How to Scotchgard Carpet

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Scotchgard is an aerosol based product used to protect upholstery and fabrics from spills and stains. You can usually find it in home improvement and hardware stores. Scotchgard offers different products, some specifically for protecting rugs and carpets. You’ll need to clean your carpets thoroughly before applying Scotchgard; you’ll then need to take special care to maintain that protective coating.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Carpet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before you start cleaning your carpet, you should remove any objects in the room. This is both to allow easier access to the whole carpet and to protect your furniture from cleaning products and Scotchgard. Ask for help if you’re moving particularly heavy furniture.
    • If there’s furniture or other objects you can’t remove, cover them with a plastic tarp to protect them while cleaning your carpet and applying Scotchgard. [1]
  2. [2] Slowly pass over your carpet, making sure to go in both directions. Starting at one corner of the carpet, vacuum in a straight line, going directly across the carpet. Turn and follow the line you just travelled, only in the opposite direction. Step to the side, and start a new line that just touches the line you vacuumed. Continue until you’ve cleaned the whole carpet.
    • This will work best if you use a rug attachment for your vacuum. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. Steam clean older carpets. Of course, a new carpet won’t need cleaning before applying Scotchgard. You can buy steam cleaners from home improvement and hardware stores, though you need to be prepared to pay up to $300. A better alternative might be renting the device instead. Some machines are smaller, with a nozzle you use to apply steam mixed with a cleaning solution to your carpet. Others are larger and are pushed along the carpet; the cleaning action is usually found at the bottom of these.
    • Alternatively, you can hire professional carpet cleaners to do this for you; you’ll be sure to get a deep clean with no mishaps. [4]
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Treating the Carpet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before using Scotchgard on your carpet, you should always test a small inconspicuous area first. Spray a small amount of the product on a hidden area of the carpet then scrub with a white cloth. If there’s any transfer of color to the rag, avoid using Scotchgard on your carpet. [5]
  2. Hold the can of Scotchgard upside down about two feet (61 cm) above the carpet. Push down on the button at the top of the can (now the bottom). The product should come out as a white foam. Spray it evenly over the surface of the carpet.
    • You don’t want to spray on too thick of a layer, just enough to cover the rug. [6]
  3. It can take between two and six hours for the product to fully dry. If you have pets or children, you should restrict access to wherever the carpet is kept. If the carpet covers the floor of a whole room, that may mean closing the door until it’s dried.
  4. 4
    Allow the carpet to dry completely. You’ll want to improve airflow to help the carpet dry more quickly. Try keeping windows open in the room. Turn on the ceiling fan if the room has one. Otherwise, add a standing fan. [7]
    5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Maintaining the Carpet’s Protection

PDF download Download Article
  1. Even when protected with Scotchgard, you should regularly vacuum your carpet to keep it clean. If you find any dirt or other particles have fallen between carpet fibers, you should spot clean the carpet by vacuuming up this debris. [8] You should also vacuum the whole carpet regularly to prevent odors and unseen dirt from accumulating. [9]
  2. [10] Scotchgard will prevent liquids from soaking into the carpet fibers; they’ll essentially bead on top of the fibers, making them easy to wipe away. Use a clean rag to dab and wipe away any spills.
    • With carpets, you typically want to avoid scrubbing or wiping liquids as this will make them soak into the carpet fibers. A Scotchgard coating will prevent liquids from sinking in, meaning you can safely wipe them away. [11]
  3. While a Scotchgard coating is long lasting, it’s somewhat weaker than professional grade products and needs to be reapplied regularly. Foot traffic, moving furniture or excessive spills can wear down the coating further.
    • If you have to get your carpet professionally cleaned, you should reapply a Scotchgard coat after it’s been cleaned. [12]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Most new carpets already have some kind of protector agent added to the fibers. You’ll only need to start using Scotchgard one to two years after getting the carpet.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you get your carpets professionally cleaned, you can usually pay extra to have a professional apply Scotchgard to your carpets.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Some carpet manufacturer warranties will be voided if you apply a carpet protector to their products. Always check the warranty and any other documentation you get with your carpet before applying any product to it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use a Bissell Carpet Cleaner
      How to
      Remove Urine Smell from Carpet
      How to
      Clean Carpet with a Steam Cleaner
      How to
      Get Bad Smells out of Carpet
      How to
      Properly Shampoo Your Carpet
      How to
      Remove Odors From Carpet with Baking Soda
      How to
      Get Mold Out of Your Carpet at Home
      How to
      Dry Wet Carpet Inside a Car
      How to
      Clean Carpet Stains
      11+ Easy Ways to Remove Hair from a Carpet Without Vacuuming
      How to
      Spot Clean Carpet
      How to
      Deep Clean Carpet
      How to
      Clean a Wool Carpet
      How to
      Clean Beer Out of Carpet
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/floor/carpet-repair/carpet-cleaning-tips-for-long-lasting-carpet/view-all#step3
      2. ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.
      3. ↑ http://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/cleaning-tips/tips/a2833/vacuuming-mistakes/
      4. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/floor/carpet-repair/carpet-cleaning-tips-for-long-lasting-carpet/view-all#step3
      5. ↑ https://www.scotchgard.com/3M/en_US/scotchgard/how-to-rug-carpet-protector/
      6. ↑ https://www.scotchgard.com/3M/en_US/scotchgard/how-to-rug-carpet-protector/
      7. ↑ https://www.scotchgard.com/3M/en_US/scotchgard/how-to-rug-carpet-protector/
      8. ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.
      9. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Apply-Carpet-Protector-/10000000205729555/g.html
      1. ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.
      2. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Apply-Carpet-Protector-/10000000205729555/g.html
      3. ↑ https://www.scotchgard.com/3M/en_US/scotchgard/how-to-rug-carpet-protector/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you Scotchgard a carpet, clean the carpet by vacuuming it in both directions in case small pieces of dirt or debris are trapped in the fibers. For really old carpets, try steam cleaning it or having a professional carpet cleaner steam it for you. Next, test the treatment by spraying a small bit of Scotchgard in a hidden area and scrub it with a white rag to see if there’s any color transfer. If there isn’t, hold the Scotchgard can 2 feet above the carpet and keep the can upside down to spray the area. Allow it to dry for 2 to 6 hours before using it. For more carpet care tips, like how to maintain a clean carpet, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 34,471 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement