Your Complete Guide to Cleaner Carpets: How to Deep-Clean and Refresh with Hoover

Life in South Africa brings dust, coastal damp, paw prints after a braai, and even the odd red wine splash - but with the right Hoover routine, you can keep your carpets fresh, bright, and odour-free all year round.

How Often Should You Clean?

• Vacuum: Once or twice a week (more with pets, small children or sandy feet).

• Spot-clean: As soon as a spill happens.

• Deep-clean: Quarterly, or at the change of seasons.

• High-traffic or guest areas: Refresh between stays.

💡 Tip: During loadshedding, plan your deep cleans when power’s on - keep a corded stick or handheld Hoover ready for quick pick-ups.

What You’ll Need

Tools:
High-suction Hoover vacuum, spray bottle, microfibre cloths, scrub brush, bucket, and good airflow (open windows or a fan).

Cleaning agents:
Distilled white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, mild carpet solution, and table salt.

Hoover Heroes for South African Homes

• Everyday cleaning: Eco Whirl Cylinder – 750 W power, 2.5 L bin, HEPA outlet filter.
  
  

• Quick, corded versatility: Air Light 2-in-1 Corded Vacuum – converts to handheld; ideal for stairs, sofas and cars.
  
  

• Deep carpet wash: PowerDash Compact Carpet Cleaner – AquaSpin brush bar, dual tanks, quick-dry design.
  
  

• Spot & stain rescue: CleanSlate Complete Spot Cleaner – strong suction, TightSpot & WidePath tools.
  
  

• Wet mishaps: 14 V Wet & Dry Handheld – handles liquid spills and crumbs in seconds.
  
  

Step 1: Vacuum Thoroughly

1. Move small furniture and toys aside.
   

2. Choose the right tool for carpet or rug height.
   

3. Vacuum slowly, using overlapping passes on high-traffic zones.
   

4. Use a crevice tool for corners and skirtings.
   
   

💡 Tip: Flip area rugs upside-down once-a-month and vacuum the backing to lift hidden grit.

Step 2: Spot-Clean Stains Quickly

• Blot, don’t scrub. Use a paper towel or cloth to lift excess liquid.
  

• Test first in a hidden corner, especially on wool or jute.
  

• Spray a 1:1 vinegar-and-water mix or a Hoover-approved carpet cleaning solution.
  

• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot again.
  

For tougher marks, use the CleanSlate Spot Cleaner - its dual tanks and TightSpot tool make quick work of spills.

Step 3: Deep-Clean Quarterly

Option A: DIY pantry method
Mix 1:1 bicarbonate of soda and salt, sprinkle evenly, mist with water, brush in both directions, let dry, and vacuum.

Option B: Fast, professional finish
Run the PowerDash Compact Carpet Cleaner over high-traffic and pet areas. Its AquaSpin brush bar deep-cleans fibres while controlling moisture for faster drying.

Quick Stain Playbook

Drying Checklist

• Open windows and doors.
  

• Run a fan or gentle airflow.
  

• Avoid soaking carpets - light, even passes are safer than oversaturating.
  

• Use the PowerDash Compact Carpet Cleaner for controlled moisture and faster dry times.
  
  

Keep Carpets Cleaner for Longer

• Place mats inside and outside entrances.
  

• Remove shoes indoors.
  

• Vacuum 2–3×/week with pets, and groom them regularly.
  

• Maintain your machines: empty bins, wash filters, and replace when due.

Safety & Care Notes

• Always check your carpet or rug label - natural fibres like wool, jute or sisal need gentler treatment.
  

• Patch-test any cleaner or DIY mix first.
  

• Keep pets and kids off damp carpets until fully dry.
  

• When in doubt, use Hoover’s own carpet solutions for fibre-safe results.
  
  

Explore More Hoover Cleaning Guides

Keep the clean going and check out:
How to Maintain Your Hoover Vacuum for Lasting Power
Find Your Perfect Hoover: Match Your Vacuum to Your Mess

Or visit hoover.co.za to shop genuine accesories, explore our full range, and discover more cleaning tips for every room in your home.