Carpets can get dirty really fast with kids and pets around. While there are many carpet cleaning products available in the market, they can be expensive. A cost effective and eco-friendly alternative is to make your own homemade carpet cleaning solution at home.
Vinegar Based Solution
White vinegar is one of the most effective ingredients to remove dirt, stains and odors from carpets. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through grease, grime and residue really well. Just spray the solution onto the carpet using a spray bottle or the solution tank of your carpet cleaner machine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before vacuuming it up. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly once it dries. You can also add 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil to counteract the vinegar smell.
Baking Soda Based Solution
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that lifts embedded dirt from carpet fibers. Make a paste by mixing 1 cup of baking soda with enough water to form a spreadable consistency. Apply the paste onto the carpet using a brush or your hands and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This allows the baking soda time to absorb odors and draw out stains. Once dried, vacuum it up thoroughly. For large areas, mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1 gallon of water and clean using a carpet cleaner machine.
Dish Soap Solution
Dish soap cuts through grease and grime just as effectively as carpet cleaning products. Combine 1/2 cup of mild dish soap (avoid antibacterial kinds) with 1 gallon of warm water. The soap helps emulsify dirt and suspend it in the solution for easy removal. Clean the carpet by spraying the solution using a spray bottle or through the carpet cleaner machine and extract with a wet vacuum. This basic homemade carpet cleaning solution works wonders on high traffic areas and spots with grease stains.
Essential Oil Solution
Essential oils have natural cleaning, deodorizing and antimicrobial properties. Make a multipurpose homemade carpet cleaning solution by mixing 10-15 drops each of lemon, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils with 1 gallon of warm water. The lemon cuts grease while tea tree and eucalyptus oils eliminate odors. Clean the carpet using a spray bottle, let it dry and vacuum to remove any residue. This homemade carpet cleaning solution leaves behind a fresh, clean smell without any harsh chemicals.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide is a gentle yet powerful bleaching agent that lifts stains. Mix 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 gallon of warm water. Spray the solution directly onto spots and stains and let it sit for 30 minutes before extracting with a wet vacuum or carpet cleaner machine. The solution will bubble and foam as it works to break down dirt and stains. Use this homemade carpet cleaning solution for stubborn spots on carpets as well as upholstery and fabric surfaces.
Use A Carpet Cleaner Machine
No matter which homemade carpet cleaning solution you choose to use, for best results use a carpet cleaner machine. Rent or buy an affordable machine that allows you to apply the solution and immediately extract it along with embedded dirt from the carpet fibers. This is a more thorough cleaning method compared to just spraying and spot treating. Make sure to test the solution on an inconspicuous spot first to check for colorfastness before cleaning the entire carpet with the machine.
Tips For Using Homemade Solutions
- Always test the solution on a hidden spot first
- Avoid direct sunlight and allow the carpet to dry completely before using
- Dilute essential oils as per manufacturer’s recommendations
- Ventilate the area well after cleaning
- Use the homemade carpet cleaning solution within 3-4 days for best results
- Extract thoroughly with a wet vacuum or carpet cleaner machine
- Repeat as needed for heavily soiled areas
Final Thought
With a bit of experimenting, you can find the best homemade carpet cleaning solution suited for your carpet type and soil conditions. Not only are they inexpensive to make, but also safer for pets and kids compared to store bought products. Always spot test first and go slow, especially if cleaning valuable or delicate carpets. With the right solution and carpet cleaner machine, you can get carpets looking fresh and clean.