Comments on How to Clean Carpets with Household Products

I use plain old white vinegar, not diluted, straight from the bottle with an old white rag in the house. Pour the white vinegar directly on the stain and scrub out. I have only had small stains (about the size of a dollar bill) in numerous, numerous places and it works like a charm. I do vacuum after and the smell lasts for about a day. Trust me, it removed a battery acid stain on ivory carpet with no rug discoloration or fiber removal!

I use plain old white vinegar, not diluted, straight from the bottle with an old white rag in the house. Pour the white vinegar directly on the stain and scrub out. I have only had small stains (about the size of a dollar bill) in numerous, numerous places and it works like a charm. I do vacuum after and the smell lasts for about a day. Trust me, it removed a battery acid stain on ivory carpet with no rug discoloration or fiber removal!

Returning spots are most commonly caused by deep down dirt. It's usually dirt or a spill found at the carpet backing (the tarp-like material behind the fiber) or in the cushion padding below the carpet. Once these spots have been re-wet by cleaning, they tend not to show up right away but do once the drying process begins. This is what we professional carpet cleaners call "wick-back". Imagine submersing a dry paper towel half way into a cup of water...the water is drawn up the paper towel, much like the stain/spot/spill is drawn to the surface as it drys. If you can't get a professional to do it for you, then the best way is to not over wet the carpet and re-activate the deep stain/spot/spill. Or, you can clean it using your method and once it dries and the spot re-appears, use a slightly damp towel and only work the stain/spot/spill out of the top fiber only. Do not over wet. Use a slightly damp towel only. Wipe gently as not to distort the fiber. The stain/spot/spill will still be there, yet it will be below the surface and will not be noticeable. A good professional cleaner should be able to properly remove it. Hugh IICRC Certified Carpet Cleaner

When spots return to the carpet, it's because of wicking. Wicking occurs in cases of extreme spillage and the liquid pools down at the very bottom fibers of the carpet. When the carpet is cleaned, only the top of the carpet is actually affected. A few days later, the liquid that was pooling on the bottom has made it to the top, recreating the stain. To avoid this, cover the stain with a thick towel (after cleaning) and weigh the towel down with a brick, book, or other heavy object. Leave the towel on the spot overnight, to absorb the liquid and clean any remaining stain.

Almost as good as a carpet sweeper: Insert two Helmac Lint Pic-Up refills (two Extra Large Adhesive Rollers) on a paint roller with a long handle. They will fit perfectly. This improvised gadget will pick up crumbs, hair, etc. from carpet, tile, hardwood.

I have found that Dow Scrubbing Bubbles or any generic brand of this type of cleaner cleans with ease! It foams and isn't soapy. I spray it down and then gently scrub the area and blot dry. Hasn't discolored any of my carpets.

Either use a lint roller brush or clear packing tape to roll away unwanted hair! I used them and my area rug looks brand new! Good luck, and I hope it works for you!

Try diluted Simple Green on spot removals. It also works great on fabric coverings.

Indentations on carpets left by furniture can be removed by putting ice cubes on the indents. Let ice melt, dry, then vacuum.

Either use a lint roller brush or clear packing tape to roll away unwanted hair! I used them and my area rug looks brand new! Good luck, and I hope it works for you!

Detergent residue attracts NEW soil! Spots that "return" in carpet are actually caused by detergent residue. Detergent residue attracts new soil by cleaning the bottom of shoes. The secret is not to leave soap and water to dry in the carpet.

I have found that Dow Scrubbing Bubbles or any generic brand of this type of cleaner cleans with ease! It foams and isn't soapy. I spray it down and then gently scrub the area and blot dry. Hasn't discolored any of my carpets.

Indentations on carpets left by furniture can be removed by putting ice cubes on the indents. Let ice melt, dry, then vacuum.