Carpet cleaners, like any other commercially manufactured home appliance, have disposable parts that can break. When this happens, it is important to get to the root of the problem by troubleshooting the possible causes of the symptoms your machine is showing. As with any appliance repair job, be certain that you can make the repairs before you attempt them, and keep in mind the overall cost of a repair compared with the price of a new machine.
Step One
Fill the tank with one part hot vinegar to two parts water and cycle the machine. You can either cycle the machine on your carpet, as vinegar is safe and effective at cleaning carpets, or on a hard surface.
Step Two
Fill the tank with pure hot vinegar and soak it overnight if there is any remaining residue.
Step Three
Hoses - Run the machine and feel the carpet afterward. If the carpet feels at all wet, as opposed to damp, then the problem is most likely the hoses.Review your user's manual to locate the positions for all inlet and output hoses.
Step Four
Remove the hoses and inspect them for signs of wear, such as cracking. Also inspect the washers, clamps and hose attachments for cracking.
Step Five
Replace any worn parts, making sure to re-screw them tightly into position.