How to Shampoo Carpets

Learning how to shampoo carpets is something most homeowners can learn to do. Carpets should be cleaned at least once a year, if not twice, to keep them in good condition and prolong the life of the carpet. Dirt ground into carpets can damage the fibers and make them wear faster.

Here is all you need to know to clean your carpets yourself!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A vacuum
• A carpet cleaner
• Carpet Cleaner
• The ability to move your furniture or find someone to do it for you

1. 
   To Shampoo Carpets, Rent Carpet Shampooer

   STEP ONE
   
   To shampoo carpets, first rent a carpet shampooer and purchase carpet shampoo. Many grocery stores rent them as do home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's. Rental businesses also rent carpet cleaners. Most places that rent carpet shampooers also sell the cleaner.
   
   It is also helpful to pick up a spray bottle of carpet cleaner for spot cleaning. Treat all spots 10 or 15 minutes in advance of begining your carpet cleaning.

2. 
   Before you Shampoo Carpets, Move Furniture

   STEP TWO
   
   Move all of the furniture (if possible) out of the room and off of the carpet to be shampooed. If you cannot do this, move it to one end of the room. Remove any area rugs, cords or anything that might get in the way when you shampoo carpets with a carpet shampooer.

3. 
   Help is Good when You Shampoo Carpets!

   STEP THREE
   
   Vacuum the carpets thoroughly in the area to be cleaned. This will take up all the loose dirt and make the area easier to clean. A more thorough cleaning will result.

4. 
   Read Carpet Shampoo Instructions Carefully

   STEP FOUR
   
   Read the instructions on the bottle of carpet shampoo. Mix carpet shampoo according to the instructions and add to carpet shampooer. Most carpet shampoos call for hot water. That is why it is a good idea to prepare the room before mixing the carpet shampoo. This way it will be hot when you begin to clean.
   
   There are many different kinds of carpet shampoo. If you rent a carpet cleaner from a grocery store or rental company, they will make a suggestion as to what the best carpet shampoo is for the carpet shampooer that you are renting.

5. 
   Shampoo carpets in Small Sections

   STEP FIVE
   
   Shampoo carpets starting in one corner. Do a four or five foot square area at a time. Spray cleaner on the floor (using the button on the carpet shampooer) and go back and forth of the area several times. After the area is clean, go back over the area again several times to draw up excess water. If the carpet is really dirty work the area up and down and then again side to side. Move onto the next area.

6. STEP SIX
   
   If possible after you shampoo carpets, allow them to dry before replacing furniture. If the weather outside is dry, open the windows. If you have air conditioning in your home in damp climates, turning the air conditioning cooler will also speed the drying time after shampooing your carpets.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat spots before you begin to shampoo carpets
• Go over stained areas with carpet shampooer several times
• Keep an eye on solution. Replace as needed and empty dirty water.
• Most places that rent carpet shampooers give you 24 hours to complete the job and return it to them. To save time, prepare the room before going to pick up the equipment and return carpet shampoo equipment while the carpet is drying.

[johnmcdonnell]

on 11/28/2009 Very good advice. Anyone who has pets will especially appreciate this, since pets and clean carpets don't always go together.

[rakhib]

on 11/28/2009 gr8 post.5*

[xivyisazombiex]

on 9/22/2009 i have pets and i would love to surprise my mom with clean carpets. thank you. recommended.

[nito1985]

on 8/10/2009 Great article, thanks for sharing this with us!!!! 5*

[ezyas123]

on 8/5/2009 Great article, thanks for sharing!