Van carpets should be cleaned regularly to enhance the luster of the carpeting. Proper maintenance of your van carpeting will ensure that the carpets continue looking new and fresh throughout the years. If you accidentally spill or drop something on your carpet, clean the stain as quickly as possible. A damp stain can be removed quickly and will prevent your carpet from fading and aging unnecessarily. Full carpet cleaning should be done monthly to fully prevent dirt and grime build-up.
Vacuum the carpet. Use a vacuum to get dirt and crumbs out of the carpet. This will allow you to see stains clearly.
Spot clean any stains. Mix a gallon of hot water with one cup of vinegar and dish detergent. Road and Travel Magazine suggests using a hard bristled brush to "work the mixture thoroughly into the carpet fibers." (See Reference 1.) Let the carpet sit for thirty minutes, then use a dry towel to blot the carpet.
Shampoo the carpet. Professional carpet shampoo can be purchased at home improvement stores. Apply the shampoo to the carpet and use a scrub brush to rub the shampoo deep into the carpet fibers. Rinse the carpet and use a wet-dry vacuum to remove any remaining suds. Wet-dry vacuums are sometimes available at public car washes. They can also be rented from home improvement stores.
Dry the carpet. If any moisture remains in the carpet after cleaning, rub the damp carpet with a dry towel. You can also use a small fan to blow cool air onto the carpet.
