Steam Cleaning Your Carpet-Step by Step

Steam cleaning your own carpet can be a time consuming task so it only makes sense that you want to do the best job possible. Doing it your self will save you money but you also need to do it properly or you may end up with a bigger mess then you started with, necessitating a more expensive professional cleaning.

Whether you own your own Hoover carpet cleaner or choose to use a rental machine this article will give you the information you need to do a thorough job of cleaning your carpets.

The first thing you need to do is thoroughly read the owners manual on the correct way to operate your Hoover Steam Vac. Failing to follow the directions listed can lead to carpets that aren’t properly cleaned. This is also important to do when it comes to using a rental machine.

If you are going the rental route here are some things to look for. First you want one that’s in good working condition; the newer the better. You also want to avoid any machines that look beat up or in poor condition. As rental machines age their vacuum and pump begin to wear out resulting in less then adequate suction which can lead to excess cleaning solution being trapped in the carpet.

It is also important to use cleaning shampoo and solutions that are made specifically for steam cleaning carpets. Do not use dish soap, laundry detergent, or any other homemade solution. Doing so can do serious damage to your carpet.

The first thing you need to do before you start using your carpet cleaner is get the vacuum cleaner out of the closet and thoroughly vacuum your carpets. It is important to get as much lose and dry material out of the carpet before you steam clean it. Take your time during this step and go over each carpeted area in several different directions.

Once you’re done vacuuming it is time to deep clean those carpets. This next step will be a little different then what you might expect. Most carpet cleaners have you add the cleaning solution directly to the water reservoir to create a soapy solution. While this does work it can leave more soapy residue in your carpet; residue that will actually attract dirt. Instead clean your carpet like many professionals do, in a three step process.

Get a one gallon pump-up sprayer from the local home improvement store. Following the directions on the carpet cleaning solution bottle, mix the carpet shampoo and water in the sprayer. Pump up the sprayer and set the nozzle to spray a nice even fan of cleaning solution. Evenly spray the carpet with cleaner making sure not to over-saturate the carpet. Let the cleaning solution set for 5 or 10 minutes giving it ample opportunity break down any dirt and grime deep in the carpet fibers.

The second step is to fill your carpet cleaners reservoir with warm water only; do not add any carpet shampoo. Once you have allowed the sprayed solution set for the suggested amount of time begin rinsing the carpet using your carpet cleaner. For carpet that is heavily soiled two passes may be needed to thoroughly rinse out that ground in grime. The idea is to get as much dirty residue and cleaning solution out of the carpet as possible.

The third and final step is getting those carpets dry as quickly as possible. Quick drying helps eliminate water marks and those spots that seem creep slowly back into your carpet. Open the doors and windows, turn on any and all ceiling fans, and if you have portable room fans use those as well. Get the air flowing through the house to help evaporate any moisture in the carpets quickly.

While it may take a little more time then the more traditional method of mixing your solution in your Hoover carpet cleaner or rental machine it is well worth the effort. If you take your time and follow these steps you will get a professional grade cleaning without paying professional prices and find yourself with a cleaner carpet that will last longer.