After going through the effort of deep cleaning your carpets with a carpet cleaner machine, the last thing you want to do is more cleaning. But is it really necessary to vacuum after using a carpet cleaner? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of vacuuming after carpet cleaning so you can decide if it’s worth your time.
Extracting Dirt vs Drying Carpets
The main purpose of a carpet cleaner is to extract deeply embedded dirt, grime, and stains from carpet fibers. However, it doesn’t fully dry the carpet. Carpet cleaning machines only remove about 40-60% of moisture after cleaning. Leaving wet or damp carpets for too long can lead to mold, mildew or attract dirt quickly as it dries. That’s where vacuuming after comes in handy.
Vacuuming Speeds Up Drying Time
By vacuuming after carpet cleaning, you use your vacuum’s suction power to help speed up the drying process. Vacuuming pulls remaining moisture from the carpet fibers, which allows them to dry faster than if left on their own. The quicker your carpet dries fully, the less chance there is of issues down the road. Faster drying time means you can also prepare for carpet cleaning less and enjoy your clean carpets sooner.
Removes Dirt Missed in Cleaning
While carpet cleaner machines do an excellent job lifting dirt, they may miss small debris left deeper in carpet piles. Vacuuming after can catch this remaining dirt before it settles back in over time. It gives your carpet one last once-over to remove any dirt particles loosened by the cleaning process. This keeps carpets looking fresh for longer between cleanings.
Inspects Cleaning Results
Vacuuming is also a great way to inspect how well your carpet cleaner did its job. Check the vacuum bag or canister afterwards for any leftover dirt. If you see a lot of debris, it may be time to adjust your cleaning technique or try a second pass with the machine in problem areas. Inspecting results helps you continually improve your carpet cleaning methods.
Exceptions to Vacuuming After
The only times vacuuming after may not be needed are if carpets were only lightly soiled to begin with or if you used a rental truck mount carpet cleaner at a professional level. In these cases, carpets may already be near-dry and clean enough not to require post-vacuuming. For typical home use of a portable carpet cleaner machine, vacuuming is usually worthwhile as part of the process.
When To Vacuum After Carpet Cleaning
The optimal time to vacuum after using a carpet cleaner machine is once carpets are surface dry. This is usually within 24 hours for most residential carpet types. Vacuuming too early while carpets are still damp can cause the dirt and moisture removed by the machine to be sucked right back into the carpet. Wait until carpets pass the “squeeze test” where no water comes out when gently stepped on. Vacuuming at this stage finishes extraction of remaining moisture.
Tips For Best Vacuuming Results
To get the best results from vacuuming after carpet cleaning, follow these tips:
- Use the upholstery or hard floor attachment on your vacuum for carpets
- Vacuum in multiple directions to catch dirt from all angles
- Go over problem areas and traffic zones extra times
- Consider renting a commercial wet/dry vac for large carpeted areas
- Check vacuum filters frequently and empty/clean as needed
- Make multiple passes until water extracted is clear instead of dirty
Thorough vacuuming takes full advantage of your carpet cleaner’s cleaning power to achieve carpets you can be proud of.
Final Thought
So while not 100% necessary, vacuuming after carpet cleaning helps speed drying, removes leftover dirt, and allows you to inspect cleaning results. It’s a good final step to ensure carpets stay fresh looking longer between deep cleanings. Proper preparing for carpet cleaning includes designating time for vacuuming afterwards as part of your routine.