Blog > Tips from the Flooring Pros: How to Clean Carpet Correctly

Tips from the Flooring Pros: How to Clean Carpet Correctly

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Whether it's the aftermath of a lively party or the daily wear and tear of having kids and pets, your carpet takes a beating. Regular vacuuming is a good start, but dirt, stains, and odors can accumulate over time, making your carpet look tired and worn. That's where deep cleaning comes into play.

Deep cleaning your carpet is not just about maintaining its appearance; it's also about extending its life and ensuring your home remains a clean, healthy environment for your family. However, with so many cleaning methods and products on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start. That's why our flooring professionals are here with this comprehensive guide.

From selecting the right cleaning supplies to tackling stubborn stains and everything in between, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step. Plus, for those who prefer a more hands-on approach, we'll show you how to effectively clean your carpet by hand, ensuring that even the most delicate fibers are treated with care.

How Can I Deep Clean My Carpet Myself?

Deep cleaning your carpet can extend its life and keep your home clean and fresh. Here are the basic steps to deep cleaning your carpet:

1. Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need a good vacuum to remove surface dirt and debris. You can also rent a carpet cleaning machine from many grocery or hardware stores if you don't own one.

You can buy a commercial carpet cleaning solution or make your own by mixing a small amount of dish soap with warm water. For tougher stains, you might need a specialized stain remover. It’s also a good idea to have a scrub brush on hand for tough stains, white vinegar as a natural deodorizer and cleanser, baking soda for odor removal, gloves to protect your hands, and fans to help the carpet dry faster.

2. Prepare the Room

Start with removing the furniture and clearing the area as much as possible to ensure you can clean the entire carpet. Vacuum the carpet to remove surface dirt, dust, and pet hair. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and edges.

3. Pre-Treat Stains

Use a carpet stain remover or a mixture of vinegar and water to treat tough stains. Apply the cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.

4. Deep Clean with a Carpet Cleaner

Fill the carpet cleaning machine with hot water and the recommended amount of cleaning solution. Begin at the farthest point from the door and work backward to avoid stepping on the cleaned carpet. Overlap each pass for thorough cleaning. If your machine has a rinse mode, use it to remove any soap residue.

5. Dry the Carpet

Go over the carpet again without pressing the spray button to suck up extra water. Open the windows and use fans to speed up the drying process. Avoid walking on the carpet until it's completely dry.

6. Post-Cleaning

Once the carpet is dry, vacuum once more to pick up any remaining dirt and fluff up the carpet fibers. Then you can place the furniture back in the room. Consider using carpet protectors under furniture legs to prevent stains and indentations.

What Is the Best Thing to Clean Carpet With?

The best thing to clean your carpet with can depend on your carpet type, the kind of stains or dirt you're dealing with, and whether you're looking for a commercial solution or prefer a more natural approach.

Commercial carpet cleaners like Floors USA Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaner can remove a wide variety of stains. We also stock Lifter-1 Carpet Stain and Spot Remover, CarpetAid+ Stain Remover, and Shaw Carpet Stain & Soil Remover.

You can also choose to make a DIY solution. For water-based, special water-based, and greasy oil-based stains, mix 1/4 teaspoon of clear hand dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of water and stir gently. If that doesn’t do the trick, you can also try 2 tablespoons of non-bleaching, non-sudsing household ammonia with 1 cup of lukewarm water, but do not use this solution on coffee, tea, or urine stains. Instead of drying this solution, neutralize it with a solution of 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of lukewarm water.

Choosing the Best Carpet Cleaning Solution

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to the best thing to clean carpets with, as it depends on individual needs and preferences. However, both commercial and natural cleaners can be effective. Consider your specific situation—such as the type of carpet, the nature of the stains, and any personal sensitivities—to choose the best cleaning solution for you.

Protein-based stains (like blood or milk) often require enzymatic cleaners found in many pet stain removers. Greasy stains may need a detergent-based cleaner. Wool carpets require gentle cleaners that won’t damage the fibers, while synthetic carpets can handle a broader range of cleaning products. If you or a family member are sensitive to chemicals or prefer eco-friendly solutions, natural options like vinegar or baking soda may be best.

How Do You Clean Carpet By Hand?

Cleaning your carpet by hand can be a detailed and thorough way to address stains or areas that need special attention. The process is similar to using a carpet cleaning machine — you’ll need the same supplies, plus a bucket for your cleaning solution.

Start by thoroughly vacuuming the carpet to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. Apply the cleaning solution directly to any stains or heavily soiled areas using a cloth or cleaning brush. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cleaning solution to penetrate the stain, then blot it with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain or damage the carpet fibers. For tougher stains, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

Then, to shampoo the carpet, dip a brush or sponge into the cleaning solution and lightly scrub the carpet in sections. Work in a grid pattern across the room, ensuring you don’t soak the carpet. The goal is to use just enough solution to clean the carpet without saturating it. Remember to refresh your bucket with clean, soapy water as it becomes dirty.

After shampooing, removing any soap residue is important as it can attract more dirt over time. Use a clean cloth or sponge dipped in cold water to blot and gently rinse the cleaned areas. Wring out the cloth or sponge regularly to ensure you’re not adding too much water to the carpet.

Blot up excess water with dry towels or cloths, pressing down firmly to absorb as much moisture as possible. Ventilate the area by opening windows or using fans to help speed up the drying process, and avoid walking on the carpet until it’s completely dry. Once it’s dry, go over it with a vacuum once more to pick up any remaining dirt and to help lift the carpet fibers, leaving your carpet looking fresh and clean.

Cleaning your carpet by hand can be time-consuming, but it’s a great way to target specific areas and ensure your carpet is fresh and clean without the need for heavy machinery.

Get More Tips from the Flooring Pros at Floors USA

Whether it’s finding the right products to deep clean your existing flooring or discovering the perfect materials for a Spring Makeover, the flooring pros at Floors USA have you covered with decades of experience! Customer satisfaction is our number one priority, so our staff will work with you to ensure you are 100% satisfied. Visit our showroom to see our incredible inventory of carpet, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, and more — make an appointment today!