Carpet-cleaning machines can be rented from home and garden stores, Walmart, and specialty vacuuming or carpet stores. Carpet-cleaning machine rentals come with cleaning solution and stain removal treatment. It’s important to know what kind of carpet you have before renting a machine, so you can ensure that you use the proper cleaning solution for your carpet. You may also wish to hire a professional to come to your house and use the cleaner to clean your carpet for you.
In some cases the water and solution are each held in their own tank; as instructed, remove the tanks and fill them with water or cleaner. Make sure the tanks are properly fitted on the machine before proceeding.
If the machine runs out of water or cleaning solution, turn it off and unplug it. Discard the dirty solution, rinse the tanks, and fill them with clean hot water and cleaning solution. Dirty solution may be poured into the toilet.
Vacuum several times a week. If you have pets, you may need to vacuum every day. [2] X Research source Don’t rush the vacuuming process. Even high-powered vacuums need a moment to grab dust, dirt and fur from the base of the carpet fibers. Run the vacuum over the carpet more than once to ensure it is completely clean.
Vacuum several times a week. If you have pets, you may need to vacuum every day. [2] X Research source Don’t rush the vacuuming process. Even high-powered vacuums need a moment to grab dust, dirt and fur from the base of the carpet fibers. Run the vacuum over the carpet more than once to ensure it is completely clean.
Plastic carpet protector mats have the added bonus of allowing the carpet to be visible through the clear plastic. They are an inconspicuous way to protect your carpet from dirt. Use carpet runners in hallways, which tend to get a lot of foot traffic.
Use a clean cloth or paper towels to absorb the spill, then pour baking powder over the area and let it sit for 15 minutes. When the spill is completely dry, vacuum it up to a clean carpet. If wine or another colorful liquid is spilled, add a little club soda[4] X Research source before sprinkling on the baking soda.
Don’t attempt to scrub stains away from carpets. Scrubbing damages the fibers and makes the area look worse. Don’t douse the area with too much vinegar, water, or any other liquid. If it seeps too deeply into the carpet to dry, it could lead to mold growth. Lighter carpets can be effectively cleaned by applying a mixture of lemon and salt. Do a spot treatment in a discreet area to make sure it doesn’t stain your carpet a different color.
1 cup borax (available at hardware stores) 2 cups cornmeal 1/2 cup baking soda
Keep children and pets out of the room while the mixture sits on the carpet. Don’t use more powder than your vacuum can handle. A light sprinkling should be enough to remove odors and light stains.
