How To Clean Your Carpets

Last Updated: September 04, 2025

4 Sep 2025

How to clean your carpet

When it's time for a deep clean, you want to know you're getting the best out of your equipment, and make sure all the effort is worth it. Carpets can need a thorough clean for all sorts of reasons - a build up of grime from summer, dirt and marks walked in from pets and because of the wetter weather during the year, following a leak or flood, or in preparation of hosting a party. Whatever your reason, you don't want to be wasting your time.

Spray extraction carpet cleaners use a combination of hot water, high pressure, cleaning solution, and traditional vacuum cleaning to achieve a much deeper clean. Before you use one, clear as much of the furniture as you can from the room. Remove other objects and obstacles, giving you access to the most floorspace. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt, fluff and debris from the surface, because loose materials could damage the machine.

How to use a carpet cleaner

1. Remove all furniture from the area so you can give it a thorough clean.
2. Vacuum the area to get rid of dust and dirt.
3. Open windows in the room to allow air to flow through. 
4. Mix hot water and cleaning solution in the cleaner's internal tank.
5. Press the trigger on the hose and sweep the nozzle over the carpet. This forces the mixture into the carpet under high pressure. This action lifts the dirt, stains and allergens from the carpet fibres.
6. Move the cleaning machine forward, working in straight lines.
7. Pull the machine backwards slowly, without pressing the trigger. The machine will suck the water solution up by the vacuum and deposit it in the integrated wastewater tank.
8. Keep working in straight lines, overlapping them as you go, until you've covered the whole area.
9. Empty the wastewater tank when full. Refill it with clean water if you have more areas to clean.
10. Wait for the carpet to dry. 

How long does it take for a washed carpet to dry?

High-quality carpet cleaning machines penetrate pile well. The surface can stay damp for a period after cleaning. Generally, carpets will feel dry to the touch after 5 hours. We recommend allowing up to 24 hours for the whole carpet to dry thoroughly before use.

You can help a carpet dry quicker by hiring a carpet dryer or dehumidifier, both work to help dry our carpets after cleaning. Creating airflow through the area can also help by opening doors and windows to allowfresh air inside. Doing this will circulate more air around the space, allowing more water to evaporate.

You can also use a ceiling fan or pedestal fan to circulate the air in the room better. Using a fan can speed up drying if there is no access to fresh air, or the weather is too damp or humid. 

Maintaining a clean carpet

You can maintain a carpet to the highest standard. Vacuum clean weekly and use a carpet cleaning machine every 12—18 months. This gives the carpet a fresh look, lengthening its life and saving you money!

Regular vacuum cleaning can help maintain a clean carpet. But, it fails to remove the deep-seated dirt, stains, odours and allergens that cling to the carpet fibres. This can't prolong the look of a fresh, new carpet. A carpet shampooer reinvigorates the carpet. They give it a deeper and much more comprehensive clean. It prevents the carpet from looking tired and worn and revitalise it.

For both industrial, commercial, and domestic applications, carpet cleaners offer a more thorough clean. They lift dirt and stains, removing odours and allergens, and prolonging the carpet's life. Hiring a carpet cleaner also represents excellent value for money. They are much cheaper than hiring a professional service, yet you can achieve professional results.

Carpet cleaner top tips

• You can use some carpet cleaners on upholstery. You can deep clean your couch, cushions, curtains, and mattresses. These machines are ideal for a whole-house cleanse.
• Don't scrub the carpet with the nozzle. Don't over soak and saturate one area of carpet with the water and cleaning solution mixture. It is better to distribute the solution over the carpet in a consistent pattern.
• Ensure that you cover electrical sockets before using the cleaner. You do not want any water getting into them.
• Always read the manufacturer's instruction manual before using a carpet cleaner. Each model may operate differently. If you do not use the correct amount of detergent for the application, you can end up with an uneven or disappointing finish.