Guide To DEEP Clean Carpets with Just a Vacuum

Guide To DEEP Clean Carpets with Just a Vacuum

You’d be surprised how far a good vacuum—and the right technique—can take you when it comes to keeping carpets clean. Carpets are cosy and beautiful, but they also attract everything from dust and pet hair to crumbs and allergens. While you don’t need fancy machines to keep them clean, a regular vacuuming routine is essential for keeping your floors fresh and your home healthier.


How To Clean Carpets with a Vacuum: Yes, It Works (If You Do It Right)

Vacuuming might seem basic, but there’s a right way to do it—and it makes a big difference.

Start by vacuuming at least once a week. If you have pets, kids, or heavy foot traffic, you’ll want to increase that to a few times per week (or even daily in high-traffic zones).

Before you start, move any lightweight furniture out of the way so you can reach under and around it. Adjust your vacuum’s height settings based on the carpet type—too low and you’ll struggle to push; too high and you won’t pick up anything.

When vacuuming, take it slow. Going over an area too fast won’t lift embedded dirt. Use overlapping strokes in a crisscross pattern to cover every inch, like mowing a lawn. This helps catch what the first pass might have missed.

For high-traffic spots like entryways or hallways, go over them a few extra times.

If you’ve got pet hair, try running a rubber-edged squeegee over the carpet first—this pulls up the hair so your vacuum can pick it up more easily. Don’t forget to use those attachments! The crevice tool is great for edges and baseboards, and the upholstery brush works well on stairs and furniture.

Finally, always empty the dustbin or replace the bag before it’s full—a full vacuum loses suction, and that means less cleaning power.

 

Vacuum Types Explained & Recommendations for a Deep Clean

As a cleaner, I’ve used just about every type of vacuum out there. The truth is, no single vacuum is perfect for every situation, but the right one for your home depends on your carpet type, layout, and lifestyle.

Here’s what to know:

 Upright Vacuums

  • Best for: Wall-to-wall or high-pile carpets.
  • Why I recommend them: They’re built to dig deep into carpet fibres, especially with motorised brush rolls. Look for models with adjustable height settings—this helps protect delicate rugs while still getting a thorough clean.
  • Watch out for: Weight. Some uprights can be heavy to lug around, especially on stairs.


Recommended models:

  • Shark Rotator (for homes)
  • SEBO X7 Premium OR SEBO Dart  (for professional-grade performance)
  • Hoover Commercial HushTone (quiet but powerful—used in many offices)


 Canister Vacuums

  • Best for: Homes with mixed flooring (carpet + hard floors) or stairs.
  • Why I recommend them: They offer powerful suction and are super versatile. The long hose makes it easy to get under furniture and into corners.
  • Watch out for: Storage can be awkward, and not all come with brush rolls suitable for carpet.

Recommended Models - 

  • Miele Complete C3 – Quiet, powerful, long-lasting
  • SEBO Airbelt D4 – Built for tough commercial or residential use, with a big canister and great tools
  • Numatic Henry Xtra – Durable and budget-friendly

 Robot Vacuums

  • Best for: Low-pile carpet maintenance.
  • Why I recommend them: They're great for daily upkeep. Newer models have serious suction and smart mapping, but they don’t replace a full upright for deep cleaning.
  • Watch out for: They struggle with thick rugs and edges. Consider them a helper, not your main cleaner.


Recommended models - 

  • Roborock S8
  • iRobot Roomba j7+
  • Dreame F9 – Surprisingly good suction for the price



 Handheld Vacuums

  • Best for: Spot cleaning, upholstery, stairs.
  • Why I recommend them: Perfect for quick fixes and places your main vacuum can’t reach.
  • Watch out for: Limited battery life and small bins.

What Makes a Vacuum “Good” for Carpet?

Here’s what I look for—whether I’m buying for myself or recommending to a client:

  • Suction power (measured in air watts or CFM): High suction means better deep cleaning.
  • Adjustable brush roll: This lets you switch between hard floors and different carpet piles without damaging the fibres.
  • Filtration: Always go for HEPA or sealed systems. These traps fine particles like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, especially important for people with allergies.
  • Capacity: The bigger the bin or bag, the fewer times you’ll need to stop and empty it.
  • Noise level: If you clean during the day or have a baby at home, stick to models under 70 decibels.





Choosing the Best Vacuum for Area Rugs and Carpet

This really depends on your home’s layout and carpet type. Here's what I ask when recommending to clients:

  • High-pile or plush carpet? You’ll want an upright or a canister with adjustable suction and brush settings.
  • Mostly hard floors with area rugs? A canister vacuum gives you the flexibility to clean both with one machine.
  • Lots of stairs or multi-levels? Consider a backpack or lighter canister model.
  • Kids and pets? Prioritise models with HEPA filtration, tangle-free brush rolls, and pet-specific attachments.

And no matter what you choose, don’t ignore filtration. If you’re stirring up dust but not trapping it, you’re just blowing it around. HEPA filters or sealed systems are always worth it.

Still Not Sure What Vacuum’s Best for Your Carpet?

Let us know your carpet type, room size, home or need a vacuum for commercial space and whether you’re dealing with pets, allergies, or stairs. Topstitch experts will help you pick the right model—whether it’s a SEBO, Miele, Shark, or something else entirely. Click here to reach us now!

Your carpets (and your back) will thank you.

 

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