<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by arnieandlolo:
What is the best method for cleaning the upholstery and carpet. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
A "steam cleaner" (water extraction) unit is probably the best option. The Hoover SteamVac Agility seems to have the highest ratings amongst the current generation:
http://www.epinions.com/Hoover_Steam...splay_~reviews
These units spray a hot carpet/upholstery cleaning solution into the carpet/upholstery; and then immediately vacuum up the solution along with the dirt.
We have always had one of these units around the house for over twenty years. They are indispensable for carpet and upholstery cleaning. As for the motorhome, going over all of the carpet and upholstery, is merely routine annual maintenance to keep the rig not only looking good, but smelling good as well.
We are still using an old Bissell canister-type unit that doesn't have any of the rotating scrub brushes commonly found on the current generation of Deep Cleaners.
While at one time Bissell represented the leading edge amongst water extraction units; they are now considered to be the least reliable unit on the market; and most likely to fall to pieces before you ever get a chance to finish cleaning your first carpet. Bissell has been plagued my one failure after another.
Where Bissell has totally bombed out on everything they make these days; Hoover seems to have picked up the slack in grand fashion, virtually taking over the deep cleaner marketplace as the only credible option.
>The cushions have zippered covers, but I would
>be afraid to wash them due to shrinkage.
I would tend to suspect that the zippers have been incorporated into the cushions for a very valid reason. While upholstery fabrics usually include tags specifying cleaning procedures, the only fabrics that might be vulnerable to shrinking, are wool and cotton. Although your upholstery is probably a synthetic fabric such as olefin, polyester or nylon; even fabrics like cotton won't shrink if washed in COLD water.