When I get requirements for a internal post winter cleaning I now think of my own carpets and how bad they are impregnanted with sand, salt and the like. I usually attack this with rug shampoo and a spot remover with hot water and a wet/dry vac. There has to be a more professional, thourough way to attack this mess along with everyday rug cleanings. I have not tried any of the dry products because of my own disbeleif of their effectivness. I would like help from the Pro's. Thanks in advance !
After Winter
- Thread starter DBC
- Start date
Old Pirate
AMG Classic Car Detailing
The way you have been doing the cleaning is fine, but with a extractor that will be the ticket, maybe a member near you can help you how or a rent it shop might have one for rental. I never like the dry products that I have use over the yrs, but always looking for one that will do the job, I'm saving for a extractor myself.........Angelo
Todd@RUPES
Just a regular guy
I'm going to ask David Fermani to post his carpet cleaning technique here.
The time spent before shampooing is as important as the shampooing itself. Brushing the carpet with a stiff brush until all grit has worked its way to the top is the most important step.
I tend to shampoo by hand as well (Meguiars Gold Class Carpet Brush and Meguiars APC) and have been happy with the results, although I will probably move up to an extractor soon.
imported_DetailDan
New member
How are you extracting the APC without an extractor?
imported_blk45
New member
Old Pirate
AMG Classic Car Detailing
Would love to have a extractor..........
^ I'm with him!!
I have enjoyed the results from the carpet brush and the Meg's APC. I couple that with my Bissell Little Green Machine and have been pleased with the results!
D!
imported_DetailDan
New member
Shop vac....what other way is there for us cheapskates? New screen name?
You caught me. Figured Id switch it up. You guys need to get a carpet extractor, night and day difference!
Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum
I've always found the most important step in a winter carpet cleaning (or spring cleaning after winter) is ensure all the loose dirt and grime is vacuumed up. This will lay the foundation for a proper cleaning. I usually vacuum, then use some dry cleaner as I found that the dry cleaner usually releases some extra dirt and grime that didn't come up previously. Afterwards, you need to do an assesment of the carpet and determine how badly stained it is. Pre-treat all stains first, then proceed with the carpet extracting machine. I think if follow the procedure outlined, you're gonna find that you get better results once all the loose stuff is removed and remember that winter can be extremely harsh on carpeting. If you want great results, you're gonna have to spend some time getting them!
I've always found the most important step in a winter carpet cleaning (or spring cleaning after winter) is ensure all the loose dirt and grime is vacuumed up. This will lay the foundation for a proper cleaning. I usually vacuum, then use some dry cleaner as I found that the dry cleaner usually releases some extra dirt and grime that didn't come up previously. Afterwards, you need to do an assesment of the carpet and determine how badly stained it is. Pre-treat all stains first, then proceed with the carpet extracting machine. I think if follow the procedure outlined, you're gonna find that you get better results once all the loose stuff is removed and remember that winter can be extremely harsh on carpeting. If you want great results, you're gonna have to spend some time getting them!
AS waxhappy stated the most important step in cleaning carpets is vacuuming. Even when using an extractor, you need to do a lot of vacuuming first. The more dirt you get out via vacuuming the better your process will be.
On some of the PITA carpets like the short velcro like nap found in VWs, I used compressed air to help release the dirt while holding the vac attachment close to suck up the debris that the compressed air forces out.
You can also dry brush the carpet to help release the dirt while vacuuming.
If I am doing a detail at the house, I usually take the mats inside and use our old school kirby on them.
On some of the PITA carpets like the short velcro like nap found in VWs, I used compressed air to help release the dirt while holding the vac attachment close to suck up the debris that the compressed air forces out.
You can also dry brush the carpet to help release the dirt while vacuuming.
If I am doing a detail at the house, I usually take the mats inside and use our old school kirby on them.
imported_DetailDan
New member
Vacuum the carpet, then go over it with a soft brush attatched to a PC on a low speed. You'll be amazed at the amount of dirt that comes to the top.
waxhappy- what is this dry cleaner you're talking about?
waxhappy- what is this dry cleaner you're talking about?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure for winter damage. Next season go to Walmart and get a rubber backed carpet that matches your ride. Install it under the thresh-hold just like the factory carpet and trim it into the floor. I had a large van and covered the entire floor with the clear plastic runner you buy off a roll. Just keep a rag to wipe up the water and dirt and your good to go. In the spring just throw it away and you have a nice clean dry rug to work with.
Just some additional comments
I just want to comment on those dry cleaners. If you are referring to the foaming carpet cleaners, i've found they usually do work. I think the problem is that most people think these products will work some kind of a miracle on their carpeting. You can't expect to spray some foaming cleaner on it and expect it to be restored to a like new condition. These products were basically designed to lift dirt from deep in the carpet fibers that regular vacuuming can't get. Without getting all the loose dirt and debris from the carpet the extraction process may just sort of shift this dirt higher in the fibers and leave it behind allowing for future staining. You should avoid wet cleaners until you are certain that as much dirt has been lifted from the carpet as possible. Use a brush if necessary.
I just want to comment on those dry cleaners. If you are referring to the foaming carpet cleaners, i've found they usually do work. I think the problem is that most people think these products will work some kind of a miracle on their carpeting. You can't expect to spray some foaming cleaner on it and expect it to be restored to a like new condition. These products were basically designed to lift dirt from deep in the carpet fibers that regular vacuuming can't get. Without getting all the loose dirt and debris from the carpet the extraction process may just sort of shift this dirt higher in the fibers and leave it behind allowing for future staining. You should avoid wet cleaners until you are certain that as much dirt has been lifted from the carpet as possible. Use a brush if necessary.
imported_Tom
New member
DBC I'm with you, Extractors,we don't need no stinkin extractors....
My wife was returning from her mothers in a three week old A4 with a full crock pot of baked beans on the floor, would you care to guess what happened?
Some diluted simple green and the ole shop vac got it as good as new, seriously. Since then I do interiors the same way, for cloth seats its a 60/40 mix of the lemon stuff, smells nice but not perfumey, and I use the basic garden hose with squirtmaster 6000 nozzel.
Now I can see you guys making the face
But it works perfectly, of course one is limited to working on warm days
and of course you dampen the fabic not soak it
My wife was returning from her mothers in a three week old A4 with a full crock pot of baked beans on the floor, would you care to guess what happened?
Some diluted simple green and the ole shop vac got it as good as new, seriously. Since then I do interiors the same way, for cloth seats its a 60/40 mix of the lemon stuff, smells nice but not perfumey, and I use the basic garden hose with squirtmaster 6000 nozzel.
Now I can see you guys making the face
But it works perfectly, of course one is limited to working on warm days
and of course you dampen the fabic not soak it