There’s a lot to think about when buying or using a carpet cleaner, such as how much space you need for storage and whether you should rent or buy. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Carpet washing machine is very heavy and cumbersome, especially when filled with water. They can be more difficult to control than conventional upright vacuums. They will also need quite a bit of storage space.
Treat spills immediately. Most households only need to wash carpets once every six months to a year, but spot cleaners are ideal for dealing with spills right away, plus they’re easier to maintain and use.
You probably won’t be using the carpet cleaner very often, so you might consider hiring professionals to do your entire home, especially if you have limited storage space. (This may also depend on how dirty and stained your carpet is.) Consider rental options from local businesses or retailers like Home Depot. You should be able to get the benefits of commercial grade cleaners without paying a lot of money.
Clean the carpet before using the carpet cleaner. This may seem counter-intuitive, but you don’t want dirt and hair to form wet clumps that clog the detergent. And if you haven’t washed your carpet in a while (or never have), brace yourself for a large amount of hairs that fill a dirty tub.
The carpet shampoo or cleaner you use is important. Manufacturers often require you to use their brand, and while others may work well, you could void your warranty (though I don’t know how they know). Most carpet cleaners come with some cleaner, but I’ve had good experiences with Rug Doctor commercial carpet cleaner ($20). It works well and doesn’t have a strong scent, and you can buy a large jug for cheap.
Try, try and try again. You may be frustrated when you fire up your carpet cleaner and find that it’s not capable of removing old red wine stains or toothpaste. Don’t lose heart. Multiple cleanings can sometimes remove established stains and at least reduce, if not eliminate, them.
Drying your carpet can take a long time. Most carpet cleaners have different settings and they will absorb some water, but they all leave the carpet slightly damp. Deeper cleanings tend to get carpet wet, so think about how you can speed up carpet drying time. Use a fan, turn on the heating or wash the carpet during the spring and summer months when you can leave the windows open.
Protect your hearing. Of all the ways you can damage your hearing, the carpet cleaner is probably the least enjoyable, so protect your ears. Some of these are very noisy, so wear earplugs while you work.
