Homemade Carpet Cleaner

Homemade carpet cleaner uses natural ingredients that you probably already have in your house. These natural solutions can remove many stains and they’re safer for your family than commercial carpet cleaners.

If you spot a grease stain on your carpet, try treating it as soon as possible. First, blot the area with kitchen paper or another absorbent cloth.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can also be used as a carpet cleaner. It is especially effective on urine and vomit stains and may even remove blood stains if the spills are soaked up quickly enough. Mix a solution of 1 cup clear ammonia and 1/2 gallon warm water, apply to the stain and blot with a light cloth or sponge until the spot disappears. This is best done in a well-ventilated area.

Baking powder can also absorb oil and grease stains on synthetic or wool carpets. Sprinkle the soiled areas with baking soda, let sit for a few hours or overnight (tough stains might need to stay covered for a few days), and vacuum the area.

A combination of white vinegar, water, and dish soap can also make a homemade carpet cleaner that’s very effective at removing tough stains. The vinegar breaks down the stain, the water rinses it away, and the soap helps to lift any remaining stains.

Borax

In addition to removing food and liquid spills, borax also helps to remove set-in carpet stains and odors. Mix salt, borax and vinegar together to make a paste and apply to the stain. Allow to sit until dry and then vacuum the area.

Using borax as a homemade carpet cleaner is an inexpensive and effective way to keep your home fresh and clean. Unlike many commercial cleaning products, borax is an environmentally friendly and naturally occurring mineral. It is an excellent alternative to bleach, which can cause fading or discoloration in some types of carpets.

White Vinegar

White vinegar contains diluted acetic acid, which is an excellent stain remover for most types of carpet. This cleaning solution is easy to use and inexpensive, and it’s also safe for children and pets. However, it’s important to understand that this homemade carpet cleaner can void your warranty on some carpet types.

To use this remedy, mix distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle until well mixed. Apply the mixture to the affected area of your carpet. Then sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the solution. Let it sit overnight, and then vacuum it up. You can repeat this as often as needed. This method is especially effective on greasy stains, such as those caused by cooking oils and butter, machine lubricants, and some beauty products. It’s a good idea to treat greasy stains as soon as they happen, because the grease will quickly absorb into your carpet. Blot them with a cloth or paper towel, and avoid rubbing, because this will only push the grease deeper into the carpet fibers.

Water

If you want your homemade carpet cleaner to be as effective as commercial products but without the harsh chemicals, use water. Water can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients to make a powerful cleaning solution that will bust most stains and eliminate odors.

Use this solution on old or new spills. It will work best on greasy or oily stains, because it breaks down the grease and makes it easier to wipe away.

Mix the ingredients together, and stir thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle or shaker for easy application. Apply the solution to the carpet in a well-ventilated area, and let it sit until it is completely dry. This may take up to eight hours, but it will help the odors to disappear and prevent further staining. Use this cleaning recipe in combination with a steamer or other carpet cleaner machine.