How to Green Clean Your Carpets
Cleaning and deodorizing your carpets does not have to involve harmful, toxic cleaning products. You can make your own carpet cleaners with inexpensive and common materials that you have in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vinegar
- Steam cleaner
- Salt
- Plastic bag
- Vacuum cleaner
- Baking soda
- Club soda
- Paper towels
- Clean cloth
- Cream of tartar
- Lemon juice
Instructions
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Steam clean your carpets with a solution of vinegar and extremely hot water instead of commercial shampoo. Vinegar cleans by loosening dirt, while deodorizing. You can also wash your carpet one section at a time using a sponge and a solution of vinegar and warm water.
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Put an end to mold by spraying the area with full strength vinegar. Sprinkle salt to absorb the moisture left by the vinegar. Vacuum up the salt. Repeat as many times as necessary.
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Clean up after a pet using vinegar and salt. Use a plastic bag to scoop up as much of the solid mess a possible. Clean the area with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, and then sprinkle salt to absorb as much of the moisture as possible. This not only cleans, but also disinfects and deodorizes as well.
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Sprinkle 1 cup baking soda or 1 cup cornstarch all over your carpet to deodorize it. Let it sit overnight and vacuum the carpet in the morning. The carpet will be left with a fresh scent.
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Remove blood, food and beverage stains with club soda. Blot as much of the liquid as possible with a paper towel or clean cloth, and then pour some club soda over the area and sponge it off. Repeat as necessary.
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Sprinkle salt over grease stains and leave it overnight. Vacuum in the morning, when the salt has absorbed the grease.
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For ink stains, spread some cream of tartar on the stain and add a few drops of lemon juice. Rub the mixture into the carpet, rinse with cold water and then blot dry. Repeat the process if the stain persists.
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References
- Photo Credit Goodshoot RF/Goodshoot/Getty Images
