Having your carpets professionally cleaned can be expensive and inconvenient. A Rug Doctor offers a powerful and accessible solution to deep clean your carpets yourself. This guide will walk you through exactly how to use a Rug Doctor, ensuring your carpets are fresh and revitalized.
Preparing Your Carpet for a Deep Clean
Before you start using your Rug Doctor, proper preparation is key to achieving the best results.
- Thorough Vacuuming: Begin by thoroughly vacuuming the entire area you intend to clean with your regular dry vacuum cleaner. This crucial step removes loose dirt, debris, and pet hair, allowing the Rug Doctor to effectively target embedded dirt and stains.
- Pre-Treat Problem Areas: Identify and pre-treat any stubborn stains or high-traffic areas. Use a specialized spot, stain, or odor remover appropriate for your carpet type and the specific issue. Follow the pre-treatment product’s instructions for optimal results.
Setting Up Your Rug Doctor Machine
Setting up your Rug Doctor correctly is essential for safe and effective operation.
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: In a clean bucket, mix your chosen Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner with hot tap water according to the product label’s instructions. Ensure the water is hot but not scalding to avoid burns. The Rug Doctor tank has a capacity of 9 liters.
- Access the Solution Tank: Locate the restraining wire at the top of the machine and lower it. Then, remove the white upper tank to access the red solution tank below.
- Fill the Solution Tank: Pour your prepared cleaning solution mixture into the LOWER red tank through the filter screen. Fill until the liquid reaches the ‘Fill to here’ line, which is approximately halfway up the filter screen. Avoid overfilling.
- Reassemble and Secure Tanks: Carefully place the white upper tank back into position, ensuring it seals securely with the red tank. Secure both tanks by replacing the restraining wire.
- Check Hose Connection: Inspect the back of the machine to confirm that the hose connection is properly and securely attached.
- Power Up and Position: Plug the Rug Doctor power cord into a suitable electrical outlet. Position the machine at the starting point of the area you wish to clean, ensuring easy access and movement.
Cleaning Your Carpets with Rug Doctor
Now you are ready to start cleaning and experience the deep cleaning power of your Rug Doctor.
- Turn the Machine ON: Refer to the label on top of the machine and switch it to the “ON” position specifically for carpet cleaning.
- Initiate Cleaning Pass: Hold down the red button located on the very top of the handle (or squeeze the red trigger, depending on your Rug Doctor model). While maintaining pressure on the button/trigger, slowly pull the machine backward in a straight line at a steady pace. Keep the front metal vacuum slot in constant contact with the carpet surface.
- Observe Dirty Water Extraction: After a few seconds of operation, you should begin to see dirty water being extracted from your carpet and entering the clear dome on top of the machine. This indicates the Rug Doctor is effectively lifting dirt and grime. If you do not see dirty water entering the dome, stop and consult the Rug Doctor Help Center or call their support line at 0800 800 245.
- End the Spray Pass Correctly: Approximately 30cm before reaching the end of your cleaning pass, release the red button or trigger. This stops the spray of cleaning solution but allows the machine to continue suctioning up moisture and dirt.
- Overlap Cleaning Passes: Tilt the machine back slightly and move it forward to position it for your next cleaning pass. Overlap each pass by about 5cm to ensure consistent and even cleaning across the entire carpeted area.
- Refill Solution Tank as Needed: Continue cleaning until you notice a change in the machine’s sound and dirty water no longer enters the clear dome. This indicates the solution tank is empty. Stop cleaning, empty the UPPER white tank (which collects the dirty water), and refill the LOWER red tank with a fresh cleaning solution mixture as described in the setup section. Then, resume cleaning.
- Complete Cleaning and Empty Remaining Solution: Once you have finished cleaning your carpets, and before storing the machine, empty any remaining cleaning solution from the lower red tank. To do this, take the machine outside or position it over a drain. Turn the machine “ON” to the upholstery setting. This setting will activate the pump and empty the remaining solution from the lower tank.
Post-Cleaning and Machine Care
After cleaning, proper machine care ensures your Rug Doctor remains in good working condition for future use.
Before returning the machine to the store (if rented) or storing it at home, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned according to the cleaning instructions located on the back of the machine. Make sure the power switch is in the “OFF” position before handling or storing the machine.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a Rug Doctor to achieve professional-quality carpet cleaning results in your own home, saving time and money while enjoying fresh, clean carpets.
