The Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner: Tips, Tools, and Techniques

ByAndrew Josh

A clean carpet and upholstery go a long way, but that sometimes feels like a nearly impossible feat to achieve! From normal usage, spills or trying to extend the life of your furniture, this guide will help you find the best cleaning methods, products, and techniques over this time period whether it is day to day spills or overall use.

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Answering common questions and concerns about carpet and upholstery cleaning — and getting down to earth about what we do!

What Do Professionals Use to Clean Carpets?

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Professional carpet cleaners rely on high-powered machines and specialized cleaning solutions to achieve impressive results.

  1. Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning):
    • This is the most common professional method. A powerful machine injects hot water mixed with detergent into the carpet fibers, loosening dirt, and then vacuums it up.
    • Example: Stanley Steemer uses proprietary cleaning solutions that are safe for pets and kids and extract dirt from deep within carpets.
  2. Professional-Grade Solutions:
    • Pros often use enzyme-based cleaners to break down tough stains like pet messes or food spills.
    • Popular brands: Zep Carpet Extractor Shampoo, Prochem, or Rotovac.
  3. Encapsulation Cleaning:
    • For quick maintenance, pros use encapsulation solutions. These clean and crystallize dirt particles, which are then vacuumed.

Tip: If hiring professionals isn’t in your budget, renting a steam cleaner or investing in a quality carpet cleaner can give you similar results at home.

How to Deep Clean Carpet Yourself

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If you want to DIY deep clean your carpet, here’s a simple step-by-step process:

  1. Vacuum Thoroughly:
    • Start by vacuuming the carpet to remove surface dirt, dust, and pet hair.
  2. Pre-Treat Stains:
    • Use a stain remover for tough spots. Baking soda mixed with a few drops of water makes a natural paste for grease or coffee stains.
  3. Use a Carpet Cleaning Machine:
    • Machines like the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution or Hoover SmartWash are great for deep cleaning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the recommended cleaning solution.
  4. Rinse with Water Only:
    • After cleaning, do a second pass with plain water to remove any leftover detergent. Detergent residue can attract dirt if not rinsed properly.
  5. Let It Dry Completely:
    • Open windows, use fans, or a dehumidifier to speed up drying time.

What Is the Most Effective Carpet Cleaning Method?

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The best method depends on your needs:

  • Steam Cleaning (Hot Water Extraction): Great for deep cleaning and removing bacteria.
  • Dry Cleaning (Powder Cleaning): Ideal for quick results with no drying time.
  • Shampooing: Good for heavily soiled carpets but requires thorough rinsing to avoid residue.

For most homes, steam cleaning is the gold standard because it removes dirt, allergens, and odors effectively.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Carpets?

Cleaning mistakes can damage your carpets. Avoid the following:

  • Using bleach or overly harsh chemicals—they can discolor fibers.
  • Over-soaking the carpet—it may lead to mold or mildew.
  • Skipping the vacuuming step before wet cleaning.
  • Failing to test a cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first.

Best Tips for Upholstery Cleaning

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Upholstery often requires a gentler approach. Here’s how to tackle your couch, chairs, or other fabric furniture:

  1. What’s the Best Thing to Clean Upholstery With?
    • For general cleaning, mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub stains.
    • For odors, sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, and vacuum it up.
  2. Can You Use Dawn Dish Soap on Upholstery?
    • Yes, Dawn dish soap is gentle enough for most upholstery fabrics. Mix it with warm water, but avoid over-wetting the material.
  3. How Do You Get Pet Smell Out of a Couch?
    • Use an enzyme-based cleaner to neutralize odors at the source. Products like Nature’s Miracle or vinegar diluted with water can work wonders.
  4. What Should Not Be Done When Cleaning Upholstery?
    • Avoid soaking upholstery or scrubbing aggressively, as this can damage the fabric or push dirt deeper.

Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Products

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Here are some top-rated products that consistently get the job done:

  1. Carpet Cleaning Machines:
    • Bissell Little Green Machine: Perfect for small stains and portable.
    • Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe: Excellent for deep cleaning and affordable.
  2. Upholstery Cleaning Products:
    • Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover: Works on both carpets and upholstery.
    • Bissell Professional Spot & Stain Remover: Tough on spills and stains.
  3. Natural Solutions:
    • Baking soda and vinegar make a great DIY stain remover.

FAQs About Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

  • Does Baking Soda Clean Carpet?
    Yes! Sprinkle it over the carpet, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, and vacuum it. It’s great for freshening up carpets.
  • Can I Use Pine-Sol on Carpet?
    It’s not recommended for carpets, as it may leave behind a residue or damage fibers.
  • What Is the Easiest-to-Clean Couch Fabric?
    Microfiber is a popular choice—it’s durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain.

Next time you go to tackle that old carpet stain, need to deodorize your couch, or just want to do a seasonal deep-cleaning, having the right tools and knowledge is everything. Baking soda and dish soap are great household staples for day-to-day cleaning. If you are dealing with a more challenging job, invest in a decent carpet or upholstery cleaning machine or hire the pros for a deep clean.

You want your home to look and smell the best, and now with these tricks, your home will do just that. So put on your work clothes, and treat your carpets and furniture like they need to be treated! 😊

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