Do I need to vacuum before using a carpet cleaner?

The key: ask before they arrive. You may be wondering what’s the point of having a steam clean if you need to vacuum before. The short answer is to ensure the cleaning process is more effective. A quick vacuum will remove debris, wrappers, and dirt to help the carpet cleaner focus on the more problematic stains.

Do carpet cleaners also vacuum?

“Carpet cleaners are nothing like a standard upright vacuum,” says Larry Ciufo, who oversees Consumer Reports’ carpet cleaner tests. In fact, “the instructions for these machines tell you to vacuum your floor first using a conventional vacuum cleaner, and then use the carpet cleaner to clean up embedded dirt.”

What happens if you don’t vacuum carpet cleaner?

Just because your carpet looks clean doesn’t mean it actually is. Carpet that’s neglected, and not vacuumed consistently, can become a breeding ground for bacteria to live. This can be dangerous for your kids and pets who may lay on the carpet.

What is the first thing to do before vacuuming a carpet?

The first step before starting to vacuum should always be to check the filters and recovery bag. If the bag is anywhere near full, it should be changed before starting your job. A typical vacuum with a bag that is over 50% full can lose up to 80% of its vacuuming performance.

Do carpet cleaners clean under beds?

You shouldn’t expect your carpet cleaner to also act as a maid service. If you are having them move your bed, strip the covers and clear out everything from underneath, but do not place those items on the bed, that mattress probably needs to come off in order to safely clean under the bed.

How often should a carpet be vacuumed?

Vacuum Carpet Frequently According to Shaw Floors, manufacturer of carpet, vinyl, hardwood and laminate flooring, you should vacuum the traffic lanes in high-traffic areas daily and the entire area twice a week. For rooms with light traffic flow, vacuum the traffic lanes twice a week and the entire area once.

Why do carpets get dirty faster after cleaning?

To save time, some carpet cleaners put the detergent into the cleaning solution being used. This leaves a lot of the detergent on the carpet after the cleaning has been done. As a result, the carpet is sticky and attracts dust and other particles allowing the carpet to become dirty quickly after cleaning.

Can a vacuum cleaner be used while cleaning carpet?

While vacuuming, you may also notice small items that could impair a carpet cleaner if allowed to be picked up during the cleaning, such as elastics, hair accessories, small toys and other things that could block the hose and cause some down time.

What should I Remove before getting my carpet cleaned?

It is important to remove all objects such as children’s toys, socks and dog bones before the cleaning technician arrives. Many carpet cleaners do not require that you vacuum first but it is a good idea to remove the top layer of dirt and hair so they can do the deep cleaning.

Is it better to use steam carpet cleaner or regular carpet cleaner?

This will make the overall carpet washing task more effective since it will be able to clean deeper. If your steam carpet cleaner has only one tank, it will also reduce the amount of times you have to change the (dirty) water in the tank, during the carpet cleaning.

Can a carpet cleaning company move my furniture?

Be aware that carpet-cleaning technicians come to your home to clean your carpets; they are not licensed to move furniture. It is your responsibility to prepare for their arrival. Plant stands; coffee tables and floor lamps are difficult to clean around and are sometimes damaged in the cleaning process.