How to Shampoo a Carpet
There are few things more unsightly in an otherwise beautiful home than filthy carpets. Unfortunately, carpets get dirty quite often, much to the dismay of their owners. Dirty carpet can make even the most immaculate of homes seem less than clean, but there is something that can be done about it.
When it comes to dirty carpets, there are two options to consider. The first option is to hire a carpet cleaning company to come in and shampoo the carpets. While this is a very viable option, it is also a rather pricey one, as carpets should be cleaned once every few months.
The second option is to shampoo the carpets on your own. While most people don’t know how to shampoo a carpet, doing so is much easier than it might look, and can save a lot of money and hassle that would otherwise be involved with hiring a professional. While the task of learning to shampoo a carpet may seem a bit intimidating, it is not very difficult.
Get a Carpet Cleaner
The first and most important step when shampooing carpets is to actually obtain the cleaner. In order to shampoo a carpet, a specialized machine is needed to do the job. Most hardware stores and grocery stores have carpet cleaners available for rent.
For those who would rather not deal with the hassle of renting and returning equipment, carpet cleaners are available for purchase just about anywhere vacuum cleaners are sold. The price of the cleaner varies depending on the features, if you need all of the extra functionalities, but don’t quite have the money to invest in a high-end shampooer, renting one may be the best idea.
Preparing the Carpet
Before proceeding to shampoo a carpet, it is extremely important that the carpet be vacuumed thoroughly. It may be a good idea to remove the old vacuum bag and replace it with a new one to ensure that all dirt and debris can be removed.
Next, take some time to locate those areas on the carpet that get a higher amount of traffic than others and treat them with a pre-spray or cleaner specifically designed for highly soiled areas. These can bring some life back into trampled carpet fibers and aid in maximizing the cleaning process.
Shampooing the Carpet
Allow the spot pre-treater to do its job; this will take about 30 minutes or so. The actual shampooing process is not difficult. Begin shampooing in the furthest corner of the room and pull the machine towards you while pressing the shampoo release button, do not soak the carpet. Then go over the same area again to remove as much moisture from the rug as possible. You may have to repeat this process more than once depending on how dirty the carpet is. These instructions will vary from machine to machine, but thoroughly laid out instructions are always included with the carpet cleaner, whether it is a rental or one you have purchased.
After shampooing, it is best to let the carpet dry overnight. When carpet is wet, it is much more apt to pick up dirt and stains than when it is dry, so allowing it to fully dry before walking on it is important.
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