You don't need to hire a professional carpet cleaner if you want a clean carpet.You can deep clean your carpets on your own.Make sure that you have already vacuumed and treated your carpet.You can use a carpet cleaner that uses water and a special solution to clean the carpet.You can use a dry cleaning solution if you don't want to wait for the carpet to dry.
Step 1: Pick up anything on the ground.
The carpet needs to be completely clear before you start cleaning it.Pick up any items from the ground.Throw out any debris or trash that is visible from the carpet.
Step 2: The furniture should be moved out of the way.
As much furniture as possible should be moved out of the room.Lift chairs, tables, TV stands, and other smaller items and take them to another room.If you have large heavy items that are difficult to move, such as couches or bookcases, you should put small pieces of aluminum foil under their feet.
Step 3: The carpet needs to be vacuumed first.
Before you clean the carpet, make sure the entire carpet is vacuumed to get as much dust and dirt out as possible.It's a good idea to go over the entire floor.
Step 4: Pretreating stains.
Before you clean the whole carpet, make sure to get the stain out.You can use a carpet cleaning solution to clean the area.Wait at least fifteen or twenty minutes.Do not rub the stain with a damp cloth or sponge.You can use shaving cream if you don't have a spot cleaning solution.Wait 30 minutes for the cream to cure the stain.You can spray the spot with vinegar.It's a good idea to wipe away any leftover stuff.To make your own spot cleaning solution, mix 1 cup (75 g) of salt, 1/2 cup (100 g), and 4 cup (59 mL).Wait until the paste dries before you vacuum it up.Baking soda or washing soda could be used if you don't have Borax.
Step 5: Rent or purchase a carpet cleaner.
A carpet cleaner is a machine that looks like a vacuum, but it uses steam and special cleaning solution to deep clean carpets.If you deep clean your carpets more than once or twice a year, you may want to invest in a carpet cleaner.If you are not ready to commit, you can rent these machines from a variety of stores.Make sure the cleaner you get is easy to use.The machine will weigh more if you fill it with water.You will have to buy the cleaning solution yourself if you rent a steam cleaner.Next to the machine is where the cleaning solution is sold.You can find it in the cleaning aisle of the store.
Step 6: The machine should be filled.
The water and cleaning solution needs to be put in the tank.The manual for each brand of carpet cleaner has slightly different instructions.Before adding water to a small tank, you should add a certain amount of formula.There is a separate tank for just water for some carpet cleaners.You can plug the machine in once you have filled the tank.Plug in the machine before you add the water and cleaning solution.If someone in your home has respiratory issues or is uncomfortable with the use of chemicals, you can use a cup of white vinegar instead of cleaning solution in the tank.If you need to do a second cleaning for the best results, be aware that this may void the warranty on the machine.
Step 7: A test spot needs to be cleaned.
Make sure the cleaning solution doesn't change the color of your carpet or leave stains.A patch of carpet is usually covered by furniture.Use the carpet cleaner on that small part.You don't want to use it on your entire carpet if you notice any discoloration.
Step 8: Go away from the door.
As far away from the door as possible, when you start cleaning.Slowly go across the room as you move the cleaner over the carpet.You want to end at the door so that you can leave when you are done.Go over the carpet a second time if it is still dirty.You may be trapped in a corner if you start by the door.You have to walk over the carpet to leave.
Step 9: To let the room dry, open doors and windows.
The carpet will take a long time to dry.Make sure that there is enough air circulating during this time.Keep the doors and windows open in the room.It will prevent mold from forming in the carpet when it dries.If you have pets or children, use baby gates to keep them out of the room while the carpet dries.The drying process can be aided by fans and dehumidifiers in the room.They can help reduce it.
Step 10: Don't drink the water.
Unless you are told to do so by the manufacturer or store, you should not pour the water down the drain.If you rent a carpet cleaner, the store may ask you to return the full amount of water you used.They can dispose of the water in a responsible way.If the store doesn't want you to return the steam cleaner full, you should call your local water treatment facility to find out how to dispose of the water.
Step 11: Purchase a solution to clean carpets.
There are many ways to clean carpets.These are powders that contain a detergent to break down dirt in the carpet.Some may have a small amount of water.You can buy them at a hardware store.Love my Carpet, Arm and Hammer, Host, and Carpet Fresh are some popular brands.Dry cleaning won't remove stains from your carpet.If your carpet is dirty, you may want to use a carpet cleaner.
Step 12: Work the cleaning solution into the fibers by sprinkling it over the carpet.
According to the instructions on the label, measure out the correct amount of solution.It should be spread over your carpet.There needs to be an even amount over the entire carpet.Don't use too much.You can get fine white powder on your clothing and furniture even after you vacuum it up.The instructions for the dry cleaning solution should be followed.You may need to use a brush to clean the carpet.You may need to wait 15-20 minutes before vacuuming up the powder.
Step 13: The carpet has to be vacuumed.
You should vacuum the carpet after you have worked the solution into it.To make sure you have removed all of the powder from the carpet, you may want to use your vacuum to go over it a few times.You may need to vacuum again if you find that you have white powder on your furniture or clothing.There is no need to wait for the carpet to dry.You are done cleaning once it is vacuumed.