Homemade Carpet Cleaner: Easy & Effective DIY Solutions

What is a homemade Carpet Cleaner?

If you are wondering how to effectively clean carpets without using expensive products found in stores, then a homemade carpet cleaner is the solution you are looking for.

A homemade rug cleaner is a cleaning agent you can make from every household’s readily available components. Unlike commercial products in stores, which often contain harsh chemicals and are sold at high prices, DIY cleaners are cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and safer to use, especially if you have children or pets. Another great advantage of these DIY rug solutions is how quickly they can be prepared, with a straightforward process that allows anyone to create their own effective formula to maintain their floor coverings in excellent shape.

Why Choose a Homemade Carpet Cleaner?

We have highlighted the three main benefits of homemade rug cleaner compared to those we can buy in the store.

Cost-Effective Solution

Homemade carpet cleaner is a more affordable alternative.

Saving money is one of the most important advantages of homemade cleaning products. Instead of spending money on expensive chemicals, you can make your own equally effective cleaning product for much less money. This makes financial sense in the long run.

Non-Toxic and Safe for Your Family

Homemade carpet cleaner is 100% safe.

Among the cleaning products you will find in the store, there are some that are especially risky for people prone to allergies, for children, and for pets. In contrast, homemade cleaning blends are made from natural and mild ingredients that are non-toxic and safe for indoor use. By using such products, you protect your health and that of your family.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Alternative

Homemade carpet cleaner is an eco-friendly alternative. 

You probably noticed that commercial products often come in plastic packaging, and we know how much plastic can harm the planet. When you use DIY rug cleaning solutions, you are also contributing to a healthier environment.

What You Will Need for Homemade Carpet Cleaner?

To make your own rug cleaner, you’ll need a few common household ingredients: baking soda, distilled white vinegar, and dishwashing detergent. You can also use salt, cornstarch, and essential oil for a fresh scent, so your floor coverings will smell great after cleaning.

In addition to the ingredients, you will need a vacuum cleaner, a bowl to mix the ingredients in, a spray bottle, a soft rug brush, and microfiber cloths.

Best Homemade Carpet Cleaner Recipes?

Before we leave you the list of ingredients needed to make an effective carpet cleaner, we remind you to test each product on a small area of the rug before using it to see how your rug reacts to the product. Also, cleaning will be much better if you thoroughly vacuum the rugs before cleaning them to pick up as much dust and dirt as possible.

Make a DIY Carpet Cleaner

For a DIY rug solution, you will require two cups of warm water, two cups of distilled white vinegar, and two teaspoons of dish soap. Combine all the components in a bowl and transfer the mixture into a spray bottle, which should be shaken thoroughly to blend everything. After vacuuming the floor covering and testing the solution, begin the application process. Spray it, allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes, then scrub it using a soft-bristled brush. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, wipe the entire rug with a dry microfiber cloth and let it air dry completely.

Make a Carpet Stain Remover

You will need a smaller amount of cleaner to remove stains from your carpet than if you were to prepare cleaner for the entire carpet. In a bowl, mix two teaspoons of baking soda and two teaspoons of dish detergent. Apply the product to the stain with a damp microfiber cloth and rub it. Leave the product on for a few minutes and scrub again. After that, remove the excess cleaning agent with a clean and damp microfiber cloth, and in the case of more stubborn stains, repeat the procedure.

Make a Carpet Freshener

To refresh your carpet, mix one cup of baking soda with twenty drops of your favorite essential oil in a bowl. Sprinkle this evenly over a clean, vacuumed carpet and let it sit for at least half an hour. After that, vacuum the carpet.

Deep Cleaning Carpet Solution

You can make a deep-cleaning solution by mixing two cups of warm water, two tablespoons of baking soda, two tablespoons of dish detergent, and two cups of distilled white vinegar. Mix all the ingredients and apply them with a sponge to the carpet, gently dabbing into the fibers of the carpet. After half an hour, rub the carpet with a soft-bristled brush. After scrubbing, wipe the carpet with a dry microfiber cloth.

How to use Homemade Carpet Cleaner?

Spot Cleaning Method

As we mentioned earlier, when preparing a stain remover, you need a smaller amount of ingredients than if you were cleaning the entire carpet. Apply the prepared product to the stain and rub it in gently, leave it to sit, and wipe with a damp, clean microfiber cloth.

Full Carpet Cleaning

Apply the DIY carpet cleaner to the carpet that you have previously vacuumed well. After the agent has stood for a while, scrub with a brush and then dry. If you want to refresh the carpets, you can also add your favorite essential oil (approximately 10-20 drops) to the cleaning agent. 

Using a Carpet Cleaning Machine with DIY Solution

If you use a carpet cleaning machine to clean the carpet, then your job is much easier. Pour the prepared cleaning agent into the carpet cleaner, and you are ready to clean.

Note that you use and maintain the rug cleaner machine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How to Store Carpet Cleaner?

When preparing a DIY rug solution, it’s best to adjust the quantity you make according to the size of the floor covering you’re cleaning and aim to use everything you’ve mixed. However, if that’s not possible, store the mixture in a cool, dark location, away from heat and dampness, and keep it out of reach of kids or pets. As for its longevity, solutions made with water, vinegar, and soap can be used within 1 to 2 weeks.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Carpet

Vacuum Regularly

Regular vacuuming is the basis for a clean and well-maintained carpet. We recommend vacuuming at least twice a week, while perfect cleanliness can be achieved with daily vacuuming.

When vacuuming, it is important to move the furniture as well to vacuum the entire carpet and not rush—vacuum with slower movements in several directions.

Treat Stains Immediately

When you spill something on your carpet, it would be ideal to remove the stain immediately. This is useful because it removes the stain more easily than if you dealt with it after a few days or weeks.

Use Area Rugs in High-Traffic Zones

Rugs can be used instead of carpets in the corridors and entrances, as well as in other high-traffic areas of your apartment.  You can save yourself a lot of time if you choose ones that are easy to wash and maintain regularly.

Deep Clean Carpets Every Few Months

Regular carpet maintenance includes regular vacuuming, timely removal of stains, and deep cleaning every few months. This ensures that your carpet is well maintained, and when carpets are well maintained, their lifespan is extended.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Using Homemade Carpet Cleaners?

Using Too Much Cleaner

Avoid soaking the carpet with too much cleaning agent, as this will make it difficult to dry, and if the rug is not dried well, mold may develop.

Scrubbing Too Hard

Carpet fibers can be pulled out or otherwise damaged if you scrub too hard. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge.

Skipping the Spot Test

Don’t be too lazy and skip testing the product you plan to use before you start cleaning. Before using it for the first time, always apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area (e.g., behind furniture) and wait a few hours to see how it reacts.

Not Drying the Carpet Properly

Drying is crucial, as leaving your floor covering wet for too long can result in mold, unpleasant odors, and potential damage to the subfloor underneath.

Ignoring Carpet Manufacturer Guidelines

Many rug manufacturers have specific maintenance recommendations. It’s up to you to read them so you know how to clean and maintain your rug properly.

Conclusion

As you can see, a DIY rug solution can be highly efficient for washing floor coverings. By avoiding common errors, you’ll prolong the lifespan of your rug, reduce expenses, and always have a cleaning mixture that’s entirely safe for use.

Need Help? Get Professional Cleaning Assistance Today!

If you need help with regular maintenance or simply want occasional help from a professional cleaning team – don’t worry, we’re here for you! Chicago Maid Match uses proven cleaning products and effective methods to ensure that every corner of your home is spotlessly clean and that you are completely satisfied with our service. If you want, you can always contact us for advice or to schedule an appointment because your home deserves to be spotlessly clean, so you can take a back sit, relax, and enjoy your refreshed home.