How To

How to Shampoo Carpets

Member
By Julia Fuller
User-Submitted Article
(12 Ratings)
Make carpets look like new again
Make carpets look like new again

Shampoo your carpets periodically and they will last longer, smell fresher, and look better. Shampooing your carpet can revitalize the appearance and is much cheaper than buying new carpet. How do you shampoo carpets?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Carpet Shampooer
  • Vacuum
  • Carpet Shampoo
  • Spot Stain Remover
  • Scrub brush
  1. Step 1

    Vacuum carpets thoroughly before you shampoo them to remove surface dirt and ground in dirt. Dirt that is ground into your carpet can cause the fibers to wear making it necessary to replace your carpet sooner.

  2. Step 2

    Spray stained areas with your carpet shampoo or a special carpet stain treatment. Heavily soiled areas may need to be scrubbed with a scrub brush to remove stains.

  3. Step 3

    Fill the shampoo reservoir located on the carpet shampooer with a carpet shampoo formulated for your shampooer, carpet, and needs. For example, those with pets may want to choose a pet formula to help control odors.

  4. Step 4

    Fill the water reservoir. Heat the water if your carpet shampooer has this option and your carpet can be cleaned with hot water.

  5. Step 5

    Start in a corner and shampoo an area that is approximately 3-feet by 3-feet thoroughly, sucking up as much water as possible.

  6. Step 6

    Continue to shampoo the entire room in consecutive 3-foot square sections, overlapping to avoid missing any areas.

Tips & Warnings
  • Avoid shampooing carpets on rainy days, as the humidity will slow drying.
  • Open windows to assist air flow when possible.
  • Run fans, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to remove moisture and quicken drying.
  • Spot check your carpet in a corner or under a piece of furniture so if the color fades a spot will not be where everyone can see it.

Comments  

| View All 13 Comments
Flag This Comment

on 10/3/2009 very good article! With 2 large dogs in the house, my BF has to shampoo his carpets montly - good advice on how to shampoo carpets!

Flag This Comment

on 9/23/2009 Thanks for the instructions on shampooing carpets. We are getting ready to do our carpets and your tips are very helpful. 5*

makaksa said

Flag This Comment

on 9/21/2009 Good article on shampooing carpets.

trvlarrngr said

Flag This Comment

on 9/12/2009 Great tips on how to shampoo carpets. Seems like I am always doing this chore! 5 stars

Flag This Comment

on 9/10/2009 Great information on shampooing carpets. I am thankful to no longer have carpet to vacuum or shampoo. 5* God bless.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

eHow Article: How to Shampoo Carpets

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden