The answer to 'DIY carpet cleaning' is that with the right tools and techniques, you can effectively clean your carpets at home. Proper DIY carpet cleaning involves pre-treating stains, using a rental or purchased carpet cleaner machine, and thoroughly drying the carpet afterwards. However, for heavily soiled or high-traffic areas, it's best to hire a professional carpet cleaning service.
Start by thoroughly vacuuming the carpet to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, use a carpet cleaner solution or spot remover to pre-treat any visible stains or high-traffic areas. Next, rent or use a carpet cleaning machine, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Be sure to work in sections and overlap your cleaning passes. After cleaning, allow the carpet to fully dry, which can take 6-12 hours. Once dry, vacuum again to remove any remaining dirt or residue.