How to Make a Carpet Clean Solution

Making your own carpet clean solution is easier on the environment, your health and your pocketbook. Using this easy method, you can make a carpet clean solution that can be used as a spot cleaner for spots and spills, or it can be used in steam cleaning machines. This recipe makes approximately 1 gallon of carpet cleaning solution.

Things You'll Need

• Gallon-sized plastic jug
• Liquid castile soap
• Liquid fabric softener
• Ammonia
• Stiff brush (optional)
• Clean cloth (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill the jug about half-way with warm water.

2. Add 1/2 cup liquid castile soap to the water, and shake the mixture well. Any unscented liquid soap may be used if castile soap is unavailable, but do not use dish washing soap or hand soap with added scents.

3. Add 1/2 cup of liquid fabric softener and 1 cup of ammonia to the mixture, and shake.

4. Fill the remainder of the plastic jug with warm water, until it is about 2 inches from the top. Do not overfill, but get as much water as possible into the jug. You now have an effective homemade carpet cleaning solution.

5. Pour the solution into a steam cleaning machine reservoir, and clean according to the manufacturer's directions. For spots and spills, scrub the carpet clean solution into the affected area with a stiff brush, and wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly after treatment to remove any residue.

Tips & Warnings

• * Add 10-15 drops of essential oil for a scented carpet cleaning solution. Lemon, lavender or tea tree oils are all safe to use and will clean and deodorize carpets. * Test your carpet for colorfastness before using the homemade carpet clean solution. Apply some of the solution to an inconspicuous area of the carpet. Wait a few hours, and then check.

• Do not use any type of cleaner or soap containing bleach with ammonia. This causes the release of toxic fumes that can result in serious harm when inhaled.