How to clean carpet

Before you begin, clear the space of any furniture or items on the floor to ensure you have full access to the carpet. If some furniture is too heavy to move, place aluminium foil or baking paper under the legs to protect your carpet from staining. This is especially important for wooden or metal furniture, as moisture from the carpet cleaning process can cause colour transfer or rust stains.

If you have curtains or long drapes, lift or secure them to ensure they don’t get in the way. You may also want to remove rugs from nearby areas to prevent them from absorbing excess moisture or carpet cleaning solution during the process.

A good vacuum cleaning is essential for removing surface dust, dirt, pet hair, and loose debris before deep cleaning. This step helps prevent dirt from turning into muddy residue when the carpet gets wet. Take your time to go over the carpet slowly, working in multiple directions to loosen dirt trapped deep in the fibres. For best results, use a vacuum with strong suction and a rotating brush head to agitate the fibres and lift debris effectively.

If you're looking for a powerful vacuum suited to your home, check out this guide on how to choose a vacuum cleaner.

If you notice any stains, it’s important to treat them before using a carpet cleaner. There are off-the-shelf carpet stain removers available for different carpet types, but always check the label to ensure compatibility with your flooring. Before applying any product, do a spot test in an inconspicuous area by dabbing a small amount onto the carpet and waiting a few minutes. Blot the area with a white cloth or paper towel—if no colour transfers to the cloth, it’s safe to use on the rest of your carpet.

For stubborn stains, apply the spot cleaner as directed and gently blot with a clean cloth. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibres and make it harder to remove. For liquid spills, blot up as much as possible before applying cleaner. If you're dealing with pet stains, choose a product designed to neutralise odours and break down enzymes to prevent repeat accidents.

A carpet cleaner is the best way to remove deep-seated dirt, odours, and allergens. If you don’t own one, you can hire a machine from the Bunnings Hire Shop. Before starting, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure you’re using the machine and cleaning solution correctly.

To clean effectively, add the recommended amount of carpet cleaning solution to the machine’s water tank. Start cleaning in a far corner of the room and work your way toward the exit to avoid stepping on wet carpet. Move the cleaner slowly to allow it to extract as much dirt and excess water as possible. Squeeze the trigger to release the cleaning solution while pushing the machine forward, then release the trigger and pull the machine back to extract the moisture. Overlapping each pass slightly ensures thorough coverage.

For high-traffic areas or heavily soiled spots, you may need to go over the area more than once. If your carpet still looks dirty after one round of cleaning, repeat the process, allowing the carpet to dry slightly between rounds.

Once you've finished cleaning with the carpet solution, go over the carpet again using clean water. This helps remove any leftover cleaning solution, which can leave a sticky residue if not rinsed properly. Leftover residue can attract dirt more quickly, making your carpet look dirty again sooner than it should.

To rinse, simply fill the carpet cleaner’s tank with clean water and repeat the cleaning process without adding detergent.

Proper drying is essential to prevent dirt from settling into damp fibres and to avoid mould or mildew growth. Open windows and doors to improve ventilation and speed up the drying process. If possible, turn on ceiling fans or use a portable fan to help circulate air. In cooler weather, using a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air.

Avoid walking on the carpet until it is completely dry, as stepping on damp fibres can push dirt back into them. If you need to move furniture back before the carpet is fully dry, place aluminium foil or plastic under the legs to prevent staining.

For a final touch, consider using a carpet deodoriser to eliminate any lingering odours. These products help neutralise smells from pets, spills, and everyday use, leaving your carpet smelling fresh. Simply sprinkle the deodoriser over the carpet, leave it for the recommended time, and vacuum it up thoroughly. Some deodorisers also contain antibacterial agents, which can help keep your carpet fresher for longer.

If you prefer a natural option, you can make your own deodoriser by mixing baking soda with a few drops of essential oil. Sprinkle it lightly over the carpet, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum it up.