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How to Use a Rug Doctor Pro

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated Aug 3, 2024 7:00 AM ET

Professional-grade steam cleaners aren't as intimidating as they seem. Most products are user-friendly, powerful carpet cleaning solutions that provide professional-level cleaning for residential and commercial carpets. Regular carpet cleaning helps you maintain a healthy living environment... and it also extends the life of your carpets. Clean carpets can even improve indoor air quality by deep cleaning beyond surface dust.

Why are we focusing on Rug Doctor Pro? There's no sponsorship arrangement behind this; we just know from experience that the Rug Doctor Pro is a great rental that's suitable for homeowners, renters, and business owners who want to optimize cleaning results without the expense of hiring a professional carpet cleaner. If you can handle some light DIY, you'll love using it to deep clean your home.

You'll Need

Rug Doctor Pro machine or another brand rental machine
Clean water
Rug Doctor cleaning solution
Stain remover (for stubborn stains)
Vacuum cleaner

Step 1: Preparing for Cleaning

Clear the area of furniture and obstacles.
Vacuum the carpet to remove loose dirt and debris.
Make sure the Rug Doctor Pro is in good shape with all of its parts and no visible damage.

Step 2: Setting Up the Steam Cleaner

Fill the clean water tank using warm water for the best results.
Add the appropriate amount of cleaning solution according to the type of rug and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Step 3: Cleaning Your Carpet

Power on the Rug Doctor Pro.
Begin cleaning in a corner of the room.
Move the machine slowly and steadily in a back-and-forth cleaning motion.
Release the cleaning solution by squeezing the handle trigger as you move forward and releasing it as you pull the machine back.
Overlap each pass slightly to avoid missed spots. Move more slowly over common household stains to enhance the cleaning performance.

Step 4: Handling Stubborn Stains

Use the handheld attachment for upholstery and spot cleaning.
Pre-treat tough stains with a stain remover that sits for a few minutes.
Work slowly and let the suction power of the Rug Doctor Pro do its job to remove even the deepest set stains.

Step 5: Rinsing and Extracting

Rinse the carpet with clean water to remove any residual cleaning solution.
Make additional passes without dispensing the solution to extract as much water as possible. Ensure the carpet is not overly saturated.
Allow the carpet to dry completely before replacing the furniture. You can speed up the drying process by using fans and opening windows.
Empty and clean the dirty water tank.
Clean the machine and attachments for future use.

Tips for Using the Rug Doctor Pro on Different Surfaces

Delicate or antique rugs: Test the cleaning process on a small, inconspicuous area first. Use minimal water and cleaning chemicals to prevent oversaturation. Avoid excessive scrubbing to protect delicate fibers.
High-traffic areas: Pre-treat with a commercial-grade cleaning product or allow the cleaning solution to sit longer before extraction. Do an additional pass with hot water but without any cleaning products.
Upholstery: Use the handheld attachment for cleaning sofas but first ensure the fabric can handle moisture.
Stairs: Use the handheld stairs attachment, clean each step individually, and pay extra attention to edges and corners where dirt tends to accumulate.
Area Rugs: Place a waterproof barrier (such as a plastic sheet) under the rug to protect the floor, clean both sides of the rug if possible starting with the underside, and allow the rug to dry completely before placing it back on the floor to prevent mold and mildew.
Tile and Grout: Use a specialized hard floor attachment if available, apply cleaning agents to the grout lines and let it sit for a few minutes.
Mattresses: Avoid oversaturating the mattress to prevent mold growth, and allow the mattress to dry thoroughly before using it again.

FAQ

Should I rent or buy a steam cleaner?

If you have a small home or steam cleaning is only an annual chore, renting makes a lot of sense. If you or someone in your household suffers from severe allergies, deep cleaning more often with an owned product makes more sense. Our team has tested and really liked the Bissell Revolution® HydroSteam® Pet Carpet Cleaner — even if you're in a pet-free home.

How often should I clean my carpet with the Rug Doctor Pro?

For high-traffic areas, it's recommended to clean every 3-6 months. In lower traffic areas, once a year is sufficient to keep the floor surface clean.

Will the Rug Doctor Pro damage delicate or antique rugs?

Follow guidelines for delicate or antique rugs by testing a small area first and using minimal water and solution. Consult the rug’s manufacturer for specific care instructions.

What should I do if the Rug Doctor Pro isn't extracting water properly?

Check for clogs in the hose or nozzle.
Ensure the dirty water tank is not full.
Make sure all of the carpet machine's parts are securely connected and undamaged.
Consult the user manual or cleaning guide for additional troubleshooting tips.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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