Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500395
06/24/03
Carpets Cleaning - General Information
Eventually carpets need some type of cleaning to
remove soil that sticks to the fibers. How often depends
on amount of use and soil carpet gets; some areas will
need cleaning before other. Basic methods are: dry
absorbent powder, foam, shampooing, and hot water
extraction (sometimes called steam cleaning or
extraction). Each method has advantages and
disadvantages. Costs in dollars, time, and energy vary,
as do skill needed to do a good job. Always vacuum
thoroughly before starting cleaning method.
Here are some general precautions for all methods:
-Pretest before using (see "Carpets-Pretesting Cleaning
Products")
-Protect the carpet from rust stains by putting aluminum
foil, wax paper, or plastic wrap under furniture legs,
until carpet is dry.
-Follow the cleaner and equipment instructions as
directed.
-Do not overwet the carpet. Excess moisture can cause
shrinkage, streaks, or mildew.
-Keep mechanical action to a minimum to avoid carpet
damage or streaks.
Liquid Shampoo
Shampooing is one of the oldest and most common
methods of carpet cleaning. Mechanically operated brushes
work a foamy detergent solution into the carpet pile.
Excess moisture and soil are then suctioned away. When
the carpet has dried, it is thoroughly vacuumed. Drying
may occur gradually overnight, or may be hastened by the
use of electric fans. Use a recommended carpet shampoo
that dries to a crystalline powder rather than a stick
residue. Examples of liquid shampoos are: Bissell, Blue
Lustre, Carpet Magic, Household Research (HR2) and Rinse
'N Vac.
Advantages
-good for cleaning moderate to heavily soiled carpet
-brightens colors and fluffs up the carpet pile
-moderate price
Disadvantages
-easy to overwet carpet
-needs longer drying time
-shampoo build-up over time can hasten resoiling
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with reference from Nebraska
Extension bulletin Carpet Care, Cleaning and Stain
Removal.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .