Dry Vacuuming: The first hands-on step is to thoroughly vacuum the entire carpeted area with a professional-grade vacuum. This removes loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surface, preventing them from turning into mud when the cleaning solution is applied.

Pre-Conditioning/Pre-Treatment: A specialized cleaning solution is applied to the carpet. This solution is designed to break down tough dirt, oils, and soils that are embedded deep in the fibers. For stubborn stains, a separate spot-treatment solution will be applied to give them extra time to loosen.

Agitation (Optional but Recommended): In a professional process, the cleaning solution is often worked into the carpet fibers using a machine with rotating brushes or a carpet rake. This step, known as agitation, helps to loosen deep-seated dirt and ensures the cleaning solution reaches all parts of the carpet.

Hot Water Extraction: This is the core of the “steam cleaning” process. A powerful machine injects a mix of hot water and a rinsing agent deep into the carpet pile under high pressure. Almost simultaneously, the machine’s powerful vacuum system sucks the water and the dissolved dirt, pollutants, and cleaning solution out of the carpet.

Post-Treatment/Spotting: After the main cleaning is complete, the technician will do a final check for any remaining stubborn stains. If a spot persists, they will use a specialized post-treatment solution to remove it.

Grooming: The carpet fibers are groomed with a rake to help them stand upright. This step not only makes the carpet look uniform but also helps the carpet dry faster by allowing better airflow.

Drying: While the professional cleaning machine removes most of the moisture, the carpet will still be damp. The technician may place high-powered fans to speed up the drying process. It’s recommended that the homeowner avoids walking on the carpet until it is completely dry, which can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours depending on the climate and air circulation.