How to Make an Effective Homemade Carpet Cleaner

How to Make Homemade Carpet Stain Remover

1. Mix the Ingredients

   In a spray bottle, mix one cup of distilled water, one cup of distilled white vinegar, and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Shake well to mix and label the bottle.

2. Spray the Stain

   Spray the stained area of the carpet with the solution and use a soft-bristled brush to work it into the fibers. Let the solution work for at least 10 minutes to begin breaking apart the stain.
   

   Tip

   Try to treat stains as quickly as possible after they happen. Blot away as much liquid as possible when there is a spill. Use a dull knife or spoon to lift away solids that hit the carpet. Never rub because that pushed the stain deeper into the fibers.

3. Rinse, Blot, and Dry

   Dip a microfiber cloth in cold water and wring until damp. Rinse the soiled area of the carpet. Keep moving to a clean side of the cloth as the stain is transferred.

   Blot the area with a dry cloth until no more liquid is transferred. You can also place a dry towel under a heavy object like books to help absorb the moisture more quickly.

   Allow the area to air-dry. Do not walk on the area until it is dry. This can take up to 24 hours.

How to Make Homemade Carpet Freshener

Create a dry mixture that can be used to freshen, deodorize, and brighten carpets.

1. Mix the Ingredients

   In a bowl or bucket, mix equal amounts of baking soda and table salt. To clean a 5 x 7 carpet, you will need at least one cup of each. Mix more for wall-to-wall carpeting.

   Fill a spray bottle with distilled water.

2. Treat Stains and Vacuum

   Treat any visible stains with a stain remover and vacuum the carpet well to remove loose soil.

3. Sprinkle, Spray, and Scrub

   Evenly sprinkle the baking soda mixture over the carpet. Working in a grid so you don't miss any areas, lightly spray the dry mixture with water. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the mixture into the carpet fibers.
   

4. Dry and Vacuum

   Allow the damp mixture to remain on the carpet until it has air-dried. This can take up to eight hours. Vacuum away the loose soil and odors.

How to Make a Homemade Carpet-Cleaning Solution

1. Heat Water

   Heat enough distilled water on the stovetop or in the microwave to nearly fill the water reservoir of your carpet cleaner (around one gallon). The water should be very hot but not boiling.

2. Mix Cleaning Ingredients

   In a plastic bucket, mix one-half cup of distilled white vinegar, one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, and one-fourth cup of powdered oxygen bleach. Add the hot water and stir to mix.

3. Fill the Carpet Cleaner

   Using a funnel, pour the cleaning mixture into the carpet cleaner. You do not need to dilute the solution. If you are cleaning a very large area, mix additional batches as needed.

4. Operate the Carpet Cleaner

   Follow the manufacturer's directions for operating the carpet cleaner. Work slowly and pay attention to stained and high-traffic areas.

5. Air-Dry the Carpet

   Allow the carpet to air-dry. Do not walk on the carpet until it is completely dry. Add a circulating fan to speed drying and place plastic down in walkways if you must use the room.