Have you ever wondered what kinds of solutions you can use in your home carpet cleaner machine? Here some of the most common options and give you the lowdown on what works best for different types of messes.
Cleaning Solutions
Most carpet cleaner machines come with a cleaning solution you add to the water tank. This solution helps break up dirt and grime so it can be sucked up by the machine. Look for a multipurpose formula that can tackle everything from ground-in dirt to pet stains to wine spills. I like to keep the brand-name cleaning solution that came with my Bissell carpet cleaner on hand since I know it’s guaranteed to be safe for my floors.
Vinegar as a Cleaner
If you’re looking for a cheap, natural cleaning option, apple cider vinegar works great in a carpet cleaner machine. Just add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the water tank. Vinegar helps neutralize odors and is especially effective on pet smells. The acid in vinegar helps break down residue from things like urine. I always start with vinegar if I’m tackling pet accidents—it does the trick without harsh chemicals.
Baking Soda for Odor Removal
Baking soda is another great all-natural addition to your carpet cleaning solutions. Sprinkle some directly onto carpets before vacuuming to help absorb odors throughout your home. You can also add 1/4 cup baking soda to the water tank of your Carpet Cleaner for an extra boost of odor-fighting power during cleaning. I like to use baking soda on carpets near the litter box to keep them fresh-smelling between deep cleanings.
Dish Soap for Tough Stains
For really ground-in dirt or greasy stains like food/makeup spills, a few drops of dish soap added to the cleaning solution or directly onto the stain can help break it down. Look for a mild, fragrance-free dish soap rather than one with lots of dyes or scents. I usually add about 5 drops of Dawn directly to the stain before going over it with my Bissell carpet cleaner. It cuts through grease better than most carpet cleaning solutions.
White Vinegar for Set-In Stains
If you have an old stain that just won’t quit, white vinegar is your secret weapon. Pour full-strength white vinegar directly onto the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve residues from things like wine, coffee, soda, and more. I like to cover the stain with a towel or paper towels soaked in vinegar while it works its magic. This is a real stain-removing superstar!
Bonus: Steam Clean for a Deep Clean
Most carpet cleaner machines have a steam cleaning setting that raises the temperature of the cleaning solution for an extra-deep clean. The heat helps sanitize carpets by killing dust mites and their allergens. Steam is great for a whole-home clean or for high-traffic areas that see a lot of dirt and grimes like near the door, under desks, or in front of the TV. Make sure to check your carpet’s care tag first, as some materials shouldn’t be steam cleaned.
Final Thought
With the right solutions tailored to the type of mess, your carpet cleaning machine can tackle any carpet cleaning job. Experiment with natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda to save money and keep chemicals out of your home. With regular cleaning and these cleaning hacks, your carpets will stay fresh and clean.