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Why Is My Carpet Cleaner Water Always Dirty?

Why Is My Carpet Cleaner Water Always Dirty?



Nobody wants to have dirty carpets in their home. But if you are cleaning your carpets on your own, or with a rented machine, there is the chance that your carpets won’t get the deep clean they need. There could be a simple explanation as to why your carpet cleaner water is always dirty – and we can help you solve it.

What Causes Dirty Carpet Cleaner Water?

It’s never fun when you take out your trusty carpet cleaner and the water you used turns out to be dirtier than you expected. Though dirt in the water is inevitable, there are several reasons this might happen, and some of them might be relieved with a quick fix. Let’s take a look at why your carpet cleaner water always turns out to be an unsightly shade of brown. 


1. Very Dirty Carpet

The most common cause of dirty carpet cleaning water is simply that there is too much dirt still on your carpet. Even though you thought you did a thorough surface clean on your carpets and furniture, the carpet cleaner still sucks in all the dirt it can find and collects it for further extraction in the water. 


2. Old Carpet 

Sometimes carpets themselves are just too old or deteriorated that it’s impossible to get a clean water rinse. Older fabrics naturally hold dirt easier and it’s tougher to get out. Depending on the age and condition, you might need to replace the carpets or upholstery to expect cleaner water once you vacuum. 


3. Pet Hair

Pet hair can get tangled deep in the fibers of the carpets and upholstery, especially if you’ve got a hairy animal. Taking extra time to detangle any fur in the sample of the material before cleaning can drastically reduce how much pet hair is picked up by the vacuum and will help your rinse water be much clearer. 


4. Improper Use of Cleaning Solution

Every carpet cleaner is different, so read the instructions for both your machine and the cleaning solution you’re using to make sure you’re using them correctly. Put in too little or too much solution and you’ll end up with murky rinse water. 


5. Old Water in the Tank

Most carpet machines do have the option to drain the tank for any dirty water that your machine picked up. If you often neglect to do this, the water grows murky and can’t be cleaned as efficiently. Clean water makes a huge difference in the cleanliness of the carpets, so empty your tank before every use and whenever you think it needs it. 


Basically, any dirt or debris that the vacuum collects before you’ve drained the unit's dirty water can end up in your tank. Keep a handy vacuum handy for regular cleanings.

Do You Keep Cleaning the Carpet Until the Water Is Clear?

Knowing that your water is dirty because of the carpet you are cleaning, the next question many people ask themselves is this: do I keep cleaning my carpet until the water is clear? That’s a valid question and the answer may depend on a few different factors.


No matter if you’re using a rented or purchased carpet cleaner, you may want to clean the carpet until the water runs clear. This is especially true if the stains on the carpet or furniture are not too set in and you’ve made sure to follow the steps on how to properly use a carpet cleaner. 


  • Read the instructions for your machine carefully: If your carpet cleaner’s manual recommends against running the water until it’s clear, there’s probably a valid reason for it. Cleaning the carpet more than the recommended amount could cause damage to the cleaner. 
  • Follow cleaning solution instructions: Every cleaning solution usually has a specific number of minutes or passes recommended for cleaning carpets. Follow the instructions carefully and reduce the amount of passes if needed. 
  • Monitor your water flow: Keep an eye on the amount of water you’re adding to the tank. If you’re adding more than the recommended amount, reduce it or your rinsing cycles might end up clogging the machine’s filters. 
  • Consider the fabric: It also helps to keep the fabric type in consideration. If your carpets and furniture are older, it might be better to do fewer passes rather than several.


If the water remains dirty, it could be a sign that the carpet is heavily soiled, or that it needs to be professionally cleaned. Regarding the latter, it is best to call CarpetMaster for professional carpet cleaning services in Murfreesboro and Lebanon, TN.

The CarpetMaster Difference

At CarpetMaster, we go the extra mile to make sure your carpets are cleaner and fresher than ever before. Our team of professional, experienced, and knowledgeable technicians are well-trained in all facets of carpet care. Not only will we remove all debris and stains with expert precision, but we will also leave your carpets smelling refreshingly clean.


Using high-quality and modern equipment and techniques, all carpets, no matter their condition, can be revitalized with CarpetMaster’s deep-cleaning services. With CarpetMaster, customers enjoy long-lasting clean carpets that make their home more enjoyable and inviting.

Call The Carpet Cleaning Experts at CarpetMaster

Cleaning carpets and furniture can be challenging and sometimes the machine you’re using just isn’t enough. When that happens, it’s time to call in the experts at CarpetMaster for Murfreesboro and Lebanon, TN. We offer carpet and upholstery cleaning services that will put an end to any dirt or stain left around your house. 


Our team takes in-depth measures to make sure our customers get the deepest clean possible. From treating stains and dirt spots to deodorizing carpets, our services can leave your carpets looking brand new. And with decades of experience in the carpet cleaning industry, you can trust that our team will have your carpets and upholstery looking beautiful in no time. 


For top-tier carpet and upholstery cleaning in Murfreesboro and Lebanon, TN, give us a call at (615) 849-3551 and schedule your appointment today. Our friendly team is here to help you get the clean you need and deserve!


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