Homemade Rug Cleaning Solution

Opt for homemade rug cleaning solutions to save money on cleaning products.

Dirty rugs and carpets are unsightly and can diminish the appearance of an entire room. It is important to clean rugs and carpets periodically to remove dirt and bacteria. Commercial rug cleaners are available; however, these products can become costly after a while. You can make a homemade rug cleaner for a fraction of the cost. Homemade rug cleaning solutions are cheaper and just as effective at cleaning rugs and carpets as commercially produced cleaners.

Things You'll Need

• ¼ cup oil-based liquid dish soap
• Bowl
• Handheld mixer
• Rags
• 2 tbsp. white vinegar
• Clean, empty spray bottle
• 2 tbsp. baking soda
• 2 tbsp. denatured alcohol
• 2 tsp. glycerin
• 2 tsp. eucalyptus oil
• Pantyhose
• Broom

Instructions

Soap-based Recipe

1. Pour ¼ cup oil-based liquid dish soap into a bowl. Add 3 tbsp. lukewarm water.

2. Beat the ingredients together with a handheld mixer until a foam forms.

3. Use a rag to scrub your rug with the foamy mixture. Rinse the rug well with water.

Vinegar-based Recipe

1. Pour 2 tbsp. white vinegar into a clean, empty spray bottle.

2. Add 2 tbsp. baking soda, 2 tbsp. denatured alcohol, 2 tsp. glycerin and 2 tsp. eucalyptus oil. Leave the lid off of the bottle for several minutes. The baking soda and vinegar combination will cause a fizzing reaction. Wait until the fizz dies down to secure the lid on the spray bottle. Shake the bottle gently to combine the ingredients.

3. Spray the mixture onto dirty spots on your rug. Scrub the rug with a balled-up pair of pantyhose.

4. Cover the head of a broom with a pair of pantyhose if you are cleaning a large area of carpet or a large rug. Spray the rug cleaning solution onto the rug and scrub the area with the broom.

5. Vacuum thoroughly once the rug has dried completely to remove any loosened dirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Always test a homemade rug cleaning solution on a small area of the rug or carpet prior to applying it throughout.

• The pantyhose-and-broom technique can also be used for cleaning rugs with the soap-based cleaner. Make sure to test a small area with this technique before applying it to the entire rug and to rinse the rug well with a rag and fresh water when you are finished.

References

• Ecocycle: Alternative Cleaners and Recipes
• Warringah Aquatic Center: Carpet Cleaner