Many Bay Area residents are understandably reluctant to have an unknown carpet cleaner in their home during the current COVID-19 lockdown. One option for carpet cleaning during the coronavirus shelter-in-place is to clean your carpet yourself. DIY Carpet Cleaning.
My first advice is don’t. Call a pro. Sure you can rent a Rug Doctor, but it’s like power washing your patio with a garden hose. Just not as powerful. Call a pro that uses very low moisture (VLM) carpet cleaning (like Advanced Dry Carpet Care: (707) 575-0114). If you can’t find a VLM cleaner in your area, employ a cleaner that uses hot water extraction (HWE), also known as the truck-mount system. This is the method used by Stanley Steemer, Coit and most smaller carpet cleaning pros. It’s a traditional, common method for carpet cleaning, though not the best.
But if your budget or health concerns won’t allow for calling a pro, follow these guidelines for safe and effective DIY carpet cleaning.
Gather what you’ll need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Carpet extraction cleaning machine (ex. Rug Doctor)
- Carpet cleaning detergent
- Hot water
- Fans
Do it right and you can see dramatic results!
Ready? Here’s a step-by-step guide for effectively cleaning your carpet yourself:
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly while it’s dry. Once soil is wet, it is more difficult to extract.
- Pre-treat spots and traffic lanes with detergent and water mix. Brush the solution into the carpet and allow 10-15 minutes dwell time.
- While you’re waiting, mix detergent and hot water and pour into the machine.
- Use the machine according to its instructions to apply cleaning solution and extract.
- Open windows and point fans at the carpet, especially the traffic lanes.
- If spots remain, try cleaning them with a stronger detergent, like Folex. For a simple 3-Step Spot Cleaning video and instructions, go to: advanceddry.com/spot/
- Keep everyone off the carpet until it’s dry. This includes pets. If you can’t wait, wear clean socks to avoid re-soiling.
- Your carpet should be dry within 24 hours. If it takes longer than 48 hours, definitely call a pro. Mildew is forming and mold may follow, which will ruin your carpet.
Avoid common mistakes:
- Avoid using a detergent that is not designed for carpet. You may get the dirt out, but not the suds. The remaining sticky residue will result in re-soiling.
- Avoid using too much water. Some people, seeing that one pass does not get the carpet clean, go over it a second and third time. These machines add water/solution, but do not extract much. More passes leaves more water and the risk of mildew and mold.
- Don’t bother with the home models from Bissel, Hoover, etc. They squirt water/solution on to the carpet but have weak extraction. Weak jets + weak suction means you’ve only added water and soap to dirty carpet.
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