Professional Carpet Cleaner Reveals
5 Tips and 3 Most Common Mistakes for
Do-It-Yourself Carpet Cleaning
We understand that there are many people that choose to clean their carpet themselves using a home carpet cleaner or renting a residential carpet cleaning machine, like a Rug Doctor®, from the local store.
We certainly admire your tenacity.
Let’s face it, if you have carpet, it needs to be cleaned one way or another. Even with our professional, powerful, expensive equipment, it’s hard work!
And of course we recommend hiring a professional carpet cleaner.
But if you are committed to going it alone, have set aside your entire weekend, and have a very strong marriage, (probably the most important criteria) here are a few tips and tricks to help get the most from your efforts.
Carpet Cleaning Tips for Do-It Yourself Carpet Cleaning
TIP #1 VACUUM, VACUUM, VACUUM!
I’m frequently asked, “How often should I vacuum?” My answer is always, “You can never vacuum too much!” Most carpet soiling is in the form of dry particulates best removed with dry vacuuming. Vacuum very slowly and methodically, going over your carpeting in at least two directions. Use the hose attachment to vacuum along the edges and in corners.
TIP #2 READ THE DIRECTIONS
Your cleaning machine and every cleaning solution bottle will have directions. Be sure you understand how to properly use the equipment. Use cleaning solutions only in the manner recommended on items recommended and in the right concentrations.
TIP #3 WORK SMALL &
GO SLOW
Don’t try to clean your entire house all at once. It’s better to work a small area, one room at a time. And take your time, moving the cleaner slowly using what we call, “double stroking”. Make one “pull” stopping at the end of your working area then make another “pull” right beside that one. Go back and overlap another “pull” where those two meet. Continue to work your way across the room in the same manner.
TIP #4 DOUBLE EXTRACTION
After you have wet extracted an area, go over it again at least one more time with the vacuum only. But this time don’t over lap! You will get better results making even side-by-side pulls. Remember to go slowly. You want to remove as much water as possible.
TIP #5 BRING ON THE FANS!
Now that you have your carpet clean, you need to get it dry AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. There’s a saying in our industry, “the cleaning process is not complete until it’s dry”. Fast drying helps prevent wicking, tracking and a variety of other problems that come with over-wet carpet.
Use any fans you can to get the air moving. Ceiling fans, box fans, stand fans will all make a difference. We suggest you also turn on the fan on your HVAC system. If you have a dehumidifier, that’s even better!
Open windows only if it is a nice dry day outside.
3 Most Common Mistakes for
Do-It-Yourself Carpet Cleaning
MISTAKE #1 TOO MUCH SOAP
The most common mistake people make goes like this, “Wow, this carpet is really dirty, I better use twice as much soap or I’ll never get this clean!”
Please do not fall into this trap.
Your cleaning detergent is effective up to a certain concentration. (Just enough to loosen and suspend the soil) after that it becomes more of a problem than the dirt! Never…let me say that again, NEVER!! (thanks, I feel better now) use more than the recommended amount of cleaning solution.
If you find that you are not getting the results you desire, finish rinsing that area as mentioned above, then using the same concentration, go over that area again. Only this time, let the cleaning solution dwell for an extra 5-10 minutes then rinse. Keep in mind, every time you re-rinse an area you are adding more water to the carpet. (Just trust me on this one)
MISTAKE #2 GOING TOO FAST
This isn’t NASCAR and going fast will not improve your overall standing in the points. (especially with your wife) While the home carpet cleaning machines do a pretty good job, they have their limits. Their vacuum can only extract so much. That’s why going slowly is important.
Moving too fast will result in over-wetting leading to a soggy, smelly mess that used to be your carpet.
MISTAKE #3 ADDING EXTRA “STUFF”
It is tempting to add “boosters” to your cleaning solutions. “Why not? They work great in the laundry!”
Yes they do but this is not your laundry! Using anything other than Carpet Cleaning Detergent specifically formulated for carpet cleaning is very risky.
NEVER use chlorine bleach! Not only will it void any carpet warranty, you will most likely end up with pink striped carpet. Oxi-this, color safe-that may say they can be used on carpet. Always pre-test in an inconspicuous area before using.
Keep reading for Bonus Tips!!
BONUS TIP #1
As you can imagine, being professional carpet cleaners we can do things differently than the methods suggested on your bottle of carpet cleaner. Because our equipment, solutions and expertise allow us to be flexible with our cleaning systems, adjusting as we go to achieve the best results in the most efficient manner.
Here’s a suggestion that will make a big difference in the effectiveness of your cleaning. It does require some extra work and some additional supplies.
Mix your carpet cleaning detergent with hot water in a trigger sprayer or pump-up garden sprayer. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. (Make sure they are clean and don’t use any sprayer you may have used to spray pesticides, weed killer, etc.) Spray the area to be cleaned. It’s ok to spray a little heavier on the more soiled areas. Using a plastic bristle broom or carpet groomer, brush the area you just sprayed. This helps evenly distribute the cleaning solution and adds some agitation to loosen more of the soiling. Allow a few extra minutes dwell time but do not let the solution dry. Extract (rinse) with your carpet cleaner as described above. You can use either clear water or add a few drops of cleaner to the rinse water to help “condition” the water.
BONUS TIP #2
After cleaning an area, it’s ok to place furniture back in place. Use small squares of aluminum foil and place under all furniture legs. This prevents the furniture from staining, causing rust spots or otherwise damaging your nice clean carpets. Some sofas, love seats and other types of furnishings have plastic feet which don’t need anything at all under those!
We wish you success in your cleaning efforts and hope these tips can help.
If they have, email us with your story.
And of course, If we can answer any questions concerning the care and maintenance of your carpet, upholstery, area rugs, etc. Please email, or call us at (865) 453-5624.
We offer a free inspection and quote within our service area.
Copyright 2012 Randy Hansen, Hansen Steamway LLC. All rights reserved,
No duplication without written consent.