Carpet Cleaning Secrets

Dirt becomes trapped in the fibers of the carpet, making it look old and dingy.

There are many methods for cleaning carpets. Hiring professionals is one way, but you can save money and gain a little personal satisfaction from cleaning your carpets using methods and products that some experts hold as closely guarded secrets. These secret carpet-cleaning methods typically involve a few inexpensive household items that are known to clean your home without expensive chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?

Forget the Commercial Cleaners

There is no need to run to your local department store and buy expensive carpet cleaning chemicals. Most homes have a few simple household items that can successfully clean your carpet without the use of harsh chemicals. Items such as baking soda, vinegar and mild liquid dish soap can both clean your carpet and deodorize it. Opting to use natural items to clean your home helps both you, your family and the environment.

Spot Stain Remover Recipe

Over time, your carpet is bound to develop stains. Adults, children and pets all contribute to a dingy looking carpet. Fortunately, you can remove those stains with a homemade solution that uses a few simple household items. Mix 1 gallon of cool water with 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap. Use a whisk to mix the contents together. The whisk will help to create suds. Use a soft scrub brush to scrub the suds into the stained carpet fibers. Scrub vigorously in a circular motion and reapply the suds when needed. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the stained area, blot with a damp cloth and allow to dry.

Vinegar is Your Friend

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and neutralizer. It has long been used to clean a variety of surfaces including carpet. Vinegar can kill mold that is growing in your carpet fibers as well as neutralize pet urine while removing the unpleasant odors. Keep a clean spray bottle filled with undiluted vinegar and use whenever your pet goes number one on your carpet. Make sure to absorb as much urine from the fibers by blotting with several paper towels. When no more urine can be absorbed, liberally spray the carpet with the vinegar and allow to air dry. Repeat the process until the urine odor is removed.

Dry Cleaning a Carpet

Sometimes your carpet needs to be freshened but not dampened by water and other cleaning solutions. There are dry cleaning carpet products available to purchase at your local department store. Or you can opt for a homemade, all-natural method that will save you money. In a container with a lid, mix together equal parts cornstarch and baking soda. Add some spices or fragrant dried leaves such as cinnamon, cloves and lavender. Mix the contents together thoroughly. The baking soda deodorizes and helps pull the dirt from the carpet fibers, while the spices and leaves fill your carpet--and surrounding areas--with a pleasant aroma. Liberally sprinkle the powder over the entire carpet. After 30 minutes have passed, remove the powder with your vacuum. Repeat the process as often as needed.

References

• Jacobsen Oriental Rugs: How to Clean Oriental Rugs and Carpets
• House Cleaning Howtos: Homemade Carpet Cleaner
• Good Housekeeping: Cleaning Tips to Solve Any Crisis
• Cats of Australia: Cat Urine Removal
• Reader's Digest: Extraordinary Uses for Vinegar