These machines are an easy and cost-effective DIY carpet cleaning option.

This guide explains how to use upright and portable carpet cleaners toremove stainsand give carpet a deep cleaning.

How Do Carpet Cleaners Work?

person using carpet cleaner on dirty rug

Credit:Mariakray / Getty Images

During the extraction cycle, loosened soils are pulled from the carpet along with the cleaning solution.

Carpet cleaning machines are also called carpet extractors, carpet shampooers, and carpet steamers.

(Truesteam cleanersshould only be used on certain types of hard flooring, like tile or natural stone.)

carpet cleaners

Credit:Henry Wortock

Large dryers, which can help to speed up drying time aftercleaning carpets, are also available to rent.

Choose Setting

Plug the machine in.

If unsure, start with the lightest setting and adjust as needed as you clean.

Turn on the power switch.

Release Cleaning Solution

Hold the trigger to release the cleaning solution into the carpet.

Working in a straight line, make one slow pass forward and backward over the carpet.

This will help speed up drying time andprevent mold and mildewfrom developing.

Empty Water Tank

Working in sections, continue cleaning the carpet until the water tank is full.

Once filled, empty the dirty water from the tank.

Refill the tank with fresh cleaning solution, as needed, following the instructions in step 4.

Detail work is best performed after cleaning the larger areas.

Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct attachments and parameters to use for detail work.

Allow carpet to dry completely before returning furniture to its original place or walking on it.

When cleaning highly trafficked rooms, take drying time into consideration.

It can take up to 24 hours for a carpet to dry completely after being shampooed.