How to wash carpets with a washing vacuum cleaner: types of carpets, additional cleaning products, carpet cleaning rules and manufacturer’s recommendations

From time to time, floor carpets that create home comfort become dull, roll down, and the pile becomes hard. You have the choice to use the services of professional cleaners or wash the heavy rug by hand. But it is more rational to buy a washing vacuum cleaner. Cleaning will become regular and not burdensome. The costs will be offset by savings on inviting specialists to clean furniture upholstery and wash carpets.

Is it possible to wash carpets with a vacuum cleaner?

One of the most useful and necessary types of apartment cleaning is considered to be wet cleaning of the premises. Thanks to it, you can get rid of more dust and various small debris, and clean the most difficult dirt on various surfaces. In addition, the wet type of cleaning is very useful for both carpets and rugs. However, there are some exceptions.

Since the appearance of washing vacuum cleaners on the markets, millions of housewives around the world have practically appreciated the main advantages of such a device. Everyone knows how difficult it is to carry out wet cleaning, especially when this issue concerns carpets and rugs. Washing a carpet is a very difficult task, which can be greatly simplified by using a washing vacuum cleaner. When talking about whether a carpet can be washed with a vacuum cleaner, it is worth understanding that this will depend on the specific type of coating. Therefore, before embarking on such a procedure, you must carefully study the information on the carpet label. This is where all the information should be about what procedures are allowed to be carried out with the product.

The need for wet cleaning

Wet cleaning is an effective way to clean a room. This is the only way to remove heavy dirt, get rid of dust and small debris, and completely destroy allergens and microorganisms.

Regular wet cleaning damages carpets. Only if it is performed correctly can the procedure replace washing and dry cleaning. To carry out quality cleaning, you should use a washing vacuum cleaner. It will eliminate numerous routine manipulations.

But cleaning the carpets is not enough. It is important not to spoil the product or degrade its original appearance. That’s why it’s so important to know how to properly wash pile carpets with a vacuum cleaner.

The best brands of washing vacuum cleaners

Currently, there are many different types of washing vacuum cleaners available in stores, each of which has its own positive and negative sides. The most popular brands of these cleaning devices are the following:

Karcher.
Zelmer.
Thomas.
Philips.
Samsung.

Reviews of carpet cleaning vacuum cleaners indicate that most buyers prefer the first three brands. These cleaning devices are especially useful if there is an allergy sufferer in the family who is negatively affected by dust.

The main advantages of washing vacuum cleaners

Washing vacuum cleaners have gathered many fans. However, there are also groups of people who are ardent opponents of these devices. Therefore, it is necessary to consider this technique from all sides. The main advantage of washing vacuum cleaners is the ability to perform several functions at once, high power, and decent quality. The main advantages of washing vacuum cleaners for carpets:

Possibility of both wet and dry cleaning of absolutely any surface, including walls, windows, floors, corners, doors.
Removing blockages and construction debris in pipes.
Cleaning plumbing and tiles.
Use of an air purifier and various fragrances in the cleaning process.
The device contains filters for air, water, and allergen removal.

The main disadvantage of a washing vacuum cleaner is that this device consumes a little more energy than a regular vacuum cleaner. In addition, a washing vacuum cleaner requires mandatory disassembly after cleaning, as well as cleaning. After the carpet has been cleaned using a washing vacuum cleaner, the carpet should dry naturally for at least an hour. The remaining features of the washing vacuum cleaner will be based on the characteristics of the specific model of this device.

The process of washing with a vacuum cleaner, of course, is very different from simple dry cleaning, so it is necessary to consider step by step how carpets are washed using such a device.

Basic operating rules

Unlike a standard dry vacuum cleaner, a wet vacuum cleaner requires preparation.
In general terms, the entire cleaning process using a washing unit consists of several stages:

Studying the instructions - manufacturers approach the design of vacuum cleaners in different ways. A device of one brand may operate according to principles that are unacceptable for a device of another brand. Studying the instructions before starting work is a mandatory step.
Filling built-in containers with water and detergents in the required proportions.
Turning on the vacuum cleaner . When using for the first time, it is not recommended to turn on the unit at full power immediately. You should get used to different operating modes and choose the most convenient one. This choice will happen gradually during use.
Testing a vacuum cleaner . If the owner of the device is not sure that the surface will tolerate the effects of household chemicals calmly, he conducts a test. The brush of a washing vacuum cleaner passes only along the edge of the coating, and then the reaction of the material is assessed.
Treatment of the premises. The room being cleaned is evenly coated with detergent. Experts advise starting cleaning from the far corners of the area. With this method, finishing cleaning will be more convenient.
Cleaning surfaces from residual cleaning fluid. After cleaning using household chemicals, its layer must be removed. This is done using clean water heated to a warm (not hot!) state. For this purpose, the previous portion of liquid with household chemicals is poured out and the container is filled with new contents.
Drying . If you leave the floor wet after cleaning, it will become deformed - regardless of the quality of the coating. To prevent this consequence, the floor is dried using a suction nozzle. It comes with the vacuum cleaner upon purchase.
At the end of cleaning, the vacuum cleaner is disassembled and then washed. If the appliance retains residual liquid, it will deteriorate over time or emit unpleasant odors.

Expert opinion
Galina Valerievna Borodina

If the owner of the device wants to clean problematic and stubborn stains, they are treated separately with a washing mixture. To increase the efficiency of cleaning, the brush lines are overlapped.

Assembly

Particular attention must be paid to the first assembly of the vacuum cleaner before use. People who bought this unit have problems at this stage.

Preparing the device for use consists of six stages:

Filling the reservoir with liquid.
Connecting the capillary pipe to the spray nozzle and to the connector located on the body.
Connecting the capillary to the suction pipe using clips.
Connecting the suction pipe to the hose.
Inserting the hose into the connector that is intended for it.
Unwind the cable and connect the device to the outlet.

Some units are equipped with filters. To ensure proper operation of the filters, a vacuum cleaner defoamer is added to the reservoir in which dirty water is collected.

Before starting work, the owner of a washing vacuum cleaner checks three points:

The filters are clean.
Filters are dry.

The filters are in their places.

The task of a defoamer for a vacuum cleaner is easy to understand from its name. This substance prevents the formation of foam in the aquafilter during operation. Foam must be removed to protect the engine and prevent mold from forming in the device. Defoamers are available in liquid or powder form.

Disassembly

When all cleaning procedures are completed, the time comes to disassemble the vacuum cleaner.
This stage is as important as assembly. The duration of its operation depends on the quality of care of the device after cleaning the floors.

After disconnecting the device, you must do the following:

Laying the cord in a socket that is built into the body.
Removing a container overflowing with dirty liquid.
Pouring out liquid and rinsing the container.
Clean nozzles and hoses under running warm water.
Drying all parts of the vacuum cleaner.
Removing drips from a clean tank and final drying.

A big mistake that owners of washing vacuum cleaners make is ignoring filters. These parts are responsible for the quality of cleaning and the condition of the air after cleaning. After each use of the vacuum cleaner, they are cleaned and dried. Clogged, wet filters render the device unusable. Regardless of the type of filter (disposable or reusable), this part is changed at fixed intervals.

Expert opinion

Borodina Galina Valerievna

If the elements are constantly not dried, the inside of the vacuum cleaner becomes covered with fungus. During subsequent cleanings, fungal spores spread throughout the apartment and lead to even greater pollution. This effect is especially dangerous for allergy sufferers.

How to wash carpets with a vacuum cleaner

First of all, it is worth noting that you need to vacuum your carpets at least once a week. You can vacuum more often those areas that are exposed to more pollution. For example, this should include those places where there is intense movement. The most frequent cleaning of the carpet with a washing vacuum cleaner should be the entrances and exits to the room, to the balcony, as well as areas near workplaces. Thanks to regular vacuuming, you can significantly extend the life of carpets by preventing the accumulation of various particles that have the ability to cut off the pile.

Areas of application

Have you ever used a washing vacuum cleaner?

There was a case. I'll be there soon!

The washing vacuum cleaner compares favorably with standard models due to its versatility.

It suggests the following application options:

Remove bulky waste.
Remove wet debris and spilled liquids.
Humidify and scent the air during the cleaning process.
Clear clogs in sinks (special attachments are needed for this purpose).

Remove dirt from various surfaces - tiles, stone, linoleum, soft textures (upholstery, carpet, curtains).
Clean vertical surfaces – windows, mirrors, curtains.
Get rid of animal hair in the house.

Each function has its own method of operation. Next, we will look at specific ways to use a washing vacuum cleaner.

Laminate

Laminate is divided into groups depending on its water-repellent properties. There are models with increased strength - they are not afraid of moisture. But there are also fragile varieties, contact with moisture which leads to the unusability of the material. The coating becomes blistered, bristles, or cracks.

You may be interested in: How to choose a vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring? Review of popular models

To ensure that cleaning laminate flooring using washing models is safe, you need to follow a few simple prohibitions, which include:

The use of alkali and all detergents that contain this component.
Using liquids that include wax or silicone.
Moisture seeping into the joints of adjacent socks.
Using brushes with coarse bristles (the bristles leave marks on the laminate).
Steam treatment of laminate (high temperatures deform the material).

Tips to help keep the coating in its original form include:

Observe the frequency of cleaning the laminate - detergents are applied to the surface no more than once or twice a week.
Grouting the joints with mastic for sealing (this paste forms a protective layer on the laminate and prevents moisture from passing through the joints).
Wiping the coating with mops, the rags of which are made of microfiber (this material quickly absorbs moisture and does not leave scratches).

Expert opinion

Borodina Galina Valerievna

When purchasing a washing vacuum cleaner for working with laminate, preference is given to models with medium or high power. Devices with insufficient power do not provide complete drying.

Parquet

Parquet made from natural wood is fragile and subject to deformation no less than laminate. Even with ordinary wet cleaning with a rag, experts advise squeezing it out properly.

Washing vacuum cleaners are allowed for use under the following conditions:

The parquet flooring is treated with water-repellent impregnation and protected with a layer of varnish.
The vacuum cleaner quickly absorbs liquid without leaving any traces.

When washing parquet, do not use aggressive detergents (there is a high probability of leaving stains).

Carpet

Cleaning the carpet from dirt requires the use of several devices.
The procedure consists of several stages:

The carpet is cleaned using a standard vacuum cleaner in dry cleaning mode. To increase efficiency, a vibrating brush is placed on the hose. If you skip this step, the filters of the washing vacuum cleaner will become clogged with large dirt particles.
A test check is being carried out. If the carpet is being cleaned for the first time, the cleaning device is tested on a small area of the material. This rule is mandatory in cases where detergents contain chlorine (the substance affects the color of the carpet). If the experiment does not negatively affect the pile, cleaning will continue.
Water and shampoo are poured into the reservoir. It is important to control the amount of shampoo. For units with a wet cleaning function, more is not better.
Select a nozzle for working with carpets. Long hair requires attachments with long bristles – and vice versa. The effectiveness of cleaning depends on the compliance of these parameters.
Cleaning is carried out, during which the nozzle is moved up and down until the material is cleaned. Processing is carried out sequentially in small segments so that cleaning is uniform.
The carpet is thoroughly dried. The period of drying a carpet directly depends on the length of its pile. Short pile dries in one to two hours. Long copies take twice as long.

In total, to clean the carpet you will need a set of several accessories:

Shampoo.
Brush-shaped attachment.

Pure water.
Vacuum cleaner with wet cleaning function.

Window

Not all vacuum cleaners are suitable for cleaning windows. Those models that have the “Window Cleaning” option will cope with this task. Information about it can be found in the attached instructions or on the manufacturer’s official website. Such devices usually come with brushes designed for glass surfaces.

Cleaning occurs according to the following rules:

The length of the tube is adjusted so that it reaches all areas of the window (taking into account the attached nozzle).
The water supply level is adjusted to a minimum state. Maximum values lead to the appearance of streaks on the glass.
Washing windows using the bottom-up technique. First, the upper areas of the glass are covered, then the nozzle moves to the lower ones.

A washing vacuum cleaner copes with cleaning all windows, with the exception of models with a rubber seal. The seal melts under the influence of hot water.

Step by step guide

Speaking about how to wash carpets with a vacuum cleaner, you should consider the sequence of actions of this procedure. To make this task easier, you must follow certain rules:

Before washing the carpets with a washing unit, it is necessary to vacuum the surface initially with a conventional device, collecting existing dust and small debris from the carpet.
After this, you need to test on a small area of the carpet the effect of a special detergent, which will be used during washing with a washing vacuum cleaner for furniture and carpets. This way you can make sure that this product will not harm the coating.
Before vacuuming your carpets, you should also add a small amount of water and detergent to the unit. This must be done according to the instructions supplied with this detergent.
Next, you need to choose a nozzle, which is selected depending on the type of carpet, because they can be with short or long pile.
It is necessary to clean the carpet using a washing vacuum cleaner slowly, slowly and smoothly moving the nozzle along the surface in the direction of the pile.
It is imperative that the carpet be thoroughly dried at the end of the procedure. It is not recommended to walk on it at this time. In places that are the most humid, it is necessary to place some object so that air circulates better. It is very important that the surface can dry completely.

Which ones can be washed and which ones can’t?

To clean the floor covering, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner in the following cases :

The product is sewn from synthetic materials. Rugs made of acrylic, polypropylene, polyester, microfiber, polyamide, nylon and terclone are not afraid of wet cleaning.
The flooring is made of semi-synthetic.
The carpets are made of knitwear. They can be cleaned with a washing vacuum cleaner, but with caution, as they are sensitive to water.
The products are sewn from tufting.

use a washing vacuum cleaner to wash carpets such as :

products made from natural fabrics: wool, felt and fur;
silk floor coverings;
hand-made products;
viscose carpets;
jute carpets with very long pile more than 15 cm;
Cotton and linen carpets - only dry cleaning is suitable for them.

A washing vacuum cleaner collects no more than 40-60% of the water it releases. In products made from natural fabrics, it lingers and begins to rot.

This causes an unpleasant odor and bacterial growth . It will be very difficult to “reanimate” them.

Each carpet has certain care features. This directly depends on its composition. Most often, products are of a mixed type, so it is necessary to check with the seller at the purchase stage whether a washing vacuum cleaner is suitable for cleaning them.

Detergents

Before you begin wet cleaning, you need to clean the carpet from large debris and dirt. To do this, you can use a regular vacuum cleaner with a vibrating brush attachment. Such nozzles clean the carpet pile well from the smallest particles and sand. After this, you need to choose the right cleaning product that is ideal for cleaning your carpet. Quite often, if you choose the wrong cleaning shampoo, the carpet loses its original appearance and becomes dull. This trouble can be avoided if you use a more gentle carpet cleaner that does not contain chlorine.

Just like carpet vacuum cleaner, detergent also plays a big role. As a rule, such detergents are included with the main device. However, you can select them separately. Speaking about which brands are the most effective and reliable, it is recommended to choose detergents from the company:

"Organix"
Green and Clean.
"Wags."
"Vanish."

It is these manufacturers of vacuum cleaner detergents that have won the majority of positive reviews.

Before you start washing the carpet, you need to make sure whether a particular product can be subjected to wet cleaning, because if the carpet was made from natural handmade materials, for example, viscose, wool or silk, then it is best to take such products to special dry cleaners.

Algorithm of actions

To clean a carpet with a vacuum cleaner, you need to follow several steps in sequence.

Algorithm of actions:

First you need to vacuum the rug as usual. Dry cleaning is necessary to remove dirt and large debris from it. Be sure to remove all dust from the walls and furniture.
Water and detergent are added to a special tank. Prepare the vacuum cleaner for use (put on the nozzle, unwind the cord, etc.).
To make cleaning effective, all movements are performed slowly. The brush is gradually moved along the pile. The pressure should be medium, you should not press too hard.
After treating the flooring with detergent, the remaining residue is drained and the tank is filled with clean water. Cleaning is done again.
Then they pass through the carpet with a suction nozzle, if one is provided by the vacuum cleaner model.
After washing, the dirty water is drained and the product is left to dry. You cannot walk on it at this time. The average drying time is 3 hours. To reduce the humidity in the room, you can open the windows.

If the product is wet cleaned for the first time, then you need to evaluate the effect of the detergent composition on it. To do this, treat an inconspicuous area and monitor the reaction of the pile for at least 15 minutes.

Recipes for making carpet fresheners

You can make your own carpet fresheners at home. To do this you will need:

One teaspoon of cloves.
One cup of crushed dried herbs, such as lavender or rosemary.
One teaspoon of baking soda.
One teaspoon of cinnamon.

All ingredients must be mixed together, and the resulting mixture should be evenly distributed over the surface of the carpet or carpet. After a few minutes, the carpet must be vacuumed again, collecting all the small particles of the resulting mixture. After this, you can begin wet cleaning.

There are also other recipes for preparing carpet surface fresheners.

For example, you need to add baking soda to a matchbox, as well as a few drops of your favorite essential oil. After this, sprinkle the mixture evenly over the carpet or rug. After 20 minutes, the carpet must be vacuumed, after which you can begin wet cleaning.

You can also mix one cup of cornstarch, the same amount of baking soda and 15 drops of any essential oil. Sprinkle the resulting mixture onto the carpet, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then vacuum the carpet.

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning a carpet

Assemble the vacuum cleaner model according to the instructions.
Fill a special reservoir with the required amount of clean water and the selected detergent. Their exact quantity and ratio are indicated in the instructions.
Turn on the vacuum cleaner at maximum power.
Treat the carpet with the selected nozzle, smoothly and slowly, sequentially moving it along the surface, first back and then forward. We recommend starting cleaning the coating from the edge, drawing overlapping lines. This will help you deal with contaminants better.
Remove any remaining detergent with clean water. First pour it into the tank and clean the surface again.
Dry the carpet by running a suction nozzle over the pile.
Disassemble the vacuum cleaner, thoroughly rinse all parts and dry them.

Now all you have to do is wait until the carpet is completely dry. Try not to trample on it for at least 3-4 hours so as not to crush the pile. The length of time it takes to dry a carpet depends on its material, pile length, room temperature and many other factors. It is very important that the floor product is completely dry , then mold or mildew will not grow in it. For better air circulation, you can place boards or grates under the carpet.