Tips for Cleaning Drywall from Carpets.

Using Carpet Cleaning Equipment

Carpet cleaning can feel overwhelming at first. The machines are large, the process seems time consuming, and hiring a professional company can get expensive. If you have kids, pets, or someone in the house who tracks in dirt and mud, those professional cleanings can add up fast.

So, what’s a budget-conscious homeowner to do? Renting or borrowing a carpet cleaning machine is a great way to handle the job yourself and save money.

Once you’ve got the equipment home, put on some work clothes, read the instructions, and you’re ready to get started!

Steps for Carpet Cleaning

Move Furniture

Clear as much furniture out of the room as possible to make the process easier. If you want a thorough clean, remove everything that might block your path.

Vacuum Thoroughly

Vacuum the carpet to remove loose dirt and debris. This step is important to prevent creating mud when the cleaning solution is applied.

Spot Treat Stains

Apply a stain remover to any problem areas before starting. This helps lift tough stains during the cleaning process.

Check Connections

Ensure all hoses and attachments are properly connected. Attach the vacuum hose and water supply line to the machine and cleaning wand as instructed.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Mix a cleaning solution using hot water and the appropriate cleaner. If you’re renting a machine, use the cleaning products provided – if there are no cleaning products provided with the rental, you can buy some or use the recipes below. Pour the solution into the supply tank.

Adjust Temperature and Pressure

If the machine allows, set the water temperature and cleaning pressure to match your needs. For general cleaning, medium settings often work best.

If you are renting equipment, you cannot change temperatures or pressure settings.

Turn on the Machine

Switch on the carpet cleaner and get ready to begin cleaning.

Clean the Carpet

Pull the trigger to spray the cleaning solution onto the carpet. While holding the trigger, push the wand forward and pull it back, working in small, overlapping sections. Avoid over wetting the carpet. Only move the cleaner as far as you can comfortably reach without stepping.

Extract the Cleaning Solution

Release the trigger to perform a dry pass over the same section. Move the wand forward and back without spraying water to extract dirt and moisture. Repeat until no more water is being pulled from the carpet. Check the tank, if no water is flowing in, the section is as dry as possible.

Empty and Refill the Tank

When the tank is full, empty the dirty water, mix a fresh batch of cleaning solution, and continue cleaning until the job is done.

Clean the Carpet Again

After the first pass, do a second pass using a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Most rental machines, and many store bought carpet cleaners, don’t have the suction power of professional equipment, leaving behind soap residue that can attract dirt. The vinegar rinse removes this residue, ensuring a cleaner carpet that stays fresh longer.

Allow the Carpet to Dry

Let the carpet dry for at least 6–8 hours before walking on it. For faster drying, open windows or use fans to improve air circulation. Some carpets may take 24 hours to dry.

Avoid Using Soap or Detergent

While soap works well in many cleaning tasks, it’s not ideal for carpets. Soap leaves behind a sticky residue that attracts dirt, making the carpet look dirty again sooner. Stick with proper carpet cleaning solutions or a homemade alternative.

Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solutions

Save money by making your own carpet cleaning solution! Just remember to check your machine’s warranty and test any solution on a hidden area first.

• Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: Mix 2–16 ounces of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water, depending on how dirty the carpet is. This solution brightens carpets and removes stains without leaving residue.
• OxiClean Solution: Combine 1/4 cup OxiClean, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 gallons of water for heavily stained carpets. Be sure to rinse with plain water afterward.

With these steps, your carpets will look fresh and clean without breaking the bank.