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How to Dry Clean Your Own Carpet
Everyone has seen the carpet steam cleaning rentals available at most
grocery and home improvement stores, but did you know that there is a dry
carpet cleaning machine rental available. Its made by a company called
Host and is available at many vacuum shops and some new carpet stores.
Just look in the phone book for the word Host or call a few vacuum
repair shops.
The Rental Machine
The machine has two cylindrical brushes which counter rotate. The
brushes counter rotate making the machine very maneuverable. These nylon
brushes come with several different bristle stiffness levels for different
carpet cleaning jobs. The rental shop will have the right type of brush
for you. The dry cleaning machine is commonly available in two different
sizes. Choose the one which works best for you. If you have large open
areas, you will want the larger size and for small tight spaces you will
want the smaller machine. The rental price is usually between $20 to $40
depending on what size machine you get and how long you rent it for.
The Cleaning Solution
You will need two different products. First, you will need a box of the
carpet cleaning granules which usually comes in a six or twelve pound box.
The six pound size should treat about 500 to 600 square feet and the
larger twelve pound box should treat between 1000 to 1200 square feet. The
second product you need is a pre-spray which is usually sold in bottles of
about twelve ounces. If your carpet is not very soiled you can probably
get by without the pre-spray, but it will help clean heavily soiled
traffic areas. Expect to pay around $25 to $40 for the cleaning products
depending on what size box of granules you buy.
The Process
First, you need to thoroughly vacuum your carpet. Vacuum slowly in a
North/South and then an East/West direction. Next you will apply the
pre-spray to the carpet in the heavily soiled areas. Don't use too much, a
little goes a long way. Then sprinkle some of the dry cleaning granules on
the carpeting. Once again, a little goes a long way. Turn the dry cleaning
machine on and agitate the granules in a North/South and then East/West
direction. Let the carpet dry and then vacuum the powder up.
Dry Carpet Cleaning
Tips
The way the brushes are designed on the dry carpet cleaning machine
make it almost self propelled. Don't try to muscle it around, a gentle
push is all it takes.
After agitating the powder with the rental machine, let it dry
completely before trying to vacuum it up. Semi-moist powder could clog
your vacuum cleaner. Also if there is any moisture left on the carpet,
your vacuum cleaner could leave marks when vacuuming.
You can clean stairs with the machine by detaching the handle. Be
careful as it wont be as steady as when its on the ground.
Do not let the dry carpet cleaning machine sit in one area too long
while the brushes are running. Keep it moving so that you do not wear your
carpet fibers. |