Click to view our accessibility policy
Menu
Account
Login
Register
Cart
Click to view our accessibility policy
Login
Register
Before cleaning, vacuum the area thoroughly. Generously spray any special problem areas (old or dark stains; high traffic areas, pet stains) with a Rug Doctor Pre-treat formula.
Mix 4 oz (1/2 cup) of Rug Doctor cleaning solution per gallon of hot tap water in a clean bucket. Lower retaining wire, lift dome and remove the white dirty water tank. Pour water and cleaning solution from bucket through the filter screen into the clean water tank until solution covers the filter screen halfway. Replace the dirty water tank and snap the dome down. Check the gray hose connector and copper coupler on the back of the machine to ensure both are firmly seated together
Plug the carpet cleaner rental machine into an outlet. Adjust the handle using the lever on the right side. Tilt machine back and roll forward to starting point. Press power button on back of machine to “ON”, toggle switch on top of machine to “CARPET”. Press and hold spray button and pull back slowly. Release spray button and pull back 6 more inches. Tilt back machine and roll forward to next starting position. Repeat passes if needed depending on the carpet soiling. Continue cleaning until clean water tank is empty or you are done.
Check the manufacturers tag for cleaning instructions. If there is a W or W/S on the tag it means you can use water for cleaning and it is safe to use the upholstery tool. If it is coded S or X, do not use the tool and contact the manufacturer for cleaning instructions. Test the Rug Doctor cleaning solution and tool in an inconspicuous spot or hidden area and allow it to dry before proceeding. If upholstery color is affected, do not use the tool. Thoroughly vacuum the upholstery or stairs.
Mix 4 oz (1/2 cup) of Rug Doctor cleaning solution per gallon of hot tap water in a clean bucket. Lower retaining wire, lift dome and remove the white dirty water tank. Pour water and cleaning solution from bucket through the filter screen into the clean water tank until solution covers the filter screen halfway. Replace the dirty water tank and snap the dome down.
Disconnect the gray hose connector and copper coupler at the back of the machine. Connect the upholstery hose gray end to the gray connector and the solution hose to the copper coupler. Plug the carpet cleaner rental machine into an outlet. Press power button on back of machine to “ON”, toggle switch on top of machine to “TOOL”.
Press the head of the upholstery tool firmly onto the fabric or carpet and squeeze the trigger to spray the cleaning solution. Pull the head slowly backward to clean. Release the trigger and go back over the same area without spraying cleaning solution. This will suction up more dirt and solution. Continue until you no longer see dirty water coming through the dome. Do not overwet upholstery. For stairs, place the machine at the bottom of the steps and clean from top to bottom.
Be kind and please return the machine and accessories back in the condition that you would want for your next cleaning job.
To avoid a $40 cleaning fee, the rental machine MUST be returned in a clean, rentable condition.
CAUSE: Not using correct products
HOW TO FIX: Only Rug Doctor solutions should be used in the Rug Doctor machine to avoid issues and for best professional cleaning results. Other products may not be suitable for the Rug Doctor machine causing leakage. Try using Rug Doctor products.
CAUSE: Cleaning solution mixture in wrong tank
HOW TO FIX: The white tank is for dirty water only. Empty the white tank and pour the solution mixture into the red tank. Try machine again.
CAUSE: Not using correct products
HOW TO FIX: Only Rug Doctor solutions should be used in the Rug Doctor machine to avoid issues and for best professional cleaning results. Other products may not be suitable for the Rug Doctor machine causing leakage. Try using Rug Doctor products.
CAUSE: Cleaning solution mixture in wrong tank
HOW TO FIX: The white tank is for dirty water only. Empty the white tank and pour the solution mixture into the red tank. Try machine again.
CAUSE: Not using correct products
HOW TO FIX: Only Rug Doctor solutions should be used in the Rug Doctor machine to avoid issues and for best professional cleaning results. Other products may not be suitable for the Rug Doctor machine causing leakage. Try using Rug Doctor products.
CAUSE: Excess Foaming
HOW TO FIX: Watch the upper white tank and empty as needed to prevent from filling with foam.
CAUSE: Vacuum motor has moisture inside it
HOW TO FIX: Place a towel behind the exhaust hole. With the white tank empty and the clear dome sealed on top, turn on just the vacuum (not activating the brush) and let run for 30 seconds to 1 minute to allow the moisture in the motor to blow out. Now try a 5-foot path with the machine. If you still see water coming out of the exhaust, repeat this procedure a second time.
CAUSE: Water not flowing through pump
HOW TO FIX: Always hold down the spray trigger for one full minute to help get the water flowing through the pump and out the spray tips.
CAUSE: Machine is not set to TOOL
HOW TO FIX: Switch the machine to “TOOL.”
CAUSE: Upholstery tool is not correctly attached to machine
HOW TO FIX: Disconnect the black and gray vacuum hose on the back of the machine and connect the gray cuff of the upholstery tool. Next, attach the solution line. Press down on the double brass rings and hold them down. Insert the end of the solution hose into the center of the brass connector. Snap up the brass rings, and they will lock the hose into place. Tug on the hose to make sure it is properly connected.
CAUSE: Trigger is not functioning properly
HOW TO FIX: When you are operating the handle-like trigger on the hand tool, make sure you are able to squeeze it about a 1/2″ of an inch or so. If not, it means there may be a problem with the valve in the tool itself. Call customer support.
CAUSE: Machine not plugged in
HOW TO FIX: Make sure the machine is plugged into a working outlet and that you hear a loud vacuum noise when the machine is turned on. If you do not hear a loud vacuum sound when the machine is turned on, please see the troubleshooting section for No Power to the Machine.
CAUSE: Clogged Filter
HOW TO FIX: If the area is wet, remove the filter from the clear dome on top of the white tank. Run hot water through the filter in your sink for about 20 seconds. Before you put it back in, put your hand over the hole where the filter came out and turn on machine. You should feel strong suction. If you do not feel strong suction, there is likely a problem with the vacuum motor and the machine will need to be returned to the store and exchanged for a different one. If you are feeling strong suction, replace the filter inside the clear dome. Put the empty white tank back on the machine and reseal the clear dome by pulling the black wire handle up over the top of the dome. Try machine again.
CAUSE: Loose Vacuum hose
HOW TO FIX: On the back of the machine, disconnect the grey hose, and put your hand over the end of the hose to ensure you feel strong suction when the machine is turned on. If you feel strong suction, reconnect the vacuum hose and go over the area you were trying to clean that is wet. Only turn the vacuum on, do not press the red button, and watch the left side of the clear dome to see if water is being extracted from the carpet and emptying into the white tank.
CAUSE: Dome is not secure
HOW TO FIX: Make sure the clear dome is sealed onto the white tank properly by ensuring that the black gasket on the clear dome is flush against the clear dome. Then lower the clear dome onto the white tank, making sure the black gasket is leaving no gaps on the white tank and the restraining wire is over the top of the clear dome.
CAUSE: No cleaning solution mixture
HOW TO FIX: Make sure there is cleaning solution and water in the lower tank. If you cannot see water in the filter screen, the machine may need to be filled again. If dirty water stops entering the upper tank, the lower tank may be empty. Your carpet should feel damp and you should see water returning into the upper white tank.
CAUSE: Machine is not set to CARPET
HOW TO FIX: Be sure the machine switch is turned to “CARPET,” then press down on the red button for one full minute. Feel the carpet where the machine was sitting. If the carpet is wet, you are ready to start cleaning.
CAUSE: Connections on back of machine are not secure
HOW TO FIX: Check the connections on the back of the machine. The grey and black vacuum hose should be in place. Pull up on the solution hose and see if it comes out of the brass connector. If it comes loose, you’ll need to secure the hose. Press down on the double brass rings, hold them down, and insert the end of the solution hose into the center of the brass connector. Snap up the brass rings, and they will lock the hose into place. Tug on the hose again to make sure it is properly connected.
CAUSE: Solution hose is pinched
HOW TO FIX: Pull the white tank out and set it aside. Back behind where the white tank sits are 3 solution hoses. Make sure none of those are pinched, kinked, or smashed behind each other. Also make sure there is plenty of water in the lower tank, then try the machine again.
CAUSE: Machine not plugged in
HOW TO FIX: Make sure the machine is plugged into a working outlet and that you hear a loud vacuum noise when the machine is turned on.
CAUSE: Machine circuit needs to “reset”
HOW TO FIX: Reset button is located near the “TOOL/CARPET” switch on the top of the machine. Press the reset button. Call customer service if the machine still won’t start.
CAUSE: Low rated outlet
HOW TO FIX: There is a chance that the outlet you are trying to use is only rated for 10 amps, while the machine requires 11. Try plugging the machine into a different outlet that is a GFI plug such as one in the kitchen or bathroom.
Whatever questions you may have, we can help you find the information you need quickly and easily. For immediate answers, you can browse through our Frequently Asked Questions and check out our Cleaning Tips.
If you could not find the answer to your question on our website, please feel free to contact us directly using the information below.
Phone: 1-800-784-3628
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8am to 8pm (CST)
Email: consumer.support@rugdoctor.com
Generally, emailed questions are answered within 24 hours.