Message Forums

Hi folks

Has anyone used a vax type machine to clean their caravan carpet. Ours is getting a bit grubby now. We bought it second hand last sept and using it over winter has taken its toll a bit on a carpet that wasn't new in the first place. Underneath is a lino type material so getting the van floor damp should not be a problem, and it should dry no problem at this time of year. Will put a runner down but would like to clean the carpet first. Any advice gratefully received.

Ta

Jon

quicker to change it possibly,easy to do.go to a carpet warehouse and buy a roll end 16 foot long cost from £10 - £50.cut out old one and lay over the new one to get the form or pattern,cut oversize by a half inch and then refit using a very sharp knife,new is best.if you are not up to fitting it they have carpet fitters on there books.a runner can cost £40 plus.fix down using half inch screws and cups made from brass,10 inches apart down both sides.

Hi Michael

Not averse to changing the carpet, but as I already have access to a vax then i think taking the carpet up may be a bit drastic.Plus most of the furniture is laid over the carpet. I could make some drop in carpets (and have done in the past) because close to me is a place where I can get them whipped. For now though I just want to clean it. its not filthy but could just do with a spruce up.

Regards

Jon

We have used a vax a few times no problems and i have even used a scrubing brush on it.

Then we put a dehumidifire in the van for a few hours.

Jon

I have changed our carpet as per Michael instructions at a cost of £20 for a remnant. I dont understand what you mean about carpet going under furniture as my experience of caravan carpets are that they butt up to fitted beds, partitions etc. but I could be wrong. We have a VAX that we use at home but all the instructions state keep the area well ventilated hence we would never introduce unnecessary damp to the inside of the van even using dehumidifires but each to their own.

Gowser

my experience of caravan carpets are that they butt up to fitted beds, partitions etc. but I could be wrong.

Caravans with removable carpets will just butt up to fitted beds etc. But older vans were  usually made with the  Lino /Vinyl  floor covering  laid on the floor first then the carpet was fitted and the all the internal stuctures were built in afterwards. Thus the furniture traps the carpet. Which is also stapled down and for sale  purposes covered with a thick sheet of polythene. 

I couldn't get mine out from under the furniture so I laid another one on top. (Extra warmth)

Hi Jon,

Yes I've used a vax type machine often on past and present caravan carpets. Just be careful not to over wet the carpet, if possible do it on a warm(ish) dry day and get the van door and windows open to help it dry. Either that or stick the caravan space heater on for an hour.

Carpets came up as new.

Robert

Hi Jadonay,

fair comment, I thought the Swift Fairway 570 was a fairly up to date caravan, I stand corrected. I like the idea of the double thickness carpet, no need for slippers.

Cheers

Gowser

fair comment, I thought the Swift Fairway 570 was a fairly up to date caravan, I stand corrected. I like the idea of the double thickness carpet, no need for slippers.

not saying you will but there is a chance your doors and cupboards may not open with double thickness.i know ours do not because i tried it.