Vacuum the carpets before you begin to steam clean them. While the steam cleaner does vacuum up the water, you should never use it as a vacuum cleaner.
Add cleaning solution to the reservoir. If you are cleaning carpets, use five ounces. Use three ounces if you are cleaning upholstery. It's a good idea test-clean a small out-of-the-way spot before you clean the entire area.
Add hot tap water to the water tank. Clean the carpet or upholstery with the machine. Empty the recovery tank when it is full and add fresh cleaning solution and water. To drain the recovery tank, open the lid on the machine and remove the tank to dump the dirty water.
Rinse the carpet using fresh water in the tank with no cleaning solution if desired. However, it is not necessary to rinse. Allow the carpet to dry for at least 24 hours before you walk on it.