I have some stains I would like to get rid of. In my past experience some products weren't very good. Many times it took several applications and even then it didn't do a thorough job. I would like to see how you experts clean the carpet.

 

I'm sure this question has been asked a billion times. I did a search and didn't find much.

 

I've had good luck with some stuff called "Dryclean" by Blue Corral. It comes in a spray can and goes on like a foam. Used properly, you don't end up with a wet carpet. For small, tuff, spots, try WD40 (no kidding). Rub it on, rub it off.

 

I've had really good luck with hot water extractors. Check some local rental places and ask them if they have one. You want to get a professional model, not some crappy rug doctor type thing. I'm talking one with a wand and hose, not walk behind. Of course you'll want to get the upholstery attachment. A great sign is seeing 2 power cords, one for the pump and vacuum and the other for the heater. Sunbelt rentals has them if there's one near you. The great thing about them is the water comes out nearly boiling so the heat just melts off the grime. Works great for oily stains.

 

Great info LRG

 

That is great advice...i was wondering about this...i couldnt really find anything that would do it how i wanted...i tried Prestone, Tuff Stuff, and Blue Coral and i havent had any luck getting it the way i wanted....I have an 06 with a tan interior..i am very worried about fading and fraying of the threads...how do you think this would do on my cloth??? Is there any chemical or just hot water?

 

Tan is tough but beautiful.

 

Yeah i love the look of the interior...one of the reasons i bought the truck..but i am just having a hard time keeping it as clean as i want it..i am very cautious about what i put on it..i dont see how hot water could damage it...but maybe i am wrong? i am looking for more info on this option...anyone help??? Thanks

 

I have seen some individuals on here who recommend Scotch Guard after you do get your fabric cleaned.

 

Pull out the carpet and use Simple Green and a pressure washer. You'll be amazed by the amount of dirt the carpet has burried in it.

 

Hey sorry I haven't replied sooner, been busy with work and also trying to enjoy the couple of weeks of nice weather we get each year in the Seattle area.

Anyway to answer a couple of the questions that were asked earlier if you're still interested, using the hot water extractor is a pretty gentle way to clean carpet/uphostery. I have no worries about fraying or wear or anything like that. The only way I could seen any potential damage is if you're seats are worn thin and you're really aggressive and really push hard while cleaning them, but that's a long shot at best, I wouldn't worry.

As far as chemicals are concerned personally I just use the hottest water I can get. When using the hot water extractor I always fill the tank with hot water to begin with. The machines have decent heaters but it's a lot easier to go from 120 to 200 degrees than from 70 to 200 degrees! If you like you could add a *small* amount of shampoo to the water but I don't like them. I worked for several years in the carpet cleaning industry doing water and fire damage restoration and I just don't like soaps all that much. I find that they're generally harsh and leave a residue in the items being cleaned. Many times the residue will also contribute to stains reappearing as the surfactants can tend to wick things up the fibers. Imagine how good your hair or clothes would feel if they had soap residue in them. Carpet and upholstery just feels softer and fluffier if there's no residue in it.

Also most of the shampoos available to consumers are for the hoover/bissell things or rug doctors, both of which are crappy machines and the soaps tend to be pretty harsh to try to make up for the machines ineffectiveness. So that's what I think for whatever it's worth. I say HOT water, it'll just about melt most stuff off. If you've got greasy/oily stuff that the water isn't cutting it for then use some solvent sparingly. Denatured alchohol works well. Dab it on a towel then use on the surface being cleaned, don't go dumping it all over the surface directly. Solvents are very effective at delaminating carpet backing!

I also like to follow up after I've gone over upholstery and auto carpet with a cotton towel. I scrub it in all 4 directions. This will get it a little cleaner and also take more residual moisture out and aid in drying. The faster it dries the less chance there is of stains reappearing as well as mold/mildew forming.

As for fabric protectors off the shelf I'd go with ScotchGuard. DuPont used to sell some teflon stuff but I haven't seen it for a while. I don't buy that the teflon bonds to your carpet like it's on your frying pan, but it did a decent job as a carpet protector. Regardless look for something that's solvent based. This helps since the majority of crap that gets on your carpets/seats is water based and it won't be as prone to washing off as something water based. OK, I think that's enough preaching for one day . If you guys have any other questions feel free...