If you have kids or pets or are a bit of a housecleaning fanatic, you may already own some sort of do-it-yourself extractor or “steam cleaner.” Do these take the place of professional cleaning? Generally not.

 

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There are big differences in the soil removal capability among extractors. Models that people rent or purchase are often designed for removing surface soil. The carpet’s appearance may improve, but deep embedded soil remains. Over time, this build-up may greatly affect a carpet’s appearance. Proper carpet care requires periodic deep (ideally professional) cleaning, preferably every 12 to 18 months.

Interim cleaning and “do-it-yourself” extractor cleaning

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, here are the steps to take for effective cleaning. Remember, this usually does not replace the need for regular professional cleaning!

1. Remove furniture. If too heavy, place plastic film or aluminum foil under and around the legs of furniture.

2. Vacuum thoroughly first — this often has a big impact on the whole process!

3. Follow instructions carefully. Do not add other chemicals or under-dilute (or over-concentrate) in an attempt to make your cleaner stronger. The solution is designed to work best at the concentration recommended on the label.

4. Use a CRI Seal of Approval cleaning solution that works with your extractor.

5. Begin at the farthest point from the doorway and work back toward it so you can step out when done. Don’t clean yourself into a corner!

6. Be patient and don’t over-wet the carpet. Extract as much of the water as possible — do not rush this step.

7. Wait until the carpet dries before replacing furniture or walking on carpet. This may take up to 12 hours, most typically six to eight.

8. Ventilate. Open windows if outdoor weather conditions (temperature, humidity) permit, or put the AC on moderate settings (72-78°F). Never close up a wet, newly cleaned carpet; keep air circulating. You want the fastest dry possible, to prevent mold growth and to put the carpet back in service quickly.

9. Vacuum again when the carpet is dry to pick up soil that wicks to the surface during drying.
 
What to look for in professional deep cleaning

To keep your carpet at peak performance, CRI recommends getting your carpet professionally deep cleaned every 12 to18 months. (Be sure to check your carpet warranty for particular requirements.) So what should you look for in professional deep cleaning?

1.   Hire a reliable, Clean Trust-certified professional.

Regular professional cleaning is as important to your carpet as having a trained mechanic perform routine tune-ups on your car. The Clean Trust represents more than 5,200 Certified Firms and more than 42,000 Certified Technicians in 30 countries. You can locate a certified firm in your area by visiting www.certifiedcleaners.org.

2. Ask the tough questions.

Professionals vacuum first. Ask them if they do that. Then, ask what they do next and what equipment they use. They should apply a pre-spray following the manufacturer’s label, and agitate the carpet’s pile yarns to loosen and suspend soil. There should be a rinse and extraction procedure to remove soil and detergent residue from the carpet yarn. Find out how long the company has been in business, and ask for client references. And don’t forget to check whether they use CRI Seal of Approval products.

3. Get an in-home inspection and estimate.

Do not go strictly by television advertisements or newspaper inserts or jump at the lowest bid. Do not accept quotes over the phone. Have the cleaning representative come to your home for an inspection and estimate. Get a written agreement before any work is done. Usually they won’t charge for furniture removal, routine spot removal, or preconditioning. Make sure you are not charged for extras. Most final estimates will be based on square footage rather than the number of rooms.

4. Discuss in detail your expectations.
 
Show them the problem areas, spots or pet stains that need special attention. Get a written contract with the total price and guarantees the cleaning company offers.

As with interim cleaning, you can help by staying off the carpet until it is completely dry. Do not move furniture back in until you are sure about this. If the furniture goes back too soon, rust (from metal casters) or stains (from paint or finishes) could mar the carpet permanently.
 
Tiny critter control (When to call the other pros)

Depending on the part of the country you live in and the wool content of your carpet, you may encounter carpet beetles. They literally eat wool fiber and can be difficult to eliminate. The larvae crawl from room to room hiding in baseboards, molding, and heating systems. Adult beetles fly. Frequent vacuuming, particularly of carpet under furniture, is the best offense. There are two kinds of beetles: varied carpet beetle and black carpet beetle. Wool carpet yarns are treated to resist moths; this same treatment resists attacks by beetles. Synthetic carpet fiber is naturally resistant to beetles. If you find you have them anyway, beetle infestations should be handled by professional pest control specialists.

 

(Note: This is one of a series of tips based on a collaboration between The Housekeeping Channel and the Carpet and Rug Institute, and adapted with permission from the book,"Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies.")

 

 

About The Carpet and Rug Institute

The Carpet and Rug Institute, headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, is the national trade association for the carpet and rug industry. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, representing over 90% of all carpet produced in the United States. CRI is the source for science-based information and insight into how carpet and rugs can create a better environment — for living, working, learning and healing. For more information, visit the CRI Blog.