What’s the best way to clean those messes around the house or in your car?, by dealsbyjwil on YouTube. 1 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Run the vacuum in dry mode first, using the wide floor nozzle to pull up crumbs, pet hair and loose dirt from the area.
Switch the machine to wet mode and fit the wet filter or foam sleeve exactly as your manual describes. Never use a paper bag or dry filter for liquids.
Spray the stain remover over the mark and leave it for the dwell time on the bottle, usually 3 to 5 minutes.
Work the cleaner in with a soft brush or cloth, starting at the outside edge of the stain and moving inward so it does not spread.
Pull the wet nozzle slowly across the area in one direction, overlapping each pass, so the dirty water collects in the tank.
Rinse the spot with a little clean water and pick it up again. Repeat until the water coming into the tank runs clear.
Empty and rinse the tank straight away, then let the carpet dry fully with a fan or open windows for 6 to 12 hours before walking on it.
For car mats and seats, use the same method on a dry day and keep passes light so the fabric and foam are not soaked through.
Tips and common mistakes
Never run a normal dry vacuum over liquid, it will damage the motor, so check yours is a wet dry model before you start.
Test the stain remover on a hidden patch first, especially on wool, dark colours and car upholstery.
Go easy on water. Over-wetting soaks the backing and padding and can leave a musty smell.
Empty and rinse the tank right after the job, because dirty water left sitting starts to smell.
Questions
Can I use an ordinary vacuum cleaner for a wet spill?
No. A standard dry vacuum pulls water into the motor and can ruin it. Only use a machine designed for wet pick-up.
What if the stain is still there after one pass?
Let it dry, then repeat the stain remover and wet pick-up. Old or set-in marks often need two or three rounds.
How long until the carpet is dry?
Usually 6 to 12 hours with airflow from a fan or open window. Keep traffic off it until it feels dry to the touch.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
