Click here to view solutions for common concerns with machine equipment.

Email a Rug Doctor Customer Support Specialist with comments or questions relating to Rug Doctor Pro machines and products.

Just follow the easy steps below for a cleaner, healthier carpet. We've also included instructions for using the upholstery hand tool. If you have any questions, just call 1.800.RUGDOCTOR (1.800.784.3628) Hours are Sunday through Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 7am-10pm CT.

Note: These operating instructions generally apply to all Rug Doctor models. Please consult your owner's manual for specific model directions or contact 1.800.RUGDOCTOR for anything not covered here. 
 
Before you begin, you should know that Rug Doctor machines and cleaning products are safe for most carpets. HOWEVER, you risk damage to carpets not intended for water extraction method cleaning. DO NOT use the Rug Doctor machine or cleaning products on: Natural fiber oriental rugs (silk or wool), hand-loomed wool rugs, braided rugs, sisal or jute carpets. Some stains require professional treatment.

If desired, move furniture and vacuum the area to be cleaned thoroughly with your own vacuum. Make sure loose strands, seams and edges on your carpet are secure. Pre-treat with Rug Doctor Pro specialty cleaners, Hi-Traffic Pre-Treatment is especially effective for cleaning tougher dirt and grime from foot traffic. 
A - Always mix Rug Doctor cleaners with hot water in a clean bucket. (Water should not be so hot as to scald or burn skin.)
For Rug Doctor Pro Quick Dry machines: Choose between the Quick Dry and Deep Clean settings on the back of the machine. In Quick Dry mode: Use 8 oz. (1 cup) of Rug Doctor Pro Quick Dry Carpet Cleaner per gallon of hot water. In Deep Clean mode: Use 4 oz. (1/2 cup) per gallon of hot water.
For Wide Track and Mighty Pro machines:  Depending on how dirty your carpets are, add between 2 oz. and 4 oz. (1/4 to 1/2 cup) of Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner per gallon of hot water.
B -  Remove the upper white tank by lowering the restraining wire and FILL THE LOWER TANK with cleaning solution you just mixed by pouring through the white filter screen. DO NOT pour the cleaning mixture into the UPPER white tank. If using Anti-Foam add 2 to 4 oz. (1/4 to 1/2 cup) directly into the UPPER white tank. 
C - Slip the UPPER white tank back into place and seal tank and clear dome securely by replacing restraining wire. 
D -  Referring to labels on the back of the machine, ensure hose connections are secure and set to clean carpet instead of upholstery. Plug the cord in and position the machine. While squeezing the red trigger switch OR (depending on model) pressing the red button on the handle, pull machine slowly and steadily backward in a straight line. You will begin seeing soiled solution entering the clear dome. If you don't, stop and refer to the Troubleshooting section. Release trigger or button 6 to 12 inches before ending each pass to stop cleaning solution.

E -  Tilt machine back and push it forward to position it for another backward cleaning pass. Continue this process until area to be cleaned is covered. Empty UPPER tank when dirty water stops entering dome.
Avoid over-wetting your carpet. Don't go over a heavily soiled spot more than 2-3 times. Berber, Multi-level, or Looped carpets retain more liquid - for these types of carpets, do not repeat cleaning passes. If additional cleaning is desired, allow carpets to dry before attempting the re-clean heavily-soiled areas.
Before you begin, you should know that Rug Doctor machines and cleaning products are safe for many fabrics, even delicate fibers. HOWEVER, you risk damage to fabrics not intended for water extraction method cleaning. DO NOT use the Rug Doctor machine or cleaning products on: Silk, Haitian cotton, velour, brushed corduroy, leather, non-colorfast fabrics or upholstery fabric with cleaning codes S or X. Some stains require professional treatment.
Prepare surface for cleaning by thoroughly vacuuming or brushing. Set up machine, directing your attention to the hose connections at the rear.
Hose Connections
A -  Disconnect the large vacuum hose.
B -  Reconnect top portion to the large vacuum hose of the Tool.
 C - Slide down ring on the brass "quick coupler" and pull out the small solution hose.
D - Slide down the ring again to insert the metal end of the Hand Tool solution hose. Release brass ring to secure. Tug gently on the hose to make certain the connection is complete.

Mixing Solutions
Remove white UPPER tank, mix Rug Doctor Upholstery Cleaner with water in a clean bucket according to label directions and pour into LOWER TANK. Add 2 to 4 oz. (1/4 to 1/2 cup) Rug Doctor Anti-Foam TO UPPER TANK, then slip tank back into place and seal tank and clear dome securely by replacing restraining wire.
Upholstery Cleaning
Plug cord in and position machine. Refer to labels on top of machine and handle and follow instructions for turning on the appropriate switch(es) for the Rug Doctor Pro model you're using.
Test for colorfastness by first cleaning a small, hidden area, then rubbing the test area with a white towel. If no color appears, continue cleaning. A little color on the towel means that there's some chance of color running, but you can probably still clean safely. When cleaning and drying cushions, first spread sheets or towels on the floor.
Working at a slow, steady place - begin cleaning by squeezing hand tool lever as you pull the tool over fabric. Overlap strokes slightly. IMPORTANT: Do not depress the machine's trigger/button on the handle while using the Hand Tool.
As you clean, with the vacuum on, squirt or vacuum a small amount of Rug Doctor Pro Anti-Foam into the small (vacuum) opening of the Hand Tool every few minutes to minimize suds build-up. If foam builds up around the hand tool, pull a little bit faster or vacuum excess solution by passing over area a second time without squeezing lever.
NOTE: For velvet upholstery, fluff up damp pile with a soft brush or towel to keep from matting.
Clean-up
When cleaning is complete, empty and remaining solution by holding the Hand Tool over a sink and depressing the lever until tank is empty.
With all switches "OFF" disconnect Hand Tool hoses and securely reconnect machine vacuum and solution hoses.

No Power or Loss of Power
Loss of Water Pressure
Improper Suction or Loss of Vacuum Power
Excess Foaming

No Power or Loss of Power
  1) Make sure machine is switched "On."
  2) Make sure cord is plugged in and power switches are on.
  3) If power is still not restored, push reset button on top of machine.
  4) Check circuit breakers or fuse box on the premises.

Loss of Water Pressure   
  1) Make sure there is cleaning solution in the lower tank. 
  2) Make sure the solution line is still connected at rear of machine. 

Improper Suction or Loss of Vacuum Power
  1) Make sure the plastic dome is properly sealed to the upper tank.
  2) Make sure the filter inside the clear dome is clean.
  3) Check the hose connections on the rear of the machine.

Excess Foaming
Add 2 oz. Rug Doctor Pro Anti-Foam in the upper tank. Do not add Anti-Foam solution to the lower tank.

If problems persist call our Customer Support hotline at 1-800 RUG DOCTOR. They are available Sunday through Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 7am-10pm CT, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter.

Copyright © 1997-2005 Rug Doctor L.P. All rights reserved.
Copying or other use is strictly prohibited.