Things You'll Need
Vacuum machine
Stain pre-treater
Rug Doctor cleaner
Rug Doctor shampoo
Clean bucket
Stiff-bristle brush
Rug Doctor carpet and upholstery cleaning machines are available for rent at major grocery and hardware stores throughout the United States. While Rug Doctor machines are known for their ease of use, it is important to use the steam cleaners properly to avoid damaging your carpet or upholstery as you use them. Be sure you have the necessary equipment before beginning your cleaning efforts, and only use Rug Doctor-approved cleaning solutions for the best results.
Carpet Cleaning Instructions
Step 1
Move any furniture or other obstacles out of the area to be cleaned.
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Step 2
Run a vacuum cleaner over the area to remove any loose debris.
Step 3
Apply a stain-treating solution to any stains or high-traffic areas.
Step 4
Fill a bucket with hot water, adding 2 to 3 oz. cleaning solution per gallon of water. A standard Rug Doctor machine can hold 3 gallons of solution at one time.
Step 5
Remove the upper tank, located on the front of the machine, by lowering the restraining wire and pulling up on the tank. The restraining wire is the black wire that is attached to both sides of the upper tank.
Step 6
Place the solution mixed in Step 3 into the lower tank, located under the upper tank you removed in Step 4. Do not remove the filter covering the lower tank.
Step 7
Place the upper tank back into position and secure it in place by lifting the restraining wire and placing it on top of the tank.
Step 8
Ensure that all hoses are securely connected on the back of the machine, and that it is not connected to the upholstery attachment. The upholstery attachment is a separate hand-held piece of equipment that will prevent the machine from properly extracting water from carpets if connected.
Step 9
Plug the machine in and turn the "CARPET" button to the "ON" position.
Step 10
Press the red button on the machine's handle to release cleaner, and slowly pull the machine backward. Release the button when you are 6 inches away from the last section of carpet you wish to clean. You should see soiled water begin to enter the top tank.
Step 11
Walk the machine forward by tilting it up so it rests on its rear wheels and gently push it. Set the machine down on the carpet, overlapping the last pass you made by 1 inch, and press the red button on the machine's handle as you you pull it backward to clean another section of carpet. Repeat this step until the entire area has been cleaned, stopping to empty the upper tank whenever it is full or to add more cleaning solution to the lower tank when it is empty.
Step 12
Turn off the machine when you are finished cleaning, and then empty both the upper and bottom tanks and rinse them thoroughly with warm water.
Step 13
Remove any nap buildup from the vibrating brushes on the bottom of the machine by tilting it on its backside and using your hand and a stiff-bristled brush.
Upholstery Cleaning Instructions
Step 1
Vacuum thoroughly the surface of the upholstery you are going to clean to remove any loose debris.
Step 2
Remove the large vacuum hose on the back of the machine from its top connection and then connect it to the vacuum hose connection on the hand-held upholstery tool.
Step 3
Disconnect the small solution tube from the back of the machine by pressing down on the brass coupler and pulling it up; attach the tube to the solution discharge connection on the hand-held upholstery tool.
Step 4
Remove the upper tank, located on the front of the machine, by lowering the restraining wire and pulling up on the tank. The restraining wire is the black wire that is attached to both sides of the upper tank.
Step 5
Add cleaning solution to the lower tank. Mix 2 to 3 oz. cleaner per gallon of hot water, filling the lower tank with no more than 3 gallons of the cleaning mixture.
Step 6
Place the upper tank back into position and secure it in place by lifting the restraining wire and placing it on top of the tank.
Step 7
Move the power switch, located on the top of the machine, to the "UPHOLSTERY" setting.
Step 8
Place the upholstery tool on the top section of the surface you want to clean and depress the red solution release button as you pull it backward. Release the red solution button when you are 3 to 4 inches away from the last area of upholstery you wish to clean.
Step 9
Place the upholstery tool back on the top section, overlapping the last area cleaned by 1/2 inch. Repeat this step until the entire area has been cleaned. Stop only to empty the upper tank whenever it is full or to add more cleaning solution to the lower tank when it is empty.
Step 10
Turn off the machine when you are finished and disconnect the hoses from the upholstery tool and reattach them to the machine.
Step 11
Empty both the upper and lower tanks, and thoroughly rinse them and the upholstery tool with hot water before returning the machine.
Tip
1/4 cup of anti-foaming solution may be added to the upper tank to prevent excessive foam build-up during extraction.
The machine will make a high-pitched noise when you depress the red button on the handle to release cleaning solution if the bottom tank is empty.
Warning
Use of a cleaning solution not approved by Rug Doctor could cause damage to the machine. Approved cleaning solutions will be sold under the Rug Doctor name, and will bear the Rug Doctor logo on the front label. Check with the store where you rented your machine to determine which shampoo should be purchased for your specific needs.
Keep the machine moving when it is powered on to keep the vibrating brushes from damaging your carpet.
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