Carpet cleaning - dirty spots

[shw104]

Have an area of carpet in my family room that we can't get clean. The carpet is approx. 3 years old and the spot gets a lot of foot traffic. The carpet is fairly light in color and the area is dark with dirt.

We have a bissell r steam carpet cleaner that has done a great job with the rest of the room. This area looks better but is still noticeably darker. We have tried to clean the area twice, the 2nd time following the instructions using a pre-treatment.

Any other ideas of how to get an area clean that is especially dirty. The carpet is only 3 years old and it's a shame we can not get it looking almost new.

Thanks!!
Scott

[Docduck]

first off what type of carpet is it? is this carpet in an area by a couch or chair?

reason i ask is...certain types of carpets wear differently, so if its a grade that does and its close to a chair or a place were there is constant movement...what your seeing maybe just wear and not soil load

but need to know more answers before i can give a better suggestion

DIY really do lack the power to do a great job..."steam cleaners" although named steam do not produce enough heat to really break the soil loose from the carpets...

when in doubt a professional cleaner may be able to help

[shw104]

well... I believe it is a Level Loop type carpet (Carpet.org - Level Loop Carpet.

i'm pretty sure it is indeed dirt/stains as I spot cleaned one area with a spot cleaner and hand brush/rag.. it got cleaner..

it is in a heavy traffic area (entrance to room).

thanks..

Originally Posted by Docduck

first off what type of carpet is it? is this carpet in an area by a couch or chair?

reason i ask is...certain types of carpets wear differently, so if its a grade that does and its close to a chair or a place were there is constant movement...what your seeing maybe just wear and not soil load

but need to know more answers before i can give a better suggestion

DIY really do lack the power to do a great job..."steam cleaners" although named steam do not produce enough heat to really break the soil loose from the carpets...

when in doubt a professional cleaner may be able to help

[twelvepole]

Professional carpet cleaners have the big trucks with hoses that have enough suction to remove excess water from carpet, special cleaners, and hot enough water (180 degrees plus) to clean and disinfect. While professional carpet cleaning is much more effective than DIY, it can not perform miracles on neglected carpet where there is ground in soil and frayed fibers, such as in high traffic areas, and old stains. Old stains, once they set up are nearly impossible to remove. Stains cleaned with improper cleaners are often set.

Different types of stains require different types of spotting agents, such as solvents for oil/grease-based stains and enzymes for organic stains. Spots should be attended to immediately with proper spotting agent. Carpet should be cleaned by a professional every 12-18 months or more often depending on amount of traffic.