How to Vacuum Before Steam Cleaning a Carpet

Steam cleaning a carpet can restore your carpet to its natural beauty and newness. Prior to steam cleaning, however, you will need to get rid of dirt and debris hiding in the pile of your carpet. To learn more, read some important suggestions that will explain how to vacuum before steam cleaning a carpet.

Start with an empty bag. To effectively vacuum before steam cleaning a carpet, you will need to begin the process with an empty vacuum cleaner bag. If your bag is full when you begin vacuuming, your vacuum may not work as effectively in picking up embedded dirt from deep inside the pile of your carpeting. In addition, a full bag makes your vacuum cleaner work harder and may even cause problems with the motor.

Perform multiple passes. When you vacuum before steam cleaning a carpet, make sure that you perform multiple passes on the same area. Simply passing over the carpet one time will not effectively pick up embedded dirt, but passing over the carpet multiple times will loosen dirt and grime and better prepare the material for a steam cleaning. Making multiple passes will also raise the carpet up sufficiently so that all fibers will be optimally steam cleaned.

Don't forget to move furniture. This may be obvious, but when you vacuum before steam cleaning, move the furniture, and don't simply vacuum around it. Just like you would not steam clean around your furniture, don't vacuum around it. If you're unable to move the furniture on your own, ask a family member of friend to help you.