How To Clean Carpet Like A Pro

There are multiple ways a carpet can get muddy, from spills to accidents, to general foot traffic, too. My husband and I recently got a modern puppy, and the number of times we’ve had to get on our hands and knees to neat our carpet after an accident is more than I can count.

Whether you’re also a modern pet parent or it’s just time to give your well-loved carpet a good cleaning, knowing how to properly neat your carpet is an crucial part of your leaning routine. Below, we’ve asked Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas, for her best tips on how to neat a carpet properly, no matter what the spill, stain, or accident is.

Before Getting Started

Before cleaning your carpet, test any cleaning solution on a miniature, hidden area to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fibers. “Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both your carpet and any cleaning equipment you use,” warns Stein. “Ensure the room is well-ventilated, especially if you’re using chemical cleaners, to avoid inhaling any fumes.”

You want to be mindful of the chemicals in some carpet cleaners, as they can cause respiratory issues or skin irritation, and others can bleach certain color carpets. Stein suggests wearing gloves to protect your hands, and shoes or socks to cover your feet. “Also, keep pets and children away from the area until it’s fully dried and free of any residues,” she says. “Be cautious of soggy carpets to avoid slips and falls, too.”

What You Need

• Carpet cleaner machine (if using)
• Carpet cleaner machine solution (if using)
• Vacuum
• Pre-treatment carpet stain solution
• Soft upholstery brush
• Baking soda

How To Clean Carpet

Method 1: Using a Carpet Cleaner Machine

Step 1: Prepare the carpet cleaner machine and room

Ensure the machine is in good working condition and filled with the appropriate cleaning solution. Also, ensure there is no debris or dirt stuck to the wheels or base of the machine that could stain the carpet when rolled on it. 

“Move all furniture you can to make it easier to clean the whole room,” says Stein. “If you are unable to safely move the furniture yourself, wrap the legs with plastic cling wrap to avoid water damage or denting if you bump it with the machine.” 

Step 2: Vacuum the carpet

Vacuuming removes loose dirt and debris, making the cleaning process more effective. Plus, just like dusting before you wipe countertops, you never want to get dirt and debris soggy because it just means you’ll be pushing around soggy dirt. Remove it first, then neat it with the steamer or soggy machine. 

Step 3: Pre-treat stains and high-traffic areas

Apply a pre-treatment solution to any stains and heavily trafficked areas to aid break down dirt and grime.

Step 4: Clean the carpet with the machine

Follow the machine’s instructions, working in a systematic pattern to ensure even coverage. “Always ensure you go both directions (horizontal then vertical) on the carpet to get the best clean,” suggests Stein.

Step 5: Allow the carpet to dehydrated

Let the carpet dehydrated completely before walking on it or replacing furniture. You can speed up drying by using fans or opening windows. Or buy a machine that also has a drying feature. “Always ensure you let it dry fully so as not to damage the legs of your furniture, or leave massive dents,” says Stein.  

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Method 2: Using Carpet Cleaner Solution and Brush

Step 1: Vacuum the carpet

Start with a thorough vacuuming to remove loose dirt and debris.

Step 2: Pre-treat stains and high-traffic areas

Use a pre-treatment solution to target stubborn stains and dirtier areas. Instructions will vary depending on the cleaner you utilize, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Step 3: Mix the carpet cleaner solution

Prepare the cleaning solution according to the product’s instructions.

Step 4: Apply the solution and scrub the carpet

Apply the solution to the carpet and utilize a tender upholstery brush to scrub it in, working in miniature sections. “Never scrub aggressively as you may damage the carpet threads,” suggests Stein.  

Step 5: Rinse the carpet with neat water

Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue, which can attract more dirt if left behind. “Don’t over-saturate the carpet as the water may leak through the carpet and leave a damp foam pad that can grow mold,” says Stein. 

Step 6: Allow the carpet to dehydrated

Let the carpet dehydrated completely. Use fans or open windows to aid speed up the process. Do not place furniture or walk on soggy carpet.

Each method has its benefits, but Stein advises avoiding “Method 2” for fine carpets or those with deep-set stains, as the scrubbing can be too harsh. Method 3 is great for regular maintenance and odor control, but might not be sufficient for deep cleaning.

Method 3: Using Baking Soda and Vacuum

Step 1: Vacuum the carpet

Remove loose dirt and debris by vacuuming thoroughly.

Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet

According to Stein, baking soda is great for absorbing odors. Sprinkle a generous amount over the entire carpet.

Step 3: Let the baking soda sit on the carpet

Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes, or longer for better results. You can leave it up to a few hours.

Step 4: Vacuum the baking soda

Vacuum up the baking soda, and your carpet should smell fresher and look cleaner. 

“Always make sure to use a bagged dustbin vacuum to avoid the small particles of the baking soda from getting into the motor and damaging it,” warns Stein.  

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often should I neat my carpets?

  Generally, you should vacuum your carpets at least once a week and deep neat them every 6-12 months. However, if you have pets, kids, or high-traffic areas, Stein suggests cleaning them more frequently.

• Can I utilize homemade cleaning solutions for carpet cleaning?

  Yes, you can—a mixture of white vinegar and water, or baking soda and water, can be effective for spot cleaning and deodorizing. Just make sure to test any homemade solution on a miniature, hidden area first. Some solutions may bleach your carpet.  

• How long does it take for the carpet to dehydrated after cleaning?

  It can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours for a carpet to dehydrated completely after a thorough cleaning. “Using fans, dehumidifiers, or opening windows can help speed up the drying process,” explains Stein. “And never put furniture on or walk on a wet carpet.” 

• Can I neat my carpets without a carpet cleaner machine?

  Absolutely. “While carpet cleaner machines are efficient (and the best, in my opinion) you can also clean carpets using a combination of vacuuming, spot treatments, and homemade solutions or store-bought carpet cleaner solutions,” says Stein. “‘Method 2’ and ‘Method 3’ from above are great alternatives for those without a machine. Or you can hire a professional carpet cleaner 1-2x a year to do it for you.”