The only means of cleaning recommended by the Carpet & FabriCare Institute, the Carpet and Rug Institute, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and almost all carpet manufacturers is professional hot water extraction (steam cleaning) for thorough cleaning with as little residue as possible.
You can rent a steam cleaner and do it yourself, but you will never get the same results as trained professionals with commercial equipment. If you do tackle it yourself, be sure to rent a ShopVac to get up the extra water once you’re done. Honestly, it’s a hassle, and it can be just as expensive. Never use a carpet shampooer – it will destroy carpet fibers and leave a thick soap residue that attracts dirt.
When you choose a commercial carpet cleaner, you want a company that has a truck-powered system. It gives much better results as there is a very powerful motor and a heater to keep the water hotter than you can get it. The operators should be certified and employed by the company you call, not contracted from other companies. The company should be IICRC certified as well. You should be able to get references, and you should get an exact and itemized estimate in writing.
You can save money by vacuuming before they come, but I recommend that you let them vacuum. They use professional, very powerful vacuum cleaners that can pick up more dirt than household cleaners. They are also trained in methods to get the most dirt possible off the carpet instead of learning like we did – by watching Mom. It might cost a little extra, but you’ll get better results.
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