How to clean heavily soiled carpet

Essential Materials and Products for Cleaning Heavily Soiled Carpets

For cleaning heavily soiled carpets, you’ll need the right tools and cleaning products to achieve the best results. Here's a list of essential materials you'll need to tackle tough carpet stains and deep cleaning:

How to Deep Clean a Carpet

Deep Cleaning Without a Machine (DIY Method)

If you don’t have access to a carpet cleaning machine, you can still achieve a deep clean using household ingredients. Start by vacuuming the carpet thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.

Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few tablespoons of dish soap or white vinegar. Use a scrub brush or cloth to gently scrub the solution into the carpet fibers, focusing on stained or heavily soiled areas. Avoid soaking the carpet during this process.

After scrubbing, rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Finally, allow the carpet to air dry completely before walking on it to prevent re-soiling.

Deep Cleaning With a Machine

Using a carpet cleaning machine, such as a steam cleaner, is one of the most effective ways to deep clean a carpet. Start by filling the machine’s tank with hot water and an appropriate carpet cleaning solution, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Before cleaning, vacuum the carpet to remove surface dirt and debris. Then, begin cleaning from one corner of the room, working in small, overlapping sections to ensure thorough coverage. The machine sprays the solution, agitates the fibers, and extracts dirt simultaneously.

For heavily soiled areas, you may need to make a few passes to lift stubborn grime and stains. Once cleaning is complete, allow the carpet to dry fully before walking on it to prevent re-soiling.

For the best results, use Rug Doctor for powerful deep cleaning and stain removal, or Vax Carpet Cleaner for efficient, user-friendly home cleaning.

Common Problems with Heavily Soiled Carpets and How to Clean Them

Heavily soiled carpets can result from various situations, each requiring specific cleaning techniques. Here’s a more detailed look at some of the most common issues:

How do you clean a carpet after building work

Renovation or construction work can leave behind a significant amount of dust, dirt, and debris embedded in your carpet fibers. These particles are often small and fine, which can be challenging to remove without proper equipment. To clean a carpet after building work:

• Vinegar and Baking Soda: In addition to regular vacuuming, using a vinegar-water solution (1:1) followed by sprinkling baking soda over the carpet can help absorb residual odors and loosen dust particles. After it sits for 10–15 minutes, vacuum it up. This method is gentle yet effective for light to moderate dust and dirt buildup.
• Borax for Heavy Duty Cleaning: A mixture of 1/4 cup of borax, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of salt dissolved in water can help target tougher grime, particularly after construction or renovation projects. It works as an abrasive without damaging the carpet fibers, but use sparingly.

What’s the best way to clean carpets after flooding?

Flooding can cause extensive damage to carpets, including water stains, mould, mildew, and odours. If your carpet has been flooded, it’s essential to act quickly to mitigate damage:

• White Vinegar and Water: White vinegar helps neutralize odours and kill bacteria. After drying the carpet, mix equal parts white vinegar and water and use a sponge to apply it to stained areas. This is a good alternative to chemical disinfectants.
• Hydrogen Peroxide for Mould: If mould or mildew has formed due to water damage, a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water (about 1:3 ratio) can help kill the mould. Apply it to the affected area, let it sit for about 10–15 minutes, and then blot with a clean towel.

How can you clean carpets in high-traffic areas?

Carpets in high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and entryways tend to get dirtier faster because they are subjected to more foot traffic. These areas often collect oils, dirt, and grime that sink deep into the fibers. Here’s how to keep them clean:

Dish Soap and Water: For spots and grime, a mixture of dish soap (about 1-2 teaspoons) and warm water can be used as a gentle yet effective cleaning solution. Dish soap can break down oils that often collect in high-traffic areas like entryways.

Ammonia Solution: If the carpet is heavily soiled, an ammonia solution (1/2 cup ammonia to 1 gallon of water) can be effective. It's strong, so be sure to test it on a small area first and ensure the room is well-ventilated.

Removing Common Carpet Stains

Dealing with common stains requires quick action and the right cleaning techniques to avoid permanent damage. Here’s how to tackle some of the most typical carpet stains:

Coffee or Tea Stains

Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Mix a solution of water, white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. Apply the mixture to the stain using a clean cloth, then blot until the stain is removed.

For more detailed instructions and tips, check out our full guide to removing drink stains: How to clean coffee from carpet

Pet Stains (Poop or Vomit)

First, blot the area with paper towels to absorb the moisture. Use an enzyme-based cleaner or a homemade solution of water and white vinegar to break down the odor and stain. Sprinkle baking soda on the area afterward to neutralize lingering smells, and vacuum once dry.

Read our comprehensive guide on pet stain removal to keep your carpet spotless: How to Clean Carpet Dog Poop

Red Wine Stains

Blot the excess liquid, then sprinkle the area with salt to absorb the wine. After a few minutes, clean the stain with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap (test on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t bleach the carpet).

Discover more effective techniques for tackling red wine stains in our step-by-step article: How to Clean Red Wine Out of Carpet?

Grease or Oil Stains

Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum. Apply a small amount of dish soap mixed with water to break down any remaining residue and blot clean.

Learn additional tricks for handling tough oil spots in our full carpet cleaning guid: How To Get Oil Out Of Carpet

Mud or Dirt

Allow mud to dry completely, then vacuum to remove loose dirt. Use a solution of dish soap and warm water to gently clean any remaining marks, blotting with a cloth until the stain lifts.

Find more strategies for dealing with stubborn mud stains in our in-depth cleaning tips: Carpet Mud Stains Removal