What's the best thing or way to clean my carpets?

Question

I have a newer Kirby that I got from my grandfather when he passed away, but it seemed like when my husband and I used it it made the stains lighter, but it spread them out. I was thinking something like Stanley Steamers, but I live in way northern Wisconsin, so there isn't any around here and it would be mega-bucks for them to come all this way. Could I rent one?

The carpet is less than a year old, it's a light burber color with dark marks from dirty shoes tracking stuff in. That's what I would like to get rid of. Any suggestions?

Also, if anyone has suggestions to use my Kirby more efficiently, so maybe I could just use that instead of renting something.

Thank you in advance for suggestions.

Answer 1

I have a Kirby and I love it, but I have never used it to clean my carpets in that way. I suggest you rent a steamer/carpet cleaner from Lowe's or Home Depot. It should take out the stains, even though I have called Stanley steamers and I have to say they do a great job! That's all you should need to remove the stains. Best of luck on your project!

Answer 2

I have a Hoover steam-cleaner and it is awesome.  I like to add just a little bit of greased lightning in the water along with the carpet shampoo and it really does well.

Answer 3

Use water as hot as you can get it from your tap. Simple Green cleaner is a great spot remover. I have used it on carpets, it dissolves grease and dirt well. Be sure to go over the spot with plain water after cleaning.

Answer 4

You can usually find a local company that is much better quality than Stanley Steemer. If you choose to do it on your own please remember that all consumer machines leave soap residues in the carpet causing rapid re-soiling. To eliminate residues the cleaner should be sprayed on using a pump sprayer and let it dwell for 15 minutes or so. Then you can extract using the machine with hot water and no solution in the tank. This will rinse almost all residues from the carpet.

Steam cleaning is recommended by 99% of Carpet Mills

Most steam cleaning professionals do not leave any residue in the carpet. (make sure they are using a fiber rinse to confirm they are residue free)

Most dry cleaning methods do leave significant soap residues in the carpet causing rapid re-soiling. (none of the detergents, soaps & surfactants are rinsed and removed from the carpet when dry cleaning method is used.)

Steam cleaning does not get the backing or padding wet. It also will not mold or mildew the carpet. (it takes at least 72 hours of wet for mold to even think about growing)

Hint: Look for a steam cleaning company that dries in less than 8 hours and they will have very effective cleaning equipment.

Truck-Mounted units always should be used. They are a ton more powerful than portable equipment and will remove more soil and dry faster.

PET ODOR: Both dry and steam cleaning WILL NOT remove pet odor. Urine have salts that will not break down from water or carpet cleaning agents alone.

A blacklight and an enzyme such as Urine Off should be used prior to cleaning. At least 3 days before. Read directions at: http://www.urineoff.com.

ALWAYS USE AN IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM. SHAW, THE WORLD'S LARGEST FLOORING COMPANY, NOW REQUIRES THE USE OF AN IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM FOR WARRANTY CARPET CLEANING REQUIREMENTS!

ONE MORE THING: It is very inexpensive to start a business doing the dry cleaning method. Usually less than $1000. To start a carpet cleaning business that uses the correct equipment it is $5,000 to $25,000 for the truck-mount. Another 5,000 or so for all of the cleaning accessories. And whatever it costs to buy a van. 2,000 to 35,000

What do you think cleans better?

A $5,000 to $25,000 Machine or a $500-$1000 Machine???

-MATT

IICRC CERTIFIED IN CARPET CLEANING & WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION

Answer 5

theres a cleaner called shot spot it the bomb in cleaning carpet..  and also a carpet cleaning man  told me once  that  windex is the best cleaner for carpet.. good luck in your job