Rug Cleaners

A wet shampooer carries a liquid shampoo solution in the tank; rollers distribute the shampoo, and brushes lift the nap of the rug and work shampoo into the pile. Tank capacity ranges from two to four quarts.

Dry shampooers, primarily for Oriental and non-colorfast fabrics, substitute powder for the liquid shampoo. Again, rollers apply the powder and brushes work it into the carpet. The powder is removed with a vacuum cleaner.

Heavier-duty electric steam or dry units are usually handled as rentals, with the consumer buying the steam detergent or cleansing powder. Wet and dry units are not interchangeable.

A steam cleaner injects a solution of hot water and detergent into the carpet under pressure and removes it immediately with powerful suction.

The dry cleaner spreads on the cleansing powder and works it into the carpet; the powder is then vacuumed up.

Some types of steam and dry cleaning units operate with rotary brushes. Others use an oscillating or vibrating brush. Some vibrating brush units are powerful enough to pull dirt particles through from the carpet’s underside.

A final method of carpet cleaning is an aerosol spray. It is the easiest method and suitable for spot cleaning.

The aerosol is sprayed directly on the carpet, allowed to dry and vacuumed up. Brushing the foam into the carpet with a stiff brush increases its cleaning action.

For best results with any cleaning method, carpets should be thoroughly vacuumed before cleaning to remove loose surface dirt.

For home improvement advice, visit JS West Lumber & Ace Hardware Sonora, Ca. or visit www.acehardware.com and click on the Answers@Ace icon. Answers@Ace is an online resource with information for do-it-yourselfers about hardware and home improvement projects. The Everyday Projects section has pictures and detailed, step-by-step instructions for this and many more home improvement projects.

To speak to an Ace Hardware advisor in Sonora call: 209 532 7446.