Easy Carpet Cleaning

If your home is always full of activity, the buildup of everyday dirt and dust can take a toll on your carpet. One of the main reasons homeowners dread cleaning carpets is the time and effort involved. However, carpet cleaning doesn’t always have to be difficult. All you need are a few easy carpet cleaning tips.

The following solutions help to effectively pre-treat traffic areas or get rid of carpet stains. However, removing stains may sometimes require a little more time and patience. These cleaning solutions are easy to make from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Easy Carpet Cleaning Tips

Vinegar Solutions

Vinegar Spray: Mix equal parts water and white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle. Dab or spray the stain using a clean piece of cloth. Let it set in for about 15 minutes and then press with a clean towel to remove the stain.

Baking Soda and Vinegar: sprinkle baking soda on a stain then pour equal parts warm water and white vinegar onto the stain. Wait about 10-15 minutes before pressing with a clean cloth to remove the stain.

Vinegar and Steam: Put a solution of two parts water and one part white vinegar onto the stain. Give it five to 15 minutes. Place a clean cloth over the stain and then hold an iron on steam setting over the cloth. Repeat with a clean cloth until the carpet is dry.

Detergent Solutions

Detergent Spray: Mix a teaspoon of clear liquid dishwashing solution into a cup of lukewarm water. This works well on natural carpet fibers and some food and pet stains.

Baking Soda, Soap and Vinegar: sprinkle baking soda on a stain and wait ten minutes. Vacuum the stained area then mix one tablespoon white vinegar, one tablespoon dish soap and two cups of warm water. Pour the mixture on the stain and blot until the stain disappears.

Ammonia Solutions

Ammonia Spray: mix half a cup of lukewarm water with one tablespoon of clear household ammonia. The solution works on tough stains and natural carpet fibers.

Ammonia and Steam: soak the stain with one-part hot water and one part ammonia. Cover the stain with a rag and iron on steam setting.

Peroxide

Baking Soda and Peroxide: Sprinkle some baking soda on the stain. Pour a solution of half a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon of dish liquid. Scrub into the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes before vacuuming.

All-Purpose Carpet Cleaning Solution

You can create an all-purpose carpet cleaning solution and use it in the tank of a carpet cleaning machine to clean and refresh your carpet. You can always rent a carpet cleaner at pet stores, hardware stores, drugs stores and grocery stores.

For a one-gallon tank, for example, put one tablespoon of baking soda in the container then add 1/3 cup of white vinegar. Add hot water to the fill line followed by a tablespoon of Borax or laundry detergent.

In Conclusion

Cleaning your carpet doesn’t have to be a hassle. What’s more, you can create a carpet cleaning solution with products you probably have on hand. You may have to repeat the cleaning process when dealing with tough stains. These easy carpet cleaning methods will help your carpet look and feel new without breaking the bank.