Q&A for How to Shampoo a Carpet

Carpet shampooing provides a deep clean on your carpets due to its scrubbing action. It is always recommended to vacuum your carpets prior to shampooing them.

Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning are great techniques for maintaining clean carpet. However, it is also recommended to shampoo and steam clean your carpets a couple of times a year to provide optimal cleanliness to preserve your carpets. Shampooing is perfect for heavily stained carpets due to its scrubbing properties and steam cleaners use a vacuum and pump system to quickly remove soil and stains.

You need to use a carpet shampoo machine. If you don't have one, you can rent or buy one. If you are not familiar with the shampoo machine, be sure to read the instruction manual fully. Typically, you will start by filling the water tank area with water to the directed water line then add in the carpet soap. Shampooers are not meant to be pulled back and forward, so you will need to walk the machine from wall to wall. Move the machine to a new line and walk it back to the initial wall until the entire room has been cleaned. Be sure to run the machine across the room a second time; however, this time do not add any soap to the reservoir.

You need to use carpet shampoo with a specialized carpet shampoo machine. You can purchase a machine or you can usually rent them at your local hardware or grocery store.

It's best to wait until the carpet is dry before you walk on it. If you must walk on the wet carpet, clean bare feet or clean white socks are a good option for keeping the carpet clean. Be sure to keep pets and shoes off the carpet until it fully dries.

Check all of the lines to make sure they are free from debris, then check to make sure that you do not have too many suds in the tank. When too much foam/suds are present, it affects the suction of the machine. Check the dilution of your cleaning solution to make sure you used the appropriate amount.

You do not have to, but it would be a good idea if you have pets because they generally like to go underneath the bed.

Read the manufacturer's instructions on the bottle. Be careful that you use the appropriate amount of solution - too many suds will affect the suction of your machine and can cause it to overheat.

You should shampoo your carpet every few years, or whenever it becomes visibly dirty. But ultimately it's up to you.

They will - for an additional fee. Better to do it yourself and pay less out of pocket.

Make sure after it is clean that you go over it with water at least once, then with the tank empty, run the shampooer again to suck up any additional water left in the carpet. Stains and dirt will reappear if any residue from the soap is left on. Sometimes it takes a few shampoos with drying in between before the stains do not reappear.

Deep cleaning carpet shampooers can be purchased at home maintenance stores, like the Home Depot or Lowes, and are also available at stores like Target and Walmart.

Generally you'll go over an area a few times - but no matter which way, forwards or backwards, the suction will be pulling water in.

This might clog your carpet cleaner. It is recommended that you use a product that is meant for your specific shampooer.