Carpet Cleaning With Shampoo

When referring to carpets, the word shampoo (used both as noun and verb) often refers to any form of cleaning: "Someone should shampoo that dirty carpet."
However, to a professional carpet cleaner, shampoo refers to a specific kind of cleaning. Shampoo is considered a deep-cleaning, low-moisture method which employs a foamy detergent. Extraction is not necessary, as the shampoo continues to work while the carpet is wet.

The Equipment

To shampoo a carpet, having the proper machine is necessary. A standard floor machine (a floor buffer) with a nylon brush and solution tank attached is the basic equipment. However, for a complete job, plan on having a vacuum, hand brush, carpet rake, carpet protectors, and an all-purpose-spotter available.

Prepping a Room

First, pre-vacuum the center of the room. Since the shampoo method does not extract, it is a good idea to vacuum the carpet to remove dust and debris. After the middle of the carpet is vacuumed, move the furniture into the center of the room. Finally, vacuum the perimeter of the room where the furniture sits.
Mix the shampoo as per the manufacturer's specifications. Set up the machine along the perimeter of the room.

Shampooing the Carpet

The solution tank connected to the floor machine uses gravity to feed the shampoo solution onto the shower-head brush. So, start the machine spinning. Release a small amount of shampoo by pulling the lever on the solution tank. As the shampoo reaches the carpet, suds will begin to form.
Maneuver the machine in a tight circle, releasing shampoo along the diameter. Stop feeding as the circle resembles the letter "C." There is a delay in the shampoo feed, so continue to close the circle. As the beginning spot of the circle is reached, steer the machine into the center of the circle. Without releasing extra shampoo, scrub the area as necessary.
Move to a new section. Continue the process making sure to overlap the previous area.

Resetting the Room

Pour a small amount of shampoo into a bucket with a hand brush for scrubbing the corners the round machine could not reach into. Never pour the contents of the edging bucket into the machine, as fibers from the brush may clog the release valve.
If the carpet is a plush carpet which shows the swirl marks from the machine, then smooth it out with a carpet rake. Once the pile is restored, move furniture back to its proper space, making sure to place carpet protectors (foam blocks, plastic or aluminum tabs) under furniture to protect the carpet from furniture stain and rust.
Finally, shampoo the middle of the room before grooming with the carpet rake.

References

• People: Tom Ferraioli, Sr., Owner, Elegant Cleaning Services, Nutley, NJ