Deep Cleaning

Daily vacuuming is the most important cleaning activity, but deep extraction cleaning must be performed to remove stubborn or embedded soil. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that carpet be dry- or wet-extraction cleaned a minimum of every 12 or 18 months before it shows soiling. Use a cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty.

Carpet should receive regular deep cleaning to maintain its good looks. A carpet cleaning professional may be hired or carpet cleaning equipment may be purchased or rented for do-it-yourself cleaning.
The fiber system used should be the primary factor in selecting a cleaning method. The majority of carpet manufactured today is constructed with synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, or olefin, and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods.

There are five accepted methods for cleaning carpet make from synthetic fibers. Rely on the carpet manufacturer's recommendations. When choosing any cleaning method, select cleaning agents sold especially for stain resistant carpet cleaning, and follow the directions for dilution and application. Never use soap, laundry detergent, automatic dishwasher detergent, or any of the strong household cleaning agents intended for use on hard surfaces such as woodwork, linoleum, or tile. For best cleaning results, always prevacuum the area to be cleaned and apply a preconditioning solution prior to cleaning. A precondition solution is a detergent solution applied to the carpet prior to cleaning to begin loosening soil. These solutions typically require 8-10 minutes to begin the soil loosening process.

Absorbent Pad (Bonnet) Method

The absorbent pad method should be used only by a properly trained cleaning professional. The rotary bonnet method uses a machine similar to a floor buffer with an absorbent spin pad attached to remove the soil. The spin pad absorbs soil onto the pad, and soil is removed when the pad is rinsed. To reduce pile distortion, keep the absorbent pad well lubricated with cleaning solution. Replace pad often to prevent transfer of soil back to the carpet face.

Dry Extraction (Polymer Compound) Method

An absorbent compound saturated with detergents and solvents is brushed in and around the fibers with especially-designed machines or brushes. The compound attaches to the soil particles, and both the soil and compound are then removed by vacuuming.

Dry Foam Extraction Method

In dry foam cleaning a detergent solution is whipped into a foam and applied to the carpet. The foam is worked into the carpet by a especially-designed machine with reel-type brushes, followed by wet vacuuming. Some machines have their own extraction capabilities while others need thorough vacuuming after the carpet is dry.

Hot Water Extraction Method

This method is sometimes called "steam cleaning." Areas of heavy use are preconditioned to suspend ground-in soil, then a pressurized cleaning solution is injected into the pile. Suspended soil and solution are immediately extracted. Follow directions carefully and avoid over wetting. Ensure speedy drying by using fans, operating the building air conditioning system (HVAC) in the "on" position, and by performing additional drying strokes.

Rotary Shampoo

The rotary shampoo method uses equipment similar to the rotary bonnet method, except that a cleaning solution is injected onto the carpet before cleaning or through especially-designed brushes. Never use a do-it-yourself machine designed for hard surface floor covering with counter rotating (rotary) brushes. Pile distortion or untwisting of the fiber can occur.

More information at the Carpet and Rug Institute.