How to Deep Clean RV Carpet | 3 DIY Steps [Easy Guide]

Last Updated on May 1, 2023

Are you planning your next adventure in your RV? An RV adventure comes with the challenge of keeping the carpet clean. It can quickly get dirty and stained from all the foot traffic.

The process of deep cleaning involves gathering supplies, vacuuming the carpet, and choosing the right cleaning method, depending on your specific needs. Apply steam cleaning, shampooing, or dry cleaning, then dry the carpet before use.

Focus on post-cleaning maintenance that involves taking preventative measures such as regular vacuuming and spot treatment to keep your carpet looking its best.

Our guide will show you how to easily clean deep down and get it back into like-new condition. Let’s begin the journey today.

How to Deep Clean RV Carpet: 3 Main Steps

Regarding your RV’s appearance, nothing is as noticeable as grimy, stained carpets. They detract from the overall aesthetic, can harbor unpleasant odors, and even pose health risks in mold growth. With the right techniques, you can achieve a deep clean that will leave your carpets looking and smelling new.

Step 1. Pre-Cleaning Preparation:

Before diving into deep cleaning your RV carpet, it’s essential to prepare properly. This will ensure you have all the necessary supplies and equipment and can complete the task efficiently.

The first step in pre-cleaning preparation is gathering supplies. You’ll need a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, a cleaning solution, a scrub brush or sponge, and towels. You may also need a steam or dry cleaner, depending on your chosen cleaning method.

Step 2. Vacuuming the Carpet:

Start by vacuuming your RV carpet thoroughly before you deep clean it. This will help remove any loose dirt and debris that could potentially get ground into the carpet during the deep cleaning process.

To begin, gather your supplies. You’ll need a high-quality vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush and crevice tool. A handheld vacuum can also be useful for getting into tight spaces.

Start by removing any large debris or objects from the carpeted areas of your RV. This includes things like toys, shoes, and loose papers. Then, use the crevice tool to get into tight spaces like corners and along baseboards.

Next, use the upholstery brush attachment to clean all carpeted surfaces thoroughly. Go over each area multiple times in different directions to ensure you’re picking up as much dirt and debris as possible.

For particularly stubborn areas or pet hair, you may need to use a rubber bristle brush or lint roller before vacuuming.

Step 3: Choosing and Applying the Right Cleaning Method

When it comes to deep cleaning your RV carpet, choosing the right cleaning method is crucial. There are 3 cleaning methods available such as steam cleaning, shampooing, or, dry cleaning.

I. Steam Cleaning:

Steam cleaning is a popular and effective method for deep cleaning RV carpets. This method involves using hot water and steam to penetrate the carpet fibers, loosening grime, and extracting them with a powerful vacuum. It is an excellent way to remove tough stains, allergens, and bacteria from your RV carpet.

1. To start the steam cleaning process, you will need a high-quality steam cleaner to handle the job. You can rent or purchase one from a local hardware store or online retailer. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before use.
2. Prepare your RV by removing any furniture or objects from the area you plan to clean. This will give you more room to move around and ensure all carpet areas are accessible.
3. Fill your steam cleaner with hot water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add any cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer for an extra deep clean. Turn on the machine and allow it to heat up before beginning.
4. Starting at one end of the room, slowly move the steam cleaner over the carpet in straight lines, overlapping each pass slightly. Be sure not to saturate the carpet with too much water, which can cause damage or mold growth.
5. After completing each section of carpet, go over it again with hot water to rinse away any remaining soap residue. Allow your carpet to dry completely before replacing or walking on any furniture.

II. Shampooing:

Shampooing is a popular method of deep cleaning RV carpets. It involves using a specialized carpet cleaner and shampoo solution to remove dirt, stains, and odors from the carpet fibers. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to get rid of any loose dirt. This will make the shampooing process more effective.
2. Choose a high-quality carpet cleaner that is specifically designed for use in RVs. These cleaners are formulated to be gentle on delicate fabrics while still providing a deep clean.
3. Dilute the shampoo solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions and pour it into the carpet cleaner’s reservoir.
4. Starting at one end of the RV, work in small sections, spraying the shampoo solution onto the carpet and then scrubbing it in with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.
5. Once you have worked through all the sections, allow the shampoo solution to sit on the carpet for several minutes to loosen any stubborn stains or odors.
6. Use the carpet cleaner’s suction function to extract as much moisture and dirt as possible from each section before moving on to the next one.
7. Once you have finished shampooing all the sections, repeat them with just water in your machine to rinse any remaining soap residue.
8. Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much moisture as possible from the carpet before allowing it to air dry completely.

III. Dry Cleaning:

Dry cleaning is a popular way to deep clean RV carpets, especially if you want to avoid using water or steam. This method involves sprinkling a dry cleaning powder onto the carpet and then removing it with a vacuum cleaner.

You’ll need to purchase a dry cleaning powder specifically designed for carpets to start the dry cleaning process. Once you have your powder, follow these steps:

1. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly before applying the dry cleaning powder.
2. Sprinkle the powder evenly over the entire carpet surface.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush or broom to work the powder into the carpet fibers.
4. Allow the powder to sit on the carpet for at least 30 minutes (as the manufacturer directs).
5. Vacuum up the powder using a powerful vacuum.

Post-Cleaning Maintenance Tips

After deep cleaning your RV carpet, it is important to implement post-cleaning maintenance to prolong the lifespan of your carpet and keep it looking fresh. Here are some preventative measures you can take:

• Use mats: Place mats at the entrance of your RV to prevent dirt, debris, and moisture from getting tracked onto the carpet. You can also use mats in high-traffic areas within your RV.
• Remove shoes before entering the RV: Encourage everyone to remove their shoes before entering the RV. This will prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the carpet.
• Vacuum regularly: Regular vacuuming is crucial to maintaining a clean carpet. Make sure to vacuum at least once a week or more frequently if needed.
• Address spills immediately: If a spill occurs, clean it up immediately to prevent it from staining or causing odors.

What is the best way to clean the carpet in an RV?

You can use several methods to clean your RV carpet, but shampooing with a pump sprayer is the most effective. Shampooing with a pump sprayer involves applying a cleaning solution to the carpet and then using a pump sprayer to rinse it off thoroughly.

You can purchase a cleaning solution designed specifically for RV carpets or use a mixture of water and mild detergent. After shampooing the carpet, dry it completely before walking on it or replacing furniture.

How Do You Get Dog Urine Smell Out Of RV Carpet?

When it comes to pet urine, cleaning the affected area as soon as possible is crucial to prevent the stain and odor from setting in. If you have a dog that urinates on your RV carpet, there is a simple solution to getting the smell out.

Mix 8 oz of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap in a non-metal container. Gently mix the ingredients and soak the spot with the solution.

Leave it for a few minutes to settle, then blot the area with a clean towel or rag. The hydrogen peroxide and baking soda work together to neutralize the odor and break down the stain, while the dish soap helps to remove any remaining residue.

Can you steam clean your RV?

You can steam clean your RV, which is an efficient way to quickly and thoroughly clean your carpets and upholstery. Steam cleaning uses heated water and pressure to penetrate deep into the carpet’s fibers, loosening dirt and grime and killing any bacteria or mold.

Before steam cleaning your RV, it is essential to vacuum the carpets and upholstery thoroughly to remove any loose dirt or debris. If you have stains, pre-treat them with a carpet cleaner and let them sit for a few minutes before steam cleaning. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your steam cleaner for the best results.

How long does it take for a wet RV carpet to dry?

Drying wet RV carpet can be time-consuming, and it is important to let it dry completely before using it again to prevent mold, mildew, or further damage. The time it takes for a wet RV carpet to dry depends on various factors such as moisture level, temperature, and humidity.

On average, it takes between 12 and 24 hours to dry completely for a wet RV carpet. However, it can take longer if the carpet is heavily soaked or if the weather is cool and damp.

You can speed up the drying process by using a dehumidifier or running the air conditioning system in your RV to circulate the air. It is also important to keep the area well-ventilated by opening windows or using fans to improve air circulation.

Revitalize Your RV’s Interior with a Thorough Carpet Deep Clean

Deep cleaning your RV carpet is an essential task that can help maintain the appearance and longevity of your vehicle. To achieve a thorough clean, spot-treating stain and paying attention to high traffic areas are important techniques.

Dealing with their stains and odors requires extra care if you have pets. After deep cleaning, proper drying techniques using air drying or fans and dehumidifiers can prevent mold growth.

A consistent cleaning schedule will help prolong the lifespan of your RV carpet. With these tips in mind, you can confidently tackle the task of deep cleaning your RV carpet and enjoy a fresh, clean living space on your next adventure.