If you have pets, kids, or are just messy in general, and chances are you have stained carpets. It can be frustrating to deal with this, especially when it is not something that happened overnight. However, there is hope! A wet vac may be the answer to your problem.
They come in many different sizes and shapes, so finding one that fits your needs should not be too difficult either. To find out more about how to use a wet vac to clean carpet, read on!
Table Of Contents
What’s a wet vac?
Wet vacs are vacuum cleaners that come with a water tank. An excellent wet vac should be able to collect a fair amount of debris, especially liquids, and have a set of attachments that allow the user to clean surfaces other than carpeting.
What does it do?
Many people use their wet vac for everyday cleaning around the house. It is a reasonable alternative to stepping on the carpet and cleaning it with a regular vacuum cleaner. Some people also use them for removing liquids from surfaces such as tile or hardwood.
Can you use a shop vac on the carpet?
Using another vacuum cleaner with a regular hose, or what is known as shop vacs, usually does not work too well. The majority of these vacuums are strong enough to suck up debris but leave behind water trails when used on carpeting. These little puddles can be left for days or even weeks and can cause a significant amount of damage.
Steps How do you use a wet vac to clean your carpet?
Here are some steps on how you use a wet vac to clean your carpet.
Prepare the Room
To make sure that the job goes smoothly, it is essential to prepare the room before starting. If you happen to be working on a larger surface such as a living room or dining room, removing heavy furniture from these areas can allow better access. This will also ensure nothing gets left behind after vacuuming your carpeting.
Clean the Dust and Stains
Another factor to consider is the level of dust and dirt that has accumulated in the carpet. Unless you plan on buying a brand new vacuum, it is essential to make sure your current vacuum has enough suction power before cleaning your carpeting with one.
Also, since wet vacs usually do not come with brushes, it may be beneficial to clean or brush off the dust and debris stuck into the carpeting.
Apply Carpet Cleaner or Water?
The amount of water or cleaner you use on the carpeting should be decided before cleaning. If you have a dark-colored carpet, it may not look nice after the moisture dries on it.
In addition, if there is a good amount of surface dirt that will need to be extracted from the carpeting, it may be beneficial to use a product that can clean and deodorize at the same time.
In addition, when using water on carpeting, you do not have to worry about applying too much pressure when cleaning with a wet vac. The machine itself will extract most moisture from your floor surface, so there is no need to worry.
On the other hand, it may be advantageous to use less than usual when using a cleaner or deodorizing product. Using too many of these products can leave behind an unpleasant scent which you will have to get rid of later on.
Scrub Off the Carpet
If your carpeting is not too dirty, there may be no need to scrub the surface. It is still essential to make sure that you apply an adequate amount of cleaner or water, though.
If you decide to scrub the carpeting, a soft-bristle brush will help loosen the dirt and make it easier for your wet vac to extract.
Clean the Carpet Using the Wet Vac
Once your carpeting has been cleaned, you can start using the wet vac to extract any excess or remaining moisture.
Connect the hose of your wet vac to an appropriate attachment that will allow it to have better access through your floor surface.
This is also when you should inspect any noticeable stains that may have appeared during the cleaning process.
If you happen to find a particular stain, it is better to concentrate on removing the spot rather than trying to clean the entire carpeting all over again.
Remove Excess Moisture from Carpet
The final step is then extracting any excess moisture that may be left behind after cleaning your carpeting. If you have a professional wet vac, you should use the blower attachments to remove most moisture.
The last thing you want is bacteria or mold to start growing in the spots where there is still water left on your carpeting, so it’s essential to take extra caution.
After Cleaning Your Carpet
Once you have completed all of the steps for cleaning your carpeting, you can call it a day. If there is any excess moisture left behind on the surface of the carpeting, make sure to absorb them with towels or paper napkins. You can even use a hairdryer set on low to expedite this task if need be.
Some Tips and Tricks When Cleaning Your Carpeting
Use vacuum first before cleaning with water or chemicals to avoid getting clogged wet vac. Instead, use a garden hose. This will help knock off the dirt making it easier for the vacuum to suck up.
Dry out your carpet first using an air nozzle before you clean, and this will save time and effort by helping the moisture evaporate faster.
When using chemical cleaners, be sure to use them in small areas to avoid unwanted results, including discoloration or stains.
If cleaning your carpeting is too much of a hassle, you can always opt for professional help. The good news is that there are usually coupons and discounts available online, so you should take advantage of the savings.
Be sure to clean your carpeting at least once a month, and it may be beneficial for you to invest in rubber mats that will help prevent dirt from entering your floor surface.
Whatever you decide, make sure that you go over all the steps thoroughly while cleaning to avoid any potential problems such as yours later on down the road.
FAQs
Q: How often should I clean my carpeting?
You must understand that everyone has different opinions regarding how often you should clean your carpeting. Some people claim that it is good to clean your carpets two or three times a year while others say it’s best to do so once every month or even twice a month.
While there is no ‘perfect’ answer, you must try to clean your carpet as often as possible without doing too much damage to the material itself.
Q: Will my wet vac lose suction?
If you have a clog in the hose of your wet vac or debris within the tank and filter, this will cause problems with the overall performance of your wet vac.
If you notice that your wet vac is losing suction, you should first check these areas to find out what could be causing the issue.
Q: What will happen if I try to vacuum up water?
If there’s water on your floor and you’re attempting to vacuum it up, then you shouldn’t waste your time. It would help if you never tried to vacuum up water because you will more than likely damage the motor of your vac, which is something no one wants to have to deal with.
Q: What are some tips for cleaning carpeting?
Many people think that having a healthy home is all about trying out new cleaning products and making sure that everything is spotless.
While this may be true, it’s essential that you also give your carpets the attention they deserve as well. Here are some of the top tips for cleaning carpeting:
Vacuum regularly – like how you’re supposed to vacuum at least twice a week with hardwood flooring, you should also vacuum your carpeting at least once a week to remove all of the accumulated dirt and debris throughout the week.
Q: What are some tips for cleaning my wet vac?
It would help if you didn’t leave your wet vac in storage for extended periods because they will get clogged up with dust and grime over time.
What are some wet vac uses?
If you have a home with wood flooring, tile, or even vinyl, then a wet vac can be highly beneficial. Some of the top wet vac uses include removing spilled liquids, cleaning up pet stains, carpet cleaning, and more.
Final Verdict
This how to use a wet vac to clean carpet article should give you everything you need to know about properly using a wet vac for cleaning purposes. Sometimes, you do not need to spend a lot of money on professional services and can do what you already have.
A wet vac will allow you to properly clean your carpeting without causing any issues that would cost extra money in the long run. Take care of your home, and it will take care of you!
