpet below the surface. Baking soda kills bacteria hidden in your carpet and removes bad smells.
TLDR: Baking soda can be used to clean carpet because it is a powerful alkaline solution that when combined with acid produces dioxide gases. These oxidized gases are highly effective at removing stains from carpet and other materials with ease.
Thus, it's a good idea to shampoo your carpet once or twice a year, especially if you have pets in the home. Carpet shampooing can be accomplished by hand or steam cleaning using heat, water, and detergent to loosen and remove tough stains, spills, and odors.