Why getting ready matters

A few simple steps before your appointment can speed up the job, protect your belongings, and help you get a deeper clean. When you prepare for carpet cleaning the right way, your techs can focus on what they do best, and your carpet dries faster with fewer surprises. At Marathon Carpet Cleaning, we bring certified pros, industry leading equipment, and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee to every home and business. This checklist shows you exactly what to move, cover, or secure before we arrive so your visit goes smoothly from the first hello to final walkthrough.

Quick checklist at a glance

  • Clear small items and breakables off floors and low furniture
  • Move lightweight furniture from the cleaning area if possible
  • Unplug and bundle loose cords, lift drapes and bed skirts
  • Cover or elevate wood and metal furniture legs to prevent moisture contact
  • Secure pets and set aside valuables and confidential documents
  • Reserve a parking spot near the entry for equipment access
  • Make sure we have access to water, power, and a sink or drain
  • Note any stains, odors, or problem areas you want us to target
  • Vacuum traffic lanes if you have heavy debris or pet hair buildup
  • Plan for airflow after the visit to speed drying

What to move before the cleaners arrive

Small and fragile items

Protect the things you love by moving them to a safe spot. This includes items that tip easily or do not handle vibration well. Clearing the floor gives the Marathon Carpet Cleaning team room to work and keeps your belongings safe while hoses and tools are in motion.

  • Picture frames, vases, collectibles, and table lamps
  • Books, toys, pet bowls, and exercise gear
  • Freestanding fans, space heaters, and air purifiers
  • Freestanding mirrors and floor decor
  • Houseplants and planters that sit on carpet

Furniture and floor coverings

If you can move smaller pieces, do it before we arrive. We can clean wall to wall more efficiently when traffic lanes and corners are open. If something is heavy or delicate, leave it in place and we will clean around it or advise you on next steps.

  • Chairs, ottomans, end tables, and nightstands
  • Coffee tables and lightweight bookshelves
  • Floor lamps and speaker stands
  • Loose rugs and runners that sit on top of carpet
  • Under-bed bins or storage boxes that block access

Electronics and cords

Moisture and electronics do not mix. Unplug what you can, then gather and raise cords to keep them off the floor. This reduces tripping hazards and protects your gear while we clean.

  • Unplug power strips and chargers in the cleaning area
  • Wrap cords with a Velcro tie and place them on a table
  • Move game consoles and streaming boxes off the carpet
  • Lift speaker wires and Ethernet cables off traffic lanes

What to cover to prevent drips or overspray

Our team uses controlled application methods and protective corner guards. Still, it helps to cover sensitive surfaces that sit close to the floor. A towel or plastic sheet can prevent accidental moisture contact in tight spaces.

  • Wood or metal furniture legs that rest on carpet
  • Freshly painted baseboards and door trim
  • Low hanging drapes, bed skirts, and dust ruffles
  • Electronics that cannot be moved off the floor
  • Floor vents and return grilles if they sit flush with carpet

Marathon Carpet Cleaning places protective tabs or blocks under furniture we move. If you have your own protective coasters or felt pads, set them within reach so we can use them where needed.

What to secure for safety

Your home should feel safe and calm during cleaning. Secure pets, organize entry access, and set aside valuables before the appointment. This keeps everyone comfortable and protects your space while doors open and close.

  • Place pets in a closed room or crate away from hoses and open doors
  • Inform us about home alarms and how you want doors handled
  • Store jewelry, cash, and private documents in a safe place
  • Remove throw mats near the entry to reduce slip hazards
  • Let us know about any loose steps or flooring issues

Set up access to parking, water, and power

Parking and entry path

Clear a spot near your entry so we can bring in equipment and hoses. A straight path reduces setup time and helps protect walls and door trim.

  • Reserve a driveway space or curb spot close to the door
  • Shovel snow, sweep leaves, or clear debris as needed
  • Unlock gates and move vehicles for easy access
  • Pick up welcome mats and door stops in our path

Water, power, and drains

Whether we use a truck mounted system or a high performance portable, we need water and power. A laundry sink, bathroom sink, or utility room works well for setup and rinse tasks.

  • Make a sink or laundry tub available for water access
  • Ensure we can reach a standard outlet if needed
  • Point out a drain we can use for water disposal
  • Share any septic or plumbing notes we should know

Temperature and airflow

Warm air and light airflow help carpets dry. A few small changes before and after cleaning can shave hours off the dry time.

  • Set your thermostat to a comfortable room temperature
  • Turn on ceiling fans or place a box fan for gentle airflow
  • Plan to crack windows slightly if the weather allows
  • Keep interior doors open after cleaning to circulate air

Spot and stain prep checklist

You know your carpet best. Jot down details about spills and odors so we can target them in our pre-treatment. This step helps Marathon Carpet Cleaning choose the right solutions and speeds up problem solving onsite.

  1. Walk the rooms and note spots, spills, and pet areas
  2. Avoid using new over-the-counter spotters right before service
  3. Blot fresh spills with a clean towel and leave them alone
  4. Vacuum heavy debris and pet hair in high traffic paths
  5. Point out color loss, bleach marks, or seams that are lifting
  6. Share allergies or scent sensitivities so we can adjust products

Room by room preparation guide

Living rooms and family rooms

  • Move coffee tables, ottomans, and small side tables
  • Lift floor length drapes with a clip or hanger
  • Relocate toys, baskets, and remote caddies
  • Bundle and lift TV and speaker cables

Bedrooms

  • Clear under-bed storage that blocks access to the carpet
  • Lift bed skirts and tuck them onto the mattress
  • Move nightstand clutter, shoes, and laundry baskets
  • Unplug chargers and lift cords off the floor

Hallways and stairs

  • Remove runners and stair treads if they are not secured
  • Clear shoes, bags, and pet gates from the walkway
  • Secure handrails and note any loose steps
  • Protect wall edges with towels in very tight stairwells

Home office or study

  • Pick up power strips and surge protectors from the floor
  • Move computer towers off carpet if possible
  • Set aside paperwork and confidential files
  • Roll up chair mats and remove cables from traffic lanes

Day of service timeline

  1. 24 hours before: Reserve parking, confirm access, and do a quick tidy of small items
  2. Night before: Lift drapes and bed skirts, bundle cords, and move light furniture
  3. Morning of: Secure pets, vacuum heavy debris, and clear the entry path
  4. During service: Walk through areas with your tech, point out stains, and discuss furniture items you want moved
  5. After service: Follow drying tips, limit foot traffic, and wait before moving heavy items back

Drying and aftercare tips

Smart aftercare helps your carpets look great and stay clean longer. Marathon Carpet Cleaning will share guidance for your specific fiber type and soil level at the end of your visit. Use these general tips to support a quick, even dry.

  • Keep pets and kids off freshly cleaned areas until dry
  • Wear clean white socks if you need to cross the room
  • Use fans and HVAC for gentle airflow for several hours
  • Do not replace area rugs until the carpet is fully dry
  • Leave protective tabs or blocks under furniture until we say it is safe to remove them
  • Avoid dragging heavy items across damp carpet
  • Wait before vacuuming, then use a clean vacuum to lift any grooming marks

How Marathon Carpet Cleaning makes preparation easy

Marathon Carpet Cleaning is a certified cleaning company based in Racine, Wisconsin, with an additional location in Union Grove. We serve homes and businesses across southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois, including Racine, Union Grove, Burlington, Waterford, Sturtevant, Mount Pleasant, Caledonia, Kenosha, Antioch, Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby communities. Our team delivers area rug and wall to wall carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and hard surface cleaning for tile, grout, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. Every service comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

  • Certified technicians with on-site consultations for projects of any size
  • Industry leading equipment for deep soil removal and fast dry times
  • Quality cleaning products selected for your carpet fiber and soil level
  • Corner guards, protective tabs, and careful handling to protect your home
  • Clear communication about what we will move and what we will clean around

When you prepare for carpet cleaning with this checklist, our team can work efficiently and focus on quality results. If you are unsure about moving a piece, tell us. Marathon Carpet Cleaning will advise you on safe options or clean around it as requested.

FAQs about how to prepare for carpet cleaning

Do I need to vacuum before you arrive?

Light vacuuming of heavy debris and pet hair helps. If vacuuming is difficult for you, let us know in advance. Marathon Carpet Cleaning can include pre-vacuuming or adjust the plan for your visit.

Do I have to move all the furniture?

No. Move what you can do comfortably, like small tables and chairs. For heavy or delicate items, we can clean traffic lanes and open areas. In some cases we can move select items and place protective tabs under the legs. We do not move antiques, pianos, large beds, or electronics. Share any requests during the pre-inspection.

How long will my carpet take to dry?

Most carpets dry in 4 to 8 hours. Humidity, air movement, and pile thickness can change this window. Use fans and HVAC for steady airflow and avoid replacing rugs until the carpet is fully dry.

What if I cannot move heavy items?

That is fine. We will clean exposed areas and get as close to large furniture as possible. If you plan to rearrange the room later, schedule a time when help is available or ask us about options during your consultation.

Can you clean area rugs during the same visit?

Yes, we offer cleaning for area rugs along with wall to wall carpeting. Share the rug details during booking so we bring the right tools and products.

Commercial spaces: prepping your office or building

For offices, apartment buildings, and retail spaces, a little planning keeps your operation running without disruption. Marathon Carpet Cleaning offers tailored commercial cleaning services for carpets, floors, and upholstery with flexible scheduling to suit your business hours.

  • Place signs to reroute foot traffic on cleaning day
  • Ask staff to lift cords and personal items off floor surfaces
  • Arrange access to water, power, and elevators or loading docks
  • Provide a floor plan and note priority areas like entries and elevators
  • Plan post-clean airflow with building HVAC or fans

Prepare for carpet cleaning with confidence

When you prepare for carpet cleaning using this checklist, you protect your home, speed up service, and set the stage for a better result. Clear small items, cover sensitive surfaces, secure pets, and make a path for equipment. Share any stain history and access details during your pre-inspection. Marathon Carpet Cleaning is here to help with clear guidance and professional care at every step.

Ready to book your appointment?

Whether you want fresh, soft carpet in your home or a clean, welcoming space for your customers, Marathon Carpet Cleaning has you covered. We serve Racine, Union Grove, and nearby southeast Wisconsin communities, as well as northeast Illinois cities like Antioch, Gurnee, and Waukegan. Ask about on-site consultations for carpets, hard surface floors, and upholstery. Schedule your visit today, and use this checklist to prepare for carpet cleaning like a pro. We look forward to providing a clean you can see and service you can trust.