Carpet shampooing 101

Keeping carpet looking its best can feel like either a chore or an art form. While regular vacuuming helps keep floors free of dust, fluff, and pet hair, deep cleaning can seem daunting. It's easy to push this task aside and consider hiring professionals.

Dirt, liquids, and other substances can easily penetrate carpet fibres, and a routine vacuum can’t remove it all. However, deep cleaning doesn’t have to be difficult, stressful, or expensive.

Shampooing your carpet is one of the most effective ways to tackle everyday dirt, stubborn spills, and even the aftermath of events like floods. Since carpet shampooers aren’t as common as standard vacuums, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about these powerful cleaners.

Why you should use a carpet shampooer

Different cleaners serve different purposes, even for the same floor. Your vacuum handles dry dirt and daily messes, but for a deeper clean, you’ll need either a carpet steamer or a carpet shampooer.

While both are designed to refresh carpets and eliminate dirt, their methods differ. Steamers use hot water to break down dirt and kill bacteria, while shampooers combine water and detergent to lift dirt deeply embedded in carpet fibres. With their scrubbing, rotating brush action and powerful suction, shampooers deliver the deepest and most thorough clean. Similar to washing your hair, a carpet shampooer cuts through built-up dirt and grime, leaving your floors fresh and sanitised.

Dosing up your shampooer

Using the right detergent is crucial for maximising your shampooer’s effectiveness. Always use a cleaning solution specifically designed for your machine, to protect both your carpet and the shampooer.

The amount of shampoo is just as important as the brand. Following the directions on your chosen solution will yield the best results. It’s often better to use slightly less solution than recommended to avoid excess product residue, which can attract more dirt and dust if left on the carpet.

Getting the most effective clean possible

Once your shampooer is ready, there are a few steps to ensure you’re using it to its full potential. Start by preparing your carpet: move as much furniture out of the room as possible to expose the entire carpet, and vacuum with a powerhead (like the Wertheim 7 Series Bagged Vacuum) to remove dry dust and debris. Plan your cleaning route in advance to avoid walking over freshly cleaned areas.

Follow your cleaner’s instructions carefully. Carpet shampooers work by applying shampoo and water as you push the cleaner forward, then sucking it up as you pull it back. The brush scrubs the fibres to remove dirt. For stubborn stains or heavily soiled areas, pass the cleaner over the spot multiple times.

After shampooing, run the cleaner over the carpet with clean water and no solution to rinse out any residue. This helps keep your carpet cleaner for longer and reduces future maintenance.

After you clean

After a thorough cleaning, allow the carpet to dry completely. Patience ensures your cleaning efforts aren’t wasted. Avoid walking on wet carpet and wait several hours (ideally overnight) before replacing furniture.

Keep the room well-ventilated during drying. This speeds up the process and prevents mould and mildew from developing in the carpet fibres.

How often you should shampoo your carpet

Carpet shampooing isn’t necessary for your weekly cleaning routine, but regular deep cleaning is essential to keep your floors fresh and sanitised. While you could wait until the carpet is visibly dirty, regular maintenance makes life easier in the long run.

The frequency of shampooing depends on your household. Every six months is a good rule of thumb, but homes with pets, children, or heavy traffic may need cleaning every three months.

Given the frequency, consider the value of purchasing your own carpet shampooer. Renting a machine every three or six months may be cheaper than hiring professionals, but costs can add up. Alternatively, investing in a quality shampooer like the Sauber Pro SG-100 Carpet Shampooer could provide years of regular, effective cleaning.