How to Pre-Clean Carpet
- 1). Remove all objects from the carpet, including furniture, bedding, trash cans, lamps, boxes, loose objects, and anything else that covers any area of the carpet. Prior to cleaning, you should leave your carpet in a completely unobstructed state.
- 2). Dust and clean the baseboards surrounding your carpet. Use a feather duster or rag to remove loose dust, and wipe the boards with a sponge or cloth dampened with distilled white vinegar to remove dirt and stains. Wipe with paper towels to dry.
- 3). Vacuum your carpet to remove loose dirt, dust, crumbs, and other residue. If your carpet is wet due to mold damage or flooding, begin by sprinkling baking soda over moist areas. Wait 15 minutes to half an hour before vacuuming, allowing time for the baking soda to absorb the moisture. If moisture is excessive, point fans at the carpet, or turn on a dehumidifier.
- 4). Examine your carpet for specific problem areas. For instance, if certain areas of your carpet suffer from mold damage, excessive staining, or hardening, you will want to make the cleaners aware of the problem areas, or take special care to clean them yourself during the deep-cleaning process.