DIY 101: How to Shampoo Carpet Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Your Carpet

• Vacuum Thoroughly: Before shampooing the carpet, use a powerful vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt, pet hair, and debris. Vacuum the carpet twice, first vertically from one side and then again in the opposite direction to lift the fibers and ensure no dirt is left behind.

• Spot Treat Stains: For stubborn stains, use an enzyme-based cleaner like War on Pee. Spray the cleaner generously on the stain and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Blot the area gently with a microfiber cloth, avoiding excessive rubbing to prevent spreading.

Step 2: Pretreat High-Traffic Areas

• Mix the carpet shampoo with water in a spray bottle as per the product instructions. For areas with heavy foot traffic, spray the solution generously and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. This step ensures dirt and grime are loosened before you begin shampooing the carpet.

Step 3: Prepare the Carpet Shampooer

• Add carpet shampoo to the water tank or soap compartment. If your shampooer has a separate soap compartment, pour the shampoo into it. Otherwise, add the shampoo directly to the clean water tank. 

• Pour only the amount of soap that is directed, which is usually about 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) per 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water.

• Ensure the tank is securely in place before starting the machine.

• Spot-test the shampoo in an inconspicuous spot of your carpet before putting it into your shampooer. Make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or color-bleeding.

Step 4: Shampoo the Carpet

• Begin shampooing the carpet in small sections. Push the shampooer forward slowly, ensuring the solution penetrates the fibers. Pull the machine back to extract the dirty water. For best results, overlap each pass slightly.

• For heavily soiled areas, go over the section twice using the shampoo vacuum. This helps lift deeply embedded dirt for a cleaner finish.

• To rinse out any residual shampoo, refill the tank with clean water and repeat the process.

Step 5: Perform a Dry-Only Pass

• After shampooing carpets, switch the machine to “dry-only” mode. Run it across the carpet to extract as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for faster drying and preventing mildew.

Step 6: Speed Up Drying

• Use a fan or wind blower to dry the carpet thoroughly. Keep the room’s temperature at around 21°C (70°F) to create the ideal conditions for drying.

• Avoid walking on the carpet until it is completely dry to prevent re-soiling.

Step 7: Restore the Carpet Fibers

• Once the carpet is dry, use a carpet rake like the Grandi Groom to lift and restore the fibers. This gives the shampooed carpet a fresh, fluffy look and helps remove any remaining dirt.