Carpet cleaners are specialized cleaning products and machines designed to deep-clean carpets, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces by removing dirt, stains, and odors from deep within the fibers.
Types and Features of Carpet Cleaners
- Carpet cleaning machines use a mix of water, cleaning solution, and strong suction to lift dirt and grime that vacuums cannot remove. Many come with rotating brushes to agitate the carpet fibers and two separate tanks for clean and dirty water.
- Popular carpet cleaning machines like the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam generate real steam to help lift stubborn stains and feature quick-dry modes to reduce drying time.
- Portable carpet cleaners like the Bissell Little Green are compact, easy to store, and have attachments for upholstery and smaller cleaning jobs.
- Professional-style machines such as the Bissell Big Green offer large tanks and tools for deep carpet cleaning but tend to be heavier and require more storage space.
Carpet Cleaning Products
- Some cleaners like the Super Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Eco are safe for manual use or machine use and remove dirt, stains, and odors deeply without affecting fabric color or texture. They can be diluted depending on the soiling level.
- Concentrated products like the Valet Pro Classic Carpet Cleaner offer deep cleaning for carpets and upholstery and are suitable for use with carpet cleaning machines.
How to Use Carpet Cleaners
- Remove loose dirt by vacuuming.
- Test the cleaning product on an inconspicuous area for color safety.
- Apply the cleaner diluted as per instructions.
- Allow it to sit but not dry entirely, then agitate with a brush.
- Wipe away dirt and residue with a clean cloth.
- Let the carpet dry completely before use.
Cleaning Frequency
- Manufacturers and carpet institutes recommend professional deep cleaning every 12 to 18 months but having a personal carpet cleaner allows for more frequent spot cleaning and maintenance.
The choice between a cleaner product or a cleaning machine depends on the extent of cleaning needed and the convenience desired. Machines provide a thorough, systematic cleaning for whole rooms, while cleaning solutions can be used for spot cleaning and maintenance.
