How to Clean Carpets Step-by-Step

Thoroughly cleaning your carpets does more than just remove visible dirt. Vacuuming is best for surface cleaning and removing hair and large debris while a carpet cleaning machine cleans below the surface, removing hidden contaminants and gently agitating away stains and smells with the help of a liquid cleaning formula.

Regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning preserve carpet’s color, texture, and longevity, and can make your space more hygienic and comfortable. Routine carpet maintenance prevents dirt from embedding too deeply, which reduces wear patterns in high-traffic areas, and keeps deep stains and odors from permanently settling in.

In this guide, our experts walk you through the best ways to deep clean your carpets, including step-by-step instructions and a schedule to follow.

Prepare for carpet cleaning – before you start

Like any household task, preparation is key for effective carpet cleaning. Take time to assess your carpet type and gather your materials first. This will help you tackle stains and dirt without damaging your carpet.

Assess your carpet type

Identify materials and stains.

Carpets are made from various materials, including wool, nylon, and polyester, which may require specific cleaning solutions or methods. Different stain types may also call for different cleaning techniques and formulas.

Consider the manufacturer's instructions.

Check the carpet’s care tag or manufacturer instructions before cleaning. This information may include the carpet material makeup as well as guidelines that specify safe cleaning methods to prevent accidental damage. Some carpets or area rugs should not be cleaned with water-based cleaning liquids.

Gather necessary supplies

Upright vacuum

For vacuuming carpet before cleaning and after it dries. We recommend the Pet Hair Eraser® Turbo Lift-Off® Vacuum.

Upright carpet cleaner

For deep cleaning wall-to-wall carpet. The Revolution® HydroSteam® Pet carpet cleaner comes with everything you need to deep clean your carpets.

Formula

Some BISSELL® cleaning formulas have StainProtect® technology built in. These solutions, including the PRO MAX Clean + Protect Upright Carpet Formula, clean carpets and help prevent future stains and messes from setting in.
Oxy-based cleaning formulas rely on active oxygen to break down stains, with oxygen free-radicals decolorizing the stain, making it easier to remove. Oxy-based formulas are best for organic or colorful stains like wine, coffee, and juice. Formulas with Oxy are also best for most pet stains and accidents.

Stain removers for pretreating

Pretreating stains with a stain remover before general cleaning can loosen and dissolve the stain to make it easier to remove when cleaning.
Similar to carpet cleaner formulas, stain removers can be matched to specific types of stains. PET PRO OXY Stain Destroyer is great for tough pet stains like urine, vomit, and mud, as well as tough food stains including wine, coffee, and tomato sauce.

Step-by-step carpet cleaning instructions

Keeping carpets clean enhances the appearance of your home, extends the carpet’s lifespan, and removes dirt and dust allergens. Here are the steps our experts recommend to clean carpet at home.

Step 1: Move furniture

Start by removing all easy-to-lift furniture, such as tables and chairs. To clean the carpet below heavier objects – such as couches and beds – you may need to clean in stages, tackling one part of the room then moving the big pieces of furniture before starting again.

Step 2: Vacuum debris

Next, use your vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas and corners. Vacuum at least once before you deep clean your carpet. For regular maintenance, our experts recommend vacuuming carpet at least once a week to reduce the buildup of unwanted particles and maintain that fresh carpet look and feel.

Step 3: Pretreat problem areas

Use a pretreating spray to loosen any stains before going over it with your upright deep cleaner.

Step 4: Select your formula and fill your machine

Follow the instructions for your carpet cleaner and on your formula bottle. For example, you may add clean, warm water to the fill line of your carpet cleaner. Then add formula until it reaches the second line (formula line).

Step 5: Deep clean your carpets

Start cleaning your carpet in the opposite corner from the door so you can avoid walking across wet carpet when you finish.

We recommend cleaning the same area twice, going forward with the trigger pressed down and backward with your hand off the trigger. The first pass sprays solution into the carpet while the suction from the second pass pulls up any remaining moisture. On both passes, the brush rolls are scrubbing out the dirt and stains.

Pro tip: We recommend counting to two for each step you take. This gives your carpet cleaner time to scrub an area and suck up more moisture.

Step 6: Speed up your carpet drying time

Drying time will vary by carpet type and thickness, cleaning mode, the number of times you go over an area without spraying formula, and the humidity and air circulation in the room.

In general, we recommend four to six hours before walking on the carpet after deep cleaning. It may take up to 24 hours to fully dry, however.

If you need to dry your carpets quickly, try one of the methods below:

Use quick dry mode: Some of our carpet cleaners, such as the Revolution® HydroSteam® Pet deep cleaner come with a quick dry mode, which releases less formula and allows carpets to dry more quickly.
Go over the area without spraying formula: The suction on your carpet cleaner is always running when the machine is powered on. You can make additional passes over the carpet (without touching the spray trigger) to suck up excess moisture.
Open your windows: Opening your windows helps the carpet dry by reducing the moisture in the air and creating a crosswind. This method is especially effective when combined with fans. We don’t recommend opening your windows if it is humid outside – this may actually slow your carpet’s drying time.
Turn on your heat or air conditioning: You can use your home’s heating or cooling system to dry your carpets more quickly. Using your air conditioner may seem counterintuitive, but the increased air flow will still help dry your carpets. The biggest downside of using your A/C is that the room may feel stuffy from the increased moisture in the air. Here, too, running a fan can help.

Step 7: Vacuum leftover debris

Once your carpet has fully dried, go over the entire area with your vacuum to restore your carpet’s original texture.

Step 8: Prepare your carpet cleaner for storage

The last step in your carpet cleaning routine is preparing your carpet cleaner for storage. Proper maintenance can help your cleaner stay in great condition and ensure it’s ready to clean the next time you need it.

Before you store your carpet cleaner:

Empty the dirty water tank into a utility sink and give it a thorough rinse.
Remove the plastic brush roll cover and rinse clean. Use the nozzle clean out tool to remove any stubborn hair or debris left in the nozzle.
Wipe the brush roll chamber clean. Remove any hair or debris left on the brush rolls and rinse them under running water.
Rest the carpet cleaner on its back and look for any clogs in the mouth of the hose or sprayers. Check the steam bar on HydroSteam® products.
Once all pathways are clear and parts are dry, reassemble the machine.
Make sure both the dirty and clean water tanks are emptied, rinsed out, and dried. Wrap the cord for storage and set the machine in a protected, dry area.

How to treat common messes

Not every mess can be treated the same, so knowing how to get stains out of a carpet based on the type of stain is crucial, as it not only ensures the stain is removed but it also ensures you don’t damage your carpet.

Removing pet stains and odors

Removing pet stains and odors like urine requires addressing both the visible stain and underlying odors. Follow these general steps:

Blot the stain: Immediately blot the stain with a paper towel or clean cloth to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibers.
Fill your carpet cleaner: Fill your carpet cleaner with water and a pet-friendly cleaner formulated to tackle tough pet messes like urine.
Spot clean: Use your carpet cleaner to spot clean the affected area by covering the stain and the surrounding area. Make one pass with the sprayer on and a second pass with the sprayer off to suction up excess moisture.
Remove moisture: After spot cleaning, use your carpet cleaner’s suction function to remove excess moisture left over by the stain and carpet cleaning solution.
Repeat, if necessary: For stubborn pet stains that could not be removed from carpet, repeat the cleaning process. This may take a few rounds.

Mold and mildew treatment

Mold and mildew can grow on carpet that’s exposed to excess moisture. Mold and mildew can cause your carpet to appear dirty and smell musty, and the spores pose health risks, too. Tackling this problem involves killing the mold spores and removing lingering stains.

Dry the area: Before cleaning, dry the area fully using fans and/or a dehumidifier.
Vacuum thoroughly: Once your carpet is dry, use a vacuum to remove loose mold spores
Prepare your carpet cleaner: After vacuuming, fill your carpet cleaner with water and an oxygen-based cleaning formula (OXY) to the fill lines.
Clean the carpet: Make one pass over your carpet with the sprayer and brushes on to work the solution into the carpet fibers and loosen any mold or mildew. Then, go over a second time with the sprayer off to remove moisture.
Remove excess moisture: Use your carpet cleaner’s suction function to remove excess moisture left from your cleaning solution.
Repeat, if necessary: If mold and mildew remain after the first cleaning, repeat the cleaning process.
Air dry: Allow your carpet to air dry overnight after cleaning. To dry faster, turn on a fan or open a window to circulate air throughout the room. To prevent mold and mildew growth in the future, address leaks or high humidity.

Carpet maintenance tips

To avoid tough carpet stains, prevention is key. Through proper maintenance, you can keep your carpet in good condition.

Regular maintenance schedule

Daily: Spot cleaning
Weekly: Vacuuming
Semi-annually: Carpet cleaning

Preventive measures

Layer rugs and mats on your carpet, particularly in high-traffic areas
Implement a no-shoe policy
Address spills and accidents immediately
Keep indoor humidity levels low
Vacuum regularly
Deep clean using a carpet cleaning formula that is best for your carpet material and stain types

Conclusion

Cleaning your carpets is vital to maintaining a fresh aesthetic while also creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment. There are several methods for cleaning carpet, depending on the makeup of the carpet and the type of stain. For organic stains like coffee and wine spills and even pet urine, oxygen-based formulas are an excellent solution. Using these formulas in an upright carpet cleaner allows you to tackle the embedded dirt, dust, and debris staining your carpet. Whether you’re targeting everyday messes, removing tough stains, or performing deep cleanings, a proactive approach will save you time and effort in the long run. With a clean carpet underfoot, you can create an inviting and healthy home.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my carpets?

We recommend vacuuming your carpets every week and deep cleaning your carpets at least tw[SC1] ice a year with spot cleaning between.

How do I know if I can use a carpet cleaner on my carpets?

Your carpet retailer or manufacturer will know if your carpets can be cleaned with water or soap. When in doubt, it’s always advisable to test clean a small area in an inconspicuous place