How to Clean Carpet at the Baseboard

A clean carpet can make an old room look fresh and inviting again. Steam carpet cleaners work great for most of the job, but they can be a problem when it comes to cleaning along the baseboard. You don't want to leave a dirty border around your carpet and you probably don't want to hire a professional to come in and do the job. With the right tools and techniques, you can clean carpet at the baseboard on your own.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carpet-safe cleaning solution
• Wet/dry vacuum
• Wet/dry vacuum extension tubes
• Dry rags
• Fan, if desired

1. Make sure the cleaning solution you use is safe for your carpet fiber type by reading the back label. If you aren't sure, follow the directions on the label to test the cleaning solution on a carpet sample or discreet part of the carpet, such as under a piece of furniture. Perform this test before applying any of the cleaner to the rest of the carpet.

2. Remove surface dirt from the carpet along your baseboards by vacuuming as normal. You will need to use your vacuum attachment for small areas, or just vacuum with the wet/dry vacuum hose with the extension tubes attached to prevent injury to your back.

3. Apply the cleaning solution to the carpet along the baseboard of one wall. Let the solution set for the recommended amount of time given on the label.

4. Use the wet/dry vacuum with the extension tubes attached and vacuum the saturated area.

5. Press a dry rag firmly over the vacuumed area to make sure you removed as much liquid as possible. If the rag comes up wet, empty your wet/dry vacuum canister, re-vacuum and blot again with another dry rag until it comes up dry or just slightly damp.

6. Repeat Steps 3 through 5 on the remaining carpet along the baseboard of the room, one wall at a time.

7. Allow the cleaned areas to dry completely before walking on them or returning furniture to the area. You may wish to use a fan to speed up the process.