Domestic carpet cleaning does not require costly products or strong chemicals. In fact, your kitchen cabinets contain some of the best remedies for removing stains and revitalising carpet fibres.
Making your own carpet cleaner not only saves money, but also protects your house, especially if you have children or dogs that are sensitive to chemical residue.
Moreover, natural cleaners assist in lowering your environmental footprint as eco-friendly living becomes increasingly important.
These DIY natural cleaners will help you remove everyday grime and tough stains.
Let us explore the finest carpet-cleaning recipes you can create yourself at home to keep your floors as fine as can be!
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
These two ingredients make a powerful combination. Together, these components have the unparalleled ability to neutralise smells and tackle difficult discolourations.
While the soda functions as a deodoriser, the acidity of this mix helps break down particles.
Sprinkle the soda over the stained area, and then let it sit for about fifteen minutes. Next, mix more of it with equal parts water and white vinegar.
The combination will start to bubble, but don’t worry. This is perfectly normal and indicates that the cleaning reaction is taking place. Once this reaction is over, blot with a clean cloth and then vacuum the residue.
This method is ideal for spot-treating stains, but can also be used across larger regions. Although vinegar has a strong smell, it quickly fades as soon as it starts to dry.
- Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste
This should be your first choice when facing severe incidents involving red wine or coffee spills.
The peroxide works as a bleaching agent by breaking down the colour in these spills. Then, baking soda absorbs the dirt and helps remove all the material completely.
This paste is made by roughly mixing half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a spoonful of baking soda. Pour this mixture over the area afterwards and let it stand for a couple of minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep it, and then wipe it away gently with a wet cloth.
Always test in a hidden area so you can be sure it will not affect the colour of your carpet. If this proves too tricky to handle, make sure to consult carpet cleaners for maximum results.
- Essential Oils and Water for Freshening
If your carpet is beginning to smell somewhat musty or is losing its fresh scent, consider using essential oils to bring it back to life.
Essential oils have natural deodorising and antibacterial qualities that cover unpleasant scents and fight germs that can generate them.
Pour water into a spray bottle, then add roughly ten to fifteen drops of your preferred essential oil.
For a fresh and clean effect, add lavender, tea tree, or lemon oils. Carefully spray your carpets while avoiding saturating them, and let the solution dry.
This method is perfect for refreshing your textiles before guests arrive or in between deep cleans.
- Cornstarch and Baking Soda for Deep Odour Removal
For those sections of your carpet that seem to retain smells no matter what you do, a mixture of cornflour and baking soda will work wonders.
Cornflour absorbs excess moisture that traps smells deep within the carpet fibres.
How would one apply it? Add equal parts baking soda and cornflour over the carpet. For particularly sticky scents, let it sit for about thirty minutes or more.
Afterwards, vacuum this space thoroughly to eliminate all powder residue. Doing so will leave your carpets smelling fresh and clean.
This method is ideal for high-traffic areas like family rooms or hallways where floor coverings often need a bit of extra attention.
- Club Soda for Fresh Spills
Did a fresh spill happen? There is no need to panic. A quick fix for that is to soak liquids before they settle into your carpet with club soda.
While water dilutes stains, the carbonation process takes place, pushing particles to the surface, therefore helping to lift them.
To absorb as much as possible, blot the spill with a fresh cloth. Pour a tiny bit of club soda straight onto the stain, and then let it bubble for a few seconds.
Finally, blot the area once more and continue doing so until the stain vanishes entirely. As a finishing touch, blot with a dry cloth.
This method works especially on fresh stains. Older stains are more resistant to this treatment, so the key here is to act swiftly.
- Salt and Rubbing Alcohol for Grease Stains
These types of smears can be quite difficult to get rid of, but this mix works wonders against them. The alcohol breaks down the oils, making them easier to remove. Next, salt serves as an abrasive and helps to absorb the fats.
Mix four parts rubbing alcohol with one part salt and apply it to the affected region. Gently work the mixture into the carpet with a cloth or gentle brush. After the stain has been removed, let the area dry, and then hoover the residue.
Although this is an old-fashioned technique, it is still highly effective at removing even the greasiest spills.
- Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar for Light-Coloured Carpets
Stains on lighter pieces can be tricky to handle. Fortunately, a mix of tartar cream and lemon juice will help.
Mix the two products together equally, then apply them to the afflicted area and let it sit for roughly fifteen minutes. When you are done, blot the mixture with a damp cloth.
This method is especially effective for removing stains like mud or wine from beige or white carpets.
- Dish Soap and Warm Water for General Cleaning
Dish soap can be your best friend when you need to give your carpet a general refresh.
This product effectively eliminates grease, while the warm water loosens dirt and dust that accumulates over your precious pieces.
To use this mixture, add a few drops of the soap into a bucket of warm water.Dip a fresh sponge or towel into the solution and gently start scrubbing. Remember to avoid oversaturating the carpet by blotting any excess moisture with a dry cloth.
This approach is easy yet powerful for routine maintenance and basic carpet care.
Conclusion
Your house is full of natural, non-toxic ingredients that you can use to maintain fresh-looking and good-smelling carpets.
From essential oils to lemon juice, these DIY cleaners will not be costly and will be safer for the environment!
So next time you have a nasty stain, or you need to clean your floors, try these natural remedies. You will be surprised at how well they work!