You shampoo carpet floors by preparing the room, pre-treating stains, deep-cleaning with a carpet shampooer, and allowing the carpet to dry thoroughly.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
Steps to Shampooing Carpet
-
Prepare the Room:
- Remove as much furniture as possible from the room. Larger, heavier items that can't be moved should be covered with plastic or protected in some way.
- Thoroughly vacuum the entire carpet to remove loose dirt, debris, and pet hair. This step is crucial for effective deep cleaning.
-
Pre-Treat Stains:
- Identify any stains or heavily soiled areas on the carpet.
- Apply a stain remover specifically designed for carpets to these areas. Follow the product instructions carefully, allowing it to sit for the recommended time.
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth, working from the outside in to prevent spreading. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can damage the carpet fibers.
-
Deep-Clean the Carpet:
- Rent or Purchase a Carpet Shampooer: These machines are designed to apply cleaning solution and extract dirty water from the carpet.
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Follow the carpet shampooer's instructions for mixing the cleaning solution (carpet shampoo and water). Use the recommended amount; too much soap can leave a residue.
- Shampoo the Carpet:
- Start in a corner of the room and work your way across in overlapping strokes.
- Dispense the cleaning solution as you move forward, and then use the machine to extract the dirty water as you move backward.
- Overlapping passes will ensure that you don’t miss any spots and provide even cleaning.
- Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and heavily soiled spots.
- Rinse (Optional but Recommended): After shampooing, consider rinsing the carpet with clean water using the carpet shampooer. This helps remove any remaining soap residue. Refill the machine with clean water and repeat the cleaning process without adding any shampoo.
-
Let the Carpet Dry:
- Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and using fans to circulate air.
- Avoid walking on the carpet until it is completely dry. This can take several hours or even overnight, depending on the humidity and ventilation.
- Once the carpet is dry, vacuum it again to fluff the fibers and remove any remaining residue.
-
Replace Furniture:
- Once the carpet is fully dry, carefully replace the furniture. Consider using furniture pads to prevent indentations on the freshly cleaned carpet.
By following these steps, you can effectively shampoo your carpet floors and keep them clean and fresh.
