Deep-cleaning carpets that haven't been cleaned in 20+ years

[ajr2993]

I bet it'd satisfying to see the years of embedded dirt, sand, bugs, pet hair, dust, and even carpet fibers get pulled out of the carpet. If you had a Kirby or a central vacuum system, you'd be pleased with a clean carpet in over 20 years. And if you hired a carpet cleaning service, it'll look really good, not perfect, but still good, you'll still have to replace the carpet anyway.

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[panasonicvac]

Honestly if I had to deep clean my carpets, I'd use an Amway ClearTrak/Workhorse Cyclonic before going over the scrubbing and the water extraction. I'll admit, I love both Kirby and central vacs. But the problem with either one is that you can't see the dirt that you're vacuuming up. The ClearTrak or the Workhorse in my opinion is the best to see what you're picking up in the dirt bin. I've been following this professional carpet cleaning company for a long time now and this person would only trust using the ClearTrak or the Workhorse and I can see why.

 

[huskyvacs]

 

[rolls_rapide]

You'd probably be better using a Hoover upright with the Autosense/dirt detector, simply continue cleaning the area until the light turns green.

Then use a hot water extractor type machine.

 

[panasonicvac]

Dirt sensor vacuums would be problematic to use. One of my Kenmores have that feature but it doesn't work anymore.

 

[tolivac]

Remember NO vacuum cleaner can remove all dirt from a carpet or floor.That dirt has to be removed with the wet extractor machine.

 

[sharky]

Dry cleaning action - embedded dirt alert

Speaking of deep cleaning carpets - you may like this one.

Whenever I have some time on my hands I help relatives and friends with cleaning their area rugs. It's always fun to put my machines to the test and go for a real challenge, especially since usually standard vacuums without a PN had been used for regular cleaning.

Hot water extraction would be difficult and over the top for these polypropylene/cotton rugs, so dry cleaning is the way to go.

The best method for me is to flip over the rugs first and vacuum the padding/backside. It is astonishing how much dirt you can pull already this way, especially with high pile carpets/shags. It also helps loosen the deep embedded dirt.

Vacuuming alone very often brings the pile and fibres up to life already.

After that I use Vorwerk Kobosan, a dry cleaning powder, comparable to the SEBO duo stuff. In my experience it is more effective than the SEBO powder, especially when it comes to removing stains. Vorwerk is the biggest D2D-brand in Germany and the dry cleaning system has always been a megaseller. The bags are perfectly sealed and prevent the powder from drying out - I have amassed hundreds of old Kobosan bags over the years that I got for a dime or two or even for free. For these examples I have used Kobosan powder dating back to 1988 and 2001.

Here are some recent examples. Will split them up in several messages, if you don't mind. Have fun!

5 area rugs - last cleaned 12 months ago - single person home with a budget vac without PN

Used equipment:
Pre vacuuming: Shark NV680 first, SEBO Airbelt E 1200RD + ET-1 for the detailing

Dry cleaning System: Vorwerk VTF 740 (counterrotating brushes - similar system to the SEBO duo) + Vorwerk Kobosan

Post vacuuming: Vorwerk VT251 with PN + SEBO Airbelt E with PN

The pics are from the prevacuuming session - note the red carpet fibres - obvious damage from sand and grit.

 

[sharky]

Dry cleaning action - comparison fresh powder/used powder

I like it when you see the results afterwards. Forgot to take a pic from the cleaned carpets, but the grey powder speaks for itself. My buddy couldn't believe how nice the rugs have turned out in the end. After all, dry cleaning might be a very good alternative to all the wet methods. What I like about it: you don't risk to ruin your carpets. There is no risk for shrinkage or discoloration, and you may walk over it all the time without having to wait for hours or days since it only takes 20-30 minutes for the powder to dry.

The stiff brushes do a very good job of removing embedded (pet) hair. I have used steam cleaners in the past, and although they do clean well and are very helpful on cleaning car interiors, I'm still uncomfortable with the idea of soaking everything . There is no way to get 100% of the water out of the carpet. The carpet would not be wet after the job if you could. So there is a risk of turning even the slightest amount of still embedded dirt into mud, so to speak.

Also very good method for apartment dwellers where HWE may be difficult. Dry cleaning powder is also very useful for cleaning car seats or sofas. Just give it a try - but I understand that this method is not that widespread and that cleaning powder is more on the expensive side in the US, isn't it?

 

[kirbylux77]

Sharky - Holy crap! You ought to show those before and after photos to people you know using straight suction cylinders. If that doesn't convince them to use a cleaner with a powerhead on carpets, nothing would! LOTS of dirt pulled out from those carpets.

Rob