How to clean carpet:
- Preventative Maintenance - walk-off mats placed at doorways prevent a majority of staining and soiling.
- Spot and Spill Removal - prompt attention to spills will prevent a stain from setting. ...
- Vacuuming - the most important step in caring for your carpet is vacuuming it thoroughly and frequently.
What is the best professional carpet cleaner?
Top 5 Best Carpet Cleaner Machines UK
- Top Choice – Vax Dual Power Carpet Cleaner
- Best For Stairs – Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner
- Best for Pets – BISSELL InstaClean Compact Carpet Cleaner
- Best Budget Carpet Cleaner – Ewbank 280 Cascade Manual Carpet Shampooer
- Best Industrial – Kiam Aquarius Contractor Professional Carpet Shampoo & Upholstery Cleaner
What is the best method of carpet cleaning?
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- For the most thorough vacuum job, take the time to move furniture and any other items from the carpet.
- Set the vacuum to the proper height for your type of carpet to get the strongest suction.
- Vacuum slowly and go over high-traffic areas several times for the best results.
- Use a lint roller for quick clean-up of crumbs.
What are the top rated carpet cleaners?
Best Overall: BISSELL Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop Best Value: PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner Best For Hardwood Floors ... Not to mention that it’s safe to use on laminate, hardwood, tile and carpet and can convert into a built-in handheld device.
What is the best carpet cleaner company?
- This carpet cleaner for pets is pretty compact and easy to maneuver around the house
- The HeatForce system speeds up the drying process, and by extension the whole cleaning process as well
- The dual tank is easy to clean, and the nozzle is removable for quick maintenance purposes too
Which carpet cleaning method is best?
The best method of cleaning carpets is usually steam cleaning, which removes over 90% of dirt and bacteria from carpeting. Dry cleaning carpeting is also effective for ensuring carpets are ready for foot traffic as quickly as possible.
What do professionals use to clean carpets?
Hot Water Extraction Otherwise known as steam cleaning, this is easily the most common professional carpet cleaning technique. Steam cleaning uses hot water at high pressure to penetrate into carpet fibers, breaking down the dirt and bacteria stored deep within. The hot water is then extracted via vacuum.
Are carpet cleaners a good idea?
If your home has lots of carpeting and upholstery that get lots of traffic and stains from family, friends and pets, a carpet cleaner is a worthwhile investment in addition to your vacuum cleaner or handheld vacuum.
How often should carpet be professionally cleaned?
every 12 to 18 monthsTo keep your carpet looking and performing at its best, The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends having your carpet professionally deep-cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Bear in mind that this recommended frequency is a general guideline only and can vary based on your particular circumstances.
Should I steam clean my carpet?
Steam cleaning is a really effective and efficient way to lift build up from the carpet fibers, including mold and pet scents. It also is effective at improving the appearance of carpets that have been neglected over time.
Is Chem Dry better than steam cleaning?
Getting your carpets professionally cleaned is the only way to tackle certain kinds of stains; and while many people believe that steam cleaning is the only solution for deep cleaning, Chem-Dry provides a much more effective, efficient, and safer carpet cleaning solution.
Is it worth hiring a carpet cleaner?
If you have a larger home with lots of carpet, renting a professional carpet cleaner definitely is the best option. Watson tells us that 'if you only need to use a carpet cleaner every so often in your home or business, spending thousands on a piece of equipment isn't worth it.
How often should a carpet be shampooed?
every 12 monthsHow Often Should You Shampoo Your Carpet? You should consider cleaning your carpet at least every 12 months to remove dirt, grime, and allergens. However, this schedule can vary depending on several factors in your household. If you have children or pets, you might shampoo your carpets more regularly.
What is the difference between steam cleaning and shampooing carpet?
Shampooing a carpet involves using a detergent while steam cleaning uses hot water vapor and steam mop to break down dirt. When you steam clean your carpet, the drying time is about 48 hours while shampooing needs longer drying times. Cleaning using shampoo requires you to have a shampooing machine.
Should you vacuum before carpet cleaning?
Vacuum. Vacuuming high-traffic areas before your carpet cleaners arrive helps them get right down to business. Removing dirt and debris from the carpet allows the carpet cleaner to focus on the dirt that is embedded in your carpet fibers.
How often should carpets be vacuumed?
However, the basic rule of thumb is that carpeted floors and rugs should be vacuumed at least twice weekly and hard surface floors like tile, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl should be vacuumed at least once per week.
Should I vacuum after carpet cleaning?
Conclusion. Ultimately, running your vacuum over your carpets after a professional deep clean is great but remember to do it only after your carpet is completely dry. Vacuuming your carpet when it's still damp could cause dirt to be transferred from your vacuum cleaner, so patience does pay off.
Dry Methods or Foam Carpet Cleaning
The dry methods, which are similar to dry cleaning, are ideal for carpeting that is subject to shrinkage from hot water extraction-namely wool carpeting.
Bonnet Method, Also Known As Carbonated Cleaning
Bonnet shampooing is similar to the floor polishing machines that are used on hard floor surfaces. The “bonnets” may be soaked in cleaning solution and then the machines will use an oscillating or buffing motion to clean your carpet.
Hot Water Extraction or Carpet Steam Cleaning
Probably considered one of the best carpet cleaning methods by most people, hot water extraction or steam cleaning uses more water, but it typically removes the dirt all the way down to the padding.
Conclusion
As you can see, the best carpet cleaning methods offer a few differences, but they will prolong the life of your carpet, if done regularly and correctly.
How Often to Clean Carpet
Whether you have wall-to-wall carpeting or area rugs, vacuuming at least once per week is a must—more frequently if you have pets or kids. Spills and stains should be treated as quickly as possible. Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning company or doing a deeper clean yourself at least twice per year.
How to Do a Routine Carpet Cleaning
Allowing dust and soil particles to remain on carpet fibers is what causes them to look dull and retain odors, and it eventually wears out the carpet backing and fibers. Using a vacuum with strong suction—and using it often—is the best way to clean carpet.
Ways to Deep Clean Carpet
Eventually, carpet will need to be deep cleaned to remove heavy soil, restore the buoyancy of the fibers, and brighten the color. Most professional carpet cleaning services use a combination of detergents and steam to deep clean carpet and recommend cleaning at least once per year.
Clean With Distilled White Vinegar
Always begin any cleaning process by vacuuming the carpet to remove loose soil, dust, dirt, and debris. If you skip this step, you may just be pushing soil around or driving it deeper into the fibers. Removing some stains like oil, tar, and pet accidents will require special treatment.
Clean With Baking Soda and Salt
Vacuum or sweep the carpet to remove loose soil and then follow the recommendations on a stain removal chart to remove visible stains.
Clean With Steam
If you have a clothes steamer or steam mop that is usually used on hard-surface floors, they can be used to deep clean carpet, as well.
How to Test Carpet for Colorfastness
Before you begin cleaning carpets, the first step is to test colorfastness. Colorfast carpet will not bleed, fade, or change when you are cleaning it or removing stains. The colorfastness will help you decide the best carpet cleaning method, products, or machines to use. Follow these steps to pretest your carpet to find out if it is colorfast.
How to Clean Carpet
It's important to protect your furniture, carpet padding, and subfloor when cleaning carpets. Grab a partner to help you remove furniture from the room where the carpet is being cleaned.
How to Clean Carpet Using the Water Extraction Method
Most home carpet cleaning systems are water extraction units, which are also known as steam cleaners. They work to wash carpet by injecting a solution into the carpet pile, then pulling the dirty solution back into the machine. To avoid the hassle of dragging a hose around the house, opt for a model that does not require a clean-water hookup.
How to Clean Carpet Using the Dry Extraction Method
Other home carpet cleaning systems use a dry extraction method to wash carpet. First, spread a dry absorbent compound over the carpet being cleaned, then vacuum it with the carpet cleaning machine. Although they usually work better than steam cleaners, dry machines and chemicals are more expensive than steamers and wet extraction solutions.
How to Choose a Vacuum for Carpets
"Price and beauty are not good indicators of performance when it comes to vacuums. Pick based on functions rather than price tag," says Moxie Girl Household Assistants founder Amanda Thomas. Have shedding pets, for example? Choose a vacuum with a hose and multiple attachments.
Hiring a Carpet Cleaning Professional
You've stayed on top of vacuuming, but the time has come to step it up and seek out the best carpet cleaner for regaining that like-new look. One of the best carpet cleaning solutions is to have your carpet professionally cleaned once or twice a year. Seek out a reputable professional carpet cleaner to do this time-intensive and tedious chore.
Carpet Cleaning Machines: Owning vs. Renting
While a once- or twice-a-year professional cleaning is recommended, you might find yourself needing a DIY carpet cleaning. Rental machines are available at big-box retailers and home stores, and you'll find many carpet steam cleaners available in the vacuum cleaner aisle.
1. Declutter and remove as much furniture as you can
Any cleaning job is much easier if you have a clear space to work with. Before you can even start cleaning your carpets or let the professionals work their magic, take out any potential trip hazards. Shoes, bags, and clutter that we’re all guilty of leaving around need to be tidied away or simply taken out of the area you need to clean.
2. Protect your walls
If you’re getting a professional carpet cleaning company to do the work for you, it’s worth thinking about your walls. As carpet cleaners can be pretty bulky and some come with large hoses, consider using good quality painter’s tape where cleaning cords or hoses could leave ugly black marks.
3. Hang up your curtains
If you have curtains or drapes that reach the floor, now is the time to protect them from getting wet and dangling on the damp carpet after it has been cleaned.
4. Take your pets out
Your furry friends might be cute, but their hair and fur can get pretty much everywhere - especially when there are damp carpets for them to stick to. If you’re cleaning the carpets yourself, check out our advice on the best way to stay on top of pet hair.
5. Get the vacuum out
Not all carpet cleaners require you to vacuum first, but it’s always a good idea to start with a blank canvas. Take your pick from one of the best vacuum cleaners for home and take small, slow vacuum strokes to pick up any pet hair or dirt that’s lying deep in the carpet.
1. Chat With Your Carpet Cleaning Company
Your carpet cleaning team is ready for your questions. They'll likely even send you a simple checklist of things to do before they arrive. Some companies will include furniture moving in their cost or offer a discount to focus on high-traffic areas only.
2. Vacuum If Necessary
One of your first questions for carpet cleaners should be, "Do I need to vacuum?" Your carpet cleaners may prefer to handle all steps on their own, including the initial vacuum. Others encourage a pre-visit pass with the vacuum to check for loose items or save time during their visit.
3. Move Furniture
Here's another task to discuss with your cleaners before taking it on yourself. Only move furniture if your company requests it specifically. The cleaners will likely come to measure your space before offering a free estimate.
4. Store Fragile Items
Whenever a contractor comes to your home to thoroughly clean or renovate your home, tuck any fragile items into storage to avoid damage. If you or the company plans to move furniture, remove all decorative items, fragile or not, so that the team avoids extra work.
5. Check for Loose Debris
Comb over your carpet with a close eye to look for items you wouldn't want to get stuck in a vacuum or a professional steam cleaner. Bobby pins, jewelry, or rogue toys are common culprits. Take extra care to check spots previously hidden by furniture.
6. Clean From the Top Down
The last thing you want after your professional carpet cleaning is a cloud of dust floating down from the ceiling fan. Before the team arrives, remove dust and cobwebs from the ceiling, tops of walls, lighting, or ceiling fans. Call in your HVAC professionals for a standard cleaning as well.
7. Secure Your Drapes
Most carpet cleaning companies will request that you tie or tuck long drapes off the floor. We recommend giving them a thorough dusting or taking the opportunity to run them through the wash so they don't drop dust on your newly cleaned rugs.
Bissell Big Green Machine Professional Carpet Cleaner
This is the most user-friendly professional home carpet cleaning machine we've found: The large 1.75 gallon sized tanks are super easy to fill, carry and replace, it's simple to operate and the spinning flow indicator on top takes the guesswork out of knowing when the cleaning solution needs refilling.
Bissell CrossWave Floor and Carpet Cleaner
Low pile area rugs are easy to clean because dirt stays mostly on the surface, so you don’t need a stiff brush to get deep down. The Bissell CrossWave gently cleans area rugs with a soft microfiber and nylon brush, so there’s no fear of damaging the short pile or fraying the loops.
Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus
This cordless Bissell has a built-in rotating brush for deep cleaning that's easy to switch off when cleaning delicate fabrics. It comes with a nubby rubber pet tool to tackle messes from furry family members. Since it's so lightweight, it's incredibly easy to pull out and use the minute a pet accident happens.
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner
This Rug Doctor is a real workhorse that powered through our stain tests and did the best job removing both stains and odors. Its large tanks hold 64 ounces of cleaning solution meaning there's less refilling and emptying during big or multi-room jobs.
Hoover ONEPWR Spotless Go Cordless Spot Cleaner
If the upholstery and carpet in your car seem to need constant cleaning, this cordless Hoover is the must-have appliance to keep in your garage. The removable battery recharges in under three and one half hours and works in other Hoover ONEPWR devices like the leaf blower and vacuum cleaners.
Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3
If you're really serious about carpet cleaning, we think the Rug Doctor is the next best thing to a professional cleaning. The rental option is best if you don't want to own or don't have adequate storage space for your own carpet cleaner.
Are your carpets dirty and need to be refreshed? The best carpet cleaning companies remove dirt, allergens, and stains while sanitizing and deodorizing
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What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Carpet Cleaning Companies
Before hiring a carpet cleaning company, there are a few factors to consider. These can include their service area, scheduling, preparation, pre-cleaning inspection, cleaning methods, eco-friendliness, pricing, any additional services they may offer, and customer service.
Our Top Picks
We considered factors such as service area, additional services, cleaning methods, customer service, and eco-friendly options to determine the best carpet cleaning companies. We also thoroughly researched the companies by assessing customer reviews and experiences, evaluating their sites, and getting quotes.
Our Verdict
Stanley Steemer is our top pick for the best carpet cleaning company based on its service area, additional services, proprietary cleaning equipment, user-friendly website, and reputation. With its eco-friendly encapsulation cleaning method and fast drying time, Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning is another top-rated carpet cleaning company.
How We Chose the Best Carpet Cleaning Companies
To determine the best carpet cleaning companies, we examined each company’s quality, eco-friendliness, service area, customer service, and locations. We prioritized those companies that offer tried-and-true cleaning methods and additional services.
Before You Hire One of the Best Carpet Cleaning Companies
Professional carpet cleaning is a crucial part of taking care of the carpeting in a home. Still, there are a few things that a homeowner should consider before making a cleaning appointment.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Carpet Cleaning Companies
In general, the cost of professional carpet cleaning can range between $121 and $234, with the national average at $178.
Keep your home feeling fresh with the best carpet cleaning company for you
Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. She's contributed to Forbes and smart home blogs like Smart Home Solver and TechDigg.
Best Overall: Coit
Coit is one of the leading carpet cleaning companies, offering a suite of services and competitive prices that make it a top option. The brand utilizes a hot steam extraction process that deep cleans carpet fibers to remove visible stains, hidden dirt and dander, and aggravating allergens.
Best Budget: Green Choice Carpet
While the majority of carpet cleaning companies aim to keep a competitive price, you will appreciate the variety of affordable options from Green Choice Carpet.
Best for Allergies: Stanley Steemer
Carpet fibers are notorious for trapping dirt, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, which can trigger allergies to flare up.
Best Fast-Drying: Chem-Dry
If you want to spend less time waiting for your carpets to dry, then look for a carpet cleaning company that can deliver a thorough clean with shorter drying times.
Best Eco-Friendly: Oxi-Fresh Carpet Cleaning
Eco-friendly carpet cleaning is an alternative option if you are looking for a method that omits the use of harsh chemicals that may cause irritation.
Best for Pet Stains: USA Clean Master
If you share your home with a furry friend, you’re likely no stranger to pet stains on your carpets.
