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How to Get My Carpet Shampooer to Suck Up Water

Carpet shampooers apply water and cleaning solution to the carpet and then use high-powered brushes to scrub the flooring. Some carpet shampooers suck up the cleaning solution and water residue, leaving the carpets only slightly damp. This greatly reduces the time it takes for the carpet to dry after shampooing. Although machine designs vary, most have a similar way of operating. If your machine stops picking up water, you can also try some common troubleshooting techniques.

Instructions

  1. Using a Carpet Shampooer

    • 1

      Release the trigger that sprays cleaning solution and water.

    • 2

      Adjust the machine to suction by turning a dial or flipping a switch.

    • 3

      Pull the carpet shampooer across the floor slowly. This activates the suction so that the soapy water pulls out of the carpet.

    • 4

      Continue the process across the entire floor to remove all of the carpet cleaning solution and water.

    Troubleshooting Sucking Issues

    • 5

      Check the machine’s settings to ensure it is set to suck up water rather than spray it. Some machines have a trigger you release, while others have a dial you can turn to adjust the machine to the proper setting.

    • 6

      Remove the carpet shampooer tank and empty it. A carpet shampooer does not suck water if the tank is full.

    • 7

      Reposition the tank and secure it to the machine according to your manufacturer’s directions. A carpet shampooer does not suck up water if the tank isn’t seated properly.

    • 8

      Remove any attachments and replace them, ensuring that they are replaced and installed properly. Some carpet shampooers do not work if the nozzles and attachments aren’t attached securely.