Grease Eraser Carpet Cleaner? All Answers

When it’s time to put your home on the market, make your property stand out by decluttering, making necessary repairs, and cleaning your home from top to bottom. One of the first things that buyers notice when entering a home is the condition of the carpeting. So make this a main focus of your cleaning efforts. A thorough shampooing, vacuuming and conditioning will remove years of wear and tear and leave your carpet looking fluffy and new.

For stubborn grease stains that do not come off after washing

Try spraying the affected area with a water displacement lubricant like WD-40® to reactivate the stain, leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then try the liquid dish soap treatment again.

Hand wash only as water displacement lubricants can be flammable and residue may remain. Clean by soaking in a solution of detergent and water. Pour off excess water and squeeze out. Mix a new solution of detergent and water and repeat the treatment until there is no greasy smell. Rinse with clear water.

Line dry only. Due to the risk of fire, never operate machine drying that has ever had grease or flammable products on it.

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How do I remove old stains from carpet with vinegar?

Carpets, like other accessories to furnish a home, should be kept sparkling clean.

A clean carpet at home improves air quality and creates a comfortable family environment.

Dirty carpets can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. That alone should be reason enough to keep it clean.

Old stains are a sight to behold, and most people run to them with soap and water, which doesn’t work for stubborn stains.

It becomes more uncomfortable over time as it integrates with the carpet fabric and makes it more difficult to remove.

Which vinegar is best for cleaning?

The different types of vinegar include white, wine, balsamic, rice and apple cider vinegar.

Many people wonder which vinegar is best to remove the old and ugly stains from the carpets.

Of all the options, white vinegar is the best alternative for removing stubborn stains due to its main ingredient, diluted acetic acid.

This makes it an excellent absorbent for most stubborn carpet stains.

Can you use white vinegar to clean the carpet?

When it comes to old carpet stains, whether it’s from a wine stain or a grease stain, the first question most people ask is, “Can you use white vinegar to clean the carpet?”

Because of the acidity, not every carpet material should be cleaned with white vinegar.

Do not use white vinegar on a natural fiber or wool rug as these types of rugs are delicate and their acidity will ruin them.

Techniques on how to remove old stains from carpets with vinegar

Before you throw that rug away because of the old ugly stain, it’s important to try one of the techniques outlined below. Different methods work for different types of stains, so it’s important to try more than one to determine which works best for your type of stain.

Method 1: Using White Vinegar and Baking Soda

A combination of white vinegar and baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent for various stubborn old stains like wine stains, blood stains, coffee stains, and grease stains.

What you need

Spray bottle. Baking powder. Vinegar. Warm water. Vacuum cleaner. hand scrub brush. piece of dry cloth.

to take steps

Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the soiled area and leave for 30 minutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 liter of warm water in a spray bottle. Vacuum the stained area to remove excess baking soda. Spray the vinegar solution on the stained area. Let the mixture sit for an hour, allowing sufficient time for the vinegar to react with the baking soda, softening the stain. Gently scrub the stained area with the scrub brush and wipe off the mixture with a dry cloth. Vacuum the area to remove baking soda and vinegar residue. I would recommend using a wet/dry vacuum for this task.

advantages

Baking soda and vinegar are readily available.

The solution is not known to cause an allergic reaction to human skin.

The solution is highly effective in cleaning even the worst of stains.

Disadvantages

Due to the high concentration of the combination, it is not advisable to use soft fabric carpets such as wool carpets.

In the case of severe contamination, this method must be carried out several times.

Method 2: Use vinegar, baking soda and dish soap

This combination works best for stains like pet urine, blood stains, and coffee stains.

What you need

white wine vinegar. Clear dish soap. Warm water. Baking powder. Clean and absorbent towels. Spray bottle.

to take steps

Mix 1 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons clear dish soap, 2 tablespoons white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake the mixture gently. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and leave for 30 minutes. Spray the vinegar and dish soap solution on the baking soda and let it bubble. Wait for the bubbles to subside before proceeding to the next step. Gently rub the stained area with the cloth until the stain dissolves. Rinse the area with cold water and dry with a dry, clean cloth. You can use a spray bottle to better control the amount of water.

advantages

Cheap cleaning options.

Easy to clean with this method.

availability of materials.

Disadvantages

Cannot work on dried stains.

It must be rinsed thoroughly as the residue can leave a soap stain.

Method 3: With vinegar, dish soap and a steam iron

This combination works well on old and stubborn stains.

What you need

A cup of warm water. white wine vinegar. Clear dish soap. A clean white piece of cloth. A steam iron.

to take steps

Mix 1 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 2 tablespoons clear dish soap in a bowl and stir. Soak the white piece of cloth in the mixture and place it on the stain. Steam the stained area by placing the iron on the cloth for a few seconds. The stain begins to integrate into the cloth. Repeat this process until the entire stain is absorbed into the carpet. When all stains are removed, dry the area with a dry towel.

advantages

An excellent option for removing old and stubborn stains.

A simple DIY process.

Materials readily available.

Disadvantages

Stick Iron gear is an expensive commodity.

This method can be time consuming if the stain is very stubborn.

Method 4: vinegar and tap water

This method applies to soft old stains on carpets. These include pet urine and coffee stains.

What you need

Warm water. white wine vinegar. Clean pieces of fabric.

to take steps

Mix 2 cups of warm water with four tablespoons of vinegar. Spray the water-vinegar solution on the stain and leave it on for 30 minutes. Use the cloth to gently blot the area until the stain is absorbed into the fabric. If the stain is a little stubborn, scrub gently. Repeat these steps until the stain is no longer visible.

advantages

It’s the easiest DIY method.

A cheap solution.

Materials readily available.

Disadvantages

This method only works on soft stains.

This method will not work on wool carpets.

Additional tips

As a certified master textile cleaner, I get a lot of questions about different carpet cleaning techniques.

Most people have heard of “steam cleaning”. But professional carpet cleaners actually have a variety of techniques. Each has its own pros and cons. In this post, we will examine the 5 best professional carpet cleaning techniques.

You will probably never need to use them yourself. But this post will help you understand your cleaner’s recommendations. You’ll also learn exactly what to expect from each method.

After all, educated consumers are always happier consumers. They save money and end up getting the results they are looking for. Read on to become one of them.

Why are there so many carpet cleaning techniques?

Textiles come in all shapes and sizes.

Any reputable professional carpet cleaning company can clean carpets, rugs, upholstery and other household textiles. Some – like ProTech Carpet Care – can even go beyond cleaning tiles, leather or your air ducts! Each material has unique problems.

Therefore, each requires unique solutions. The five most common professional carpet cleaning techniques are:

Hot water extraction (“steam cleaning”) absorbent mass (“dry cleaning”) hood cleaning carpet shampooing encapsulation

Listed below are just a few of the most commonly used techniques from a true carpet cleaning professional’s bag of tricks.

hot water extraction

Also known as steam cleaning, this is the most common professional carpet cleaning technique. Steam cleaning uses high pressure hot water to penetrate the carpet fibers and break down the dirt and bacteria stored deep within.

The hot water is then sucked out by vacuum. This is where the technical term “hot water extraction” comes from.

The cleaning process begins with applying a cleanser to the targeted area. The cleaning agent is then distributed with a brush, loosening dirt. The actual hot water extraction only comes into play when the cleaning agent is given time to do its work.

Steam cleaning can take an hour to clean an average home and twice that to dry a carpet. It can take significantly longer for offices and other commercial properties. Performing commercial cleaning later in the day is a common practice as it allows carpets to dry overnight.

However, in some cases, a few hours of damp carpets just isn’t an option.

Absorbent connection

Cleaning with absorbent compounds is commonly known as “dry carpet cleaning”. Dry cleaning uses an absorbent compound that binds dirt and other substances into your carpet.

Most often, a mechanical brush is used to disperse absorbent compounds and tear up dirty fibers. The bond is given time to separate dirt from the carpet fibers. It is then vacuumed off with a professional dry vacuum cleaner.

This technique is best for those who need a thorough cleaning but want to avoid wet carpets altogether.

hood cleaning

Unlike previous carpet cleaning methods, hood cleaning focuses primarily on the surface of the carpet.

“Bonnet machines” are equipped with a spinning pad soaked in cleaning solution. They essentially polish the surface of the carpet, removing dirt and grime.

Hood cleaning is common in hotels and other commercial establishments that need a refresher. It is one of the fastest professional carpet cleaning techniques. But it can still make a noticeable difference in the carpet’s appearance.

However, hood cleaning is more of a quick fix than a permanent fix. The dirt in the lower layers of the carpet eventually rises back to the surface. As a result, follow-up treatment is usually necessary earlier than with deep cleaning processes.

Hood cleaning can also leave chemical residue.

Shampooing carpets

Carpet shampooing is one of the oldest professional carpet cleaning techniques still in use today.

It has long been the method of choice for heavy duty carpet cleaning. The process has evolved since its inception, but only in terms of the technology used.

Nowadays, when shampooing carpets, a foaming substance is applied and worked into the carpet with a brushing machine. It is then wet vacuumed to remove the “shampoo” and the dirt adhering to it.

The carpet needs some time to dry. All residues are then removed by dry vacuuming.

encapsulation

This technique sounds fancy, and in a sense it is. Synthetic foam cleaners are used in capsule cleaning, which are worked into the carpet with a brushing machine. The foam crystallizes into a powder. It encapsulates the dirt present in the carpet. The powder is then vacuumed up along with the dirt.

Encapsulation is often preferred over carpet shampooing because it leaves no residue, takes less time to dry, and uses less water.

However, cleaning the encapsulation is not ideal for all circumstances. Most carpet cleaning professionals do not use encapsulation on heavily soiled carpets. It’s just not that effective. Ultimately, identifying the best solution requires both education and experience.

As professionals from the service industry, it is our job to support our customers in finding out.

But more importantly, it is our duty to have the practical knowledge needed to get the job done. Ironically, one of the best ways to decide on a carpet cleaner is by asking your carpet cleaner questions. Technicians who know what they are doing can explain why a particular method is best for your particular textile.

If your carpet cleaner can’t explain their recommendations, you might want to look at other options.

If you live in Triad we encourage you to call ProTech Carpet Care – The Triads True Carpet Cleaning Experts at (336) 202-2061 for a free estimate. In addition to customer education, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee – as any true professional in the service industry should. If you have a question or comment, leave it below. And please, don’t hesitate and share this post with a friend or two who might need our services.

Having trouble removing your stain? Find discounts near you – limited time only!

Removing Grease from Carpet – Method #2

Another way to remove grease stains from carpets is to use white vinegar.

Sponge the stain with some water. Apply a few drops of white vinegar along with a wet spotter. A wet spotter is one part dish soap, one part glycerin, and eight parts water (shake well and store in a plastic water bottle). Pour a generous amount of damp Spotter onto an absorbent pad. Place the pad directly on the grease stain. Change the absorbent pad when the grease stain gradually disappears. You can repeat steps 1 to 3 and rinse the grease stain with water.

So the next time you come across a grease stain, either from cooking or your car, don’t sweat it. Getting grease out of carpet is a problem you can tackle with a few do-it-yourself remedies.

For a more thorough carpet cleaning that offers professional equipment and trained technicians, call COIT Cleaning today to learn more about our satisfaction guarantee. Don’t forget to check out our coupons!

Remember to always do a stain removal test on a part of the carpet or upholstery that is not normally visible. These are recommended treatments only and COIT cannot be held responsible for any damage resulting from the use of the treatments in this stain removal guide.

Homemade carpet cleaners can be very effective for treating stains or cleaning an entire carpet.

Vinegar, baking soda, and salt are common household items that can be used as carpet cleaners.

Soften a carpet by mixing fabric softener, hot water, white vinegar, and dish soap.

Carpets are very durable, but there is no need to resort to harsh chemicals to get them clean. There are homemade carpet cleaner recipes that are perfect for most carpet types and stains, says Nick Wilkesmann, owner of the Cleaning King blog.

“I find that homemade carpet cleaners can be just as effective as commercial solutions,” says Wilkesmann.

Andrii Gurskyi, CEO of New York City cleaning service HomeClean, likes that homemade carpet cleaners are readily available and environmentally friendly.

“Homemade carpet cleaning solutions have proven to be incredibly effective at cleaning carpets,” says Gurskyi.

Whether you’re cleaning up a recent spill or cleaning up as part of your regular household maintenance, there are plenty of homemade carpet cleaners that are right for you and your carpet type.

Important: Always test your homemade carpet cleaner on a small spot before using it to make sure it won’t fade or damage the carpet.

Best cleaning solution for most stains

Baking soda and vinegar is one of the best mixtures for spot cleaning a carpet stain. Helin Loik-Tomson/Getty Images

A combination of baking soda and vinegar is Wilkesmann’s ideal spot cleaning solution for most carpet types and stains.

“Baking soda and vinegar work so well as cleaning agents because of their chemical composition and reaction,” says Wilkesmann. When the alkaline baking soda reacts with the acidic vinegar, it creates a safe, oxygen-rich gas that foams up and helps remove stains from a carpet, Wilkesmann says.

how to use it

1. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain. Be sure to cover it thoroughly.

2. Pour a small amount of vinegar (about a tablespoon) onto the baking soda. Gradually add more, just enough to get the baking soda bubbly.

3. Gently rub the solution into the carpet with a stiff bristled brush or similar.

4. Leave the solution on the stain for 4 to 6 hours or until the stain is completely dry.

5. Vacuum up the baking soda residue.

Best for steam cleaning

According to Gurskyi, water mixed with vinegar can be used to steam clean an entire carpet.

Steam cleaners can be rented from hardware or grocery stores, or purchased for permanent use. The key is to know if your carpet is made of synthetic or natural materials, as you will need different ratios of vinegar and water. Natural fibers are more delicate, so you have to be more careful when cleaning them, says Gurskyi.

For synthetic carpets, mix a solution with a ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water. For rugs made from wool or natural materials, use a one-to-one ratio of vinegar and water.

If you’re not sure if the rug is made of synthetic or natural materials like wool, turn it over and look at the underside: most synthetic rugs have a hard underside, while wool rugs are soft on both sides.

how to use it

1. Mix water and vinegar in the correct ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water for synthetic carpets. For rugs made from natural materials, use one part vinegar and one part water.

2. Pour the solution into the steam cleaner.

3. Clean the carpet according to the instructions on the machine.

4. Let the carpet dry.

Best for recently spilled liquids

Using a mixture of salt and water can remove fresh stains caused by spilled wine or dropped food. Tetra Pictures/Getty Pictures

To respond to a new stain, Gurskyi recommends another common kitchen product: salt. Salt can help absorb liquid stains, like spilled wine, before they set. The graininess of salt also makes it easier to soak up the mess. For stains that are already set in, the grainy salt will also add some extra abrasion to your scrubbing, which can help remove the stain quickly. Make sure you apply this treatment either immediately after a spill.

how to use it

1. Blot the stain with a rag to remove most of the moisture.

2. Sprinkle salt on the stain, cover thoroughly and leave for five minutes.

3. Pour a small amount of cold water on the stain.

4. Scrub with a soft brush for one minute.

5. Rinse with a damp cloth and pat dry.

Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to use vinegar and baking soda to finish cleaning the stain.

Best for dark and patterned carpets

While baking soda and vinegar are generally safe, they can leave a residue on dark or patterned carpets. For this reason, Wilkesmann uses a spray of vinegar and liquid dishwashing liquid, Dawn Dishwashing Liquid, to spot treat dark or patterned carpets.

Because of the baking soda, this mixture is generally good for removing stains without leaving any residue. It works especially well on greasy stains, Wilkesmann says, since the dish soap is designed to break down grease.

how to use it

1. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle.

2. Spray onto the stain and cover thoroughly.

3. Leave on for 15 minutes.

4. Scrub with a stiff bristled brush. According to Wilkesmann, this should remove the stain without having to rinse the carpet afterwards.

Best for deodorizing

If you want to freshen up your carpet or quickly remove a musty smell, stick with a dry cleaning solution. This isn’t as effective at removing stains and bacteria, but you don’t have to worry about drying time, according to Gurskyi.

how to use it

1. Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and dust the entire area.

2. Add fragrant dry spices like cinnamon or rosemary. Sprinkle in the seasoning the same way you did the baking soda. Be sure to spot test this to ensure the spice doesn’t stain your carpet.

3. Leave for 30 minutes.

4. Thoroughly vacuum the carpet.

How to soften a carpet after cleaning

If you want to soften your rug, Gurskyi says you can use a laundry fabric softener like Downy because rugs are made from the same basic fiber types as clothing.

To make a carpet softener solution, mix together 1/2 cup fabric softener, 1 gallon hot water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon dish soap. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and lightly spray the carpet until damp. Work the solution into the carpet with a soft-bristled brush, and then let the carpet dry.

How often should you clean your carpet?

While there are home remedies for removing small soiling and stains, it’s good practice to steam clean a carpet every 12 to 18 months. Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock

Keeping a carpet looking and smelling clean requires regular maintenance. Carpets should be steam cleaned at least every 12 to 18 months, says Gurskyi. Heavily used or light-colored carpets need to be cleaned more frequently.

You should clean a carpet immediately after a spill or stain and whenever it smells musty or is visibly dirty. It’s also a good idea to clean a carpet if you’re struggling with allergies, as allergies can be made worse by a dirty carpet.

Insider snack

Carpet cleaning is an important part of household maintenance, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to get the job done. Everyday items you already have in your kitchen cupboard, including vinegar, baking soda, and salt, can all help remove stains and odors from your carpet and protect your carpet. Make sure you clean your carpets regularly so they last longer and your home looks and smells fresh.

Homemade carpet cleaners can be very effective for treating stains or cleaning an entire carpet.

Vinegar, baking soda, and salt are common household items that can be used as carpet cleaners.

Soften a carpet by mixing fabric softener, hot water, white vinegar, and dish soap.

Carpets are very durable, but there is no need to resort to harsh chemicals to get them clean. There are homemade carpet cleaner recipes that are perfect for most carpet types and stains, says Nick Wilkesmann, owner of the Cleaning King blog.

“I find that homemade carpet cleaners can be just as effective as commercial solutions,” says Wilkesmann.

Andrii Gurskyi, CEO of New York City cleaning service HomeClean, likes that homemade carpet cleaners are readily available and environmentally friendly.

“Homemade carpet cleaning solutions have proven to be incredibly effective at cleaning carpets,” says Gurskyi.

Whether you’re cleaning up a recent spill or cleaning up as part of your regular household maintenance, there are plenty of homemade carpet cleaners that are right for you and your carpet type.

Important: Always test your homemade carpet cleaner on a small spot before using it to make sure it won’t fade or damage the carpet.

Best cleaning solution for most stains

Baking soda and vinegar is one of the best mixtures for spot cleaning a carpet stain. Helin Loik-Tomson/Getty Images

A combination of baking soda and vinegar is Wilkesmann’s ideal spot cleaning solution for most carpet types and stains.

“Baking soda and vinegar work so well as cleaning agents because of their chemical composition and reaction,” says Wilkesmann. When the alkaline baking soda reacts with the acidic vinegar, it creates a safe, oxygen-rich gas that foams up and helps remove stains from a carpet, Wilkesmann says.

how to use it

1. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain. Be sure to cover it thoroughly.

2. Pour a small amount of vinegar (about a tablespoon) onto the baking soda. Gradually add more, just enough to get the baking soda bubbly.

3. Gently rub the solution into the carpet with a stiff bristled brush or similar.

4. Leave the solution on the stain for 4 to 6 hours or until the stain is completely dry.

5. Vacuum up the baking soda residue.

Best for steam cleaning

According to Gurskyi, water mixed with vinegar can be used to steam clean an entire carpet.

Steam cleaners can be rented from hardware or grocery stores, or purchased for permanent use. The key is to know if your carpet is made of synthetic or natural materials, as you will need different ratios of vinegar and water. Natural fibers are more delicate, so you have to be more careful when cleaning them, says Gurskyi.

For synthetic carpets, mix a solution with a ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water. For rugs made from wool or natural materials, use a one-to-one ratio of vinegar and water.

If you’re not sure if the rug is made of synthetic or natural materials like wool, turn it over and look at the underside: most synthetic rugs have a hard underside, while wool rugs are soft on both sides.

how to use it

1. Mix water and vinegar in the correct ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water for synthetic carpets. For rugs made from natural materials, use one part vinegar and one part water.

2. Pour the solution into the steam cleaner.

3. Clean the carpet according to the instructions on the machine.

4. Let the carpet dry.

Best for recently spilled liquids

Using a mixture of salt and water can remove fresh stains caused by spilled wine or dropped food. Tetra Pictures/Getty Pictures

To respond to a new stain, Gurskyi recommends another common kitchen product: salt. Salt can help absorb liquid stains, like spilled wine, before they set. The graininess of salt also makes it easier to soak up the mess. For stains that are already set in, the grainy salt will also add some extra abrasion to your scrubbing, which can help remove the stain quickly. Make sure you apply this treatment either immediately after a spill.

how to use it

1. Blot the stain with a rag to remove most of the moisture.

2. Sprinkle salt on the stain, cover thoroughly and leave for five minutes.

3. Pour a small amount of cold water on the stain.

4. Scrub with a soft brush for one minute.

5. Rinse with a damp cloth and pat dry.

Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to use vinegar and baking soda to finish cleaning the stain.

Best for dark and patterned carpets

While baking soda and vinegar are generally safe, they can leave a residue on dark or patterned carpets. For this reason, Wilkesmann uses a spray of vinegar and liquid dishwashing liquid, Dawn Dishwashing Liquid, to spot treat dark or patterned carpets.

Because of the baking soda, this mixture is generally good for removing stains without leaving any residue. It works especially well on greasy stains, Wilkesmann says, since the dish soap is designed to break down grease.

how to use it

1. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle.

2. Spray onto the stain and cover thoroughly.

3. Leave on for 15 minutes.

4. Scrub with a stiff bristled brush. According to Wilkesmann, this should remove the stain without having to rinse the carpet afterwards.

Best for deodorizing

If you want to freshen up your carpet or quickly remove a musty smell, stick with a dry cleaning solution. This isn’t as effective at removing stains and bacteria, but you don’t have to worry about drying time, according to Gurskyi.

how to use it

1. Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and dust the entire area.

2. Add fragrant dry spices like cinnamon or rosemary. Sprinkle in the seasoning the same way you did the baking soda. Be sure to spot test this to ensure the spice doesn’t stain your carpet.

3. Leave for 30 minutes.

4. Thoroughly vacuum the carpet.

How to soften a carpet after cleaning

If you want to soften your rug, Gurskyi says you can use a laundry fabric softener like Downy because rugs are made from the same basic fiber types as clothing.

To make a carpet softener solution, mix together 1/2 cup fabric softener, 1 gallon hot water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon dish soap. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and lightly spray the carpet until damp. Work the solution into the carpet with a soft-bristled brush, and then let the carpet dry.

How often should you clean your carpet?

While there are home remedies for removing small soiling and stains, it’s good practice to steam clean a carpet every 12 to 18 months. Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock

Keeping a carpet looking and smelling clean requires regular maintenance. Carpets should be steam cleaned at least every 12 to 18 months, says Gurskyi. Heavily used or light-colored carpets need to be cleaned more frequently.

You should clean a carpet immediately after a spill or stain and whenever it smells musty or is visibly dirty. It’s also a good idea to clean a carpet if you’re struggling with allergies, as allergies can be made worse by a dirty carpet.

Insider snack

Carpet cleaning is an important part of household maintenance, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to get the job done. Everyday items you already have in your kitchen cupboard, including vinegar, baking soda, and salt, can all help remove stains and odors from your carpet and protect your carpet. Make sure you clean your carpets regularly so they last longer and your home looks and smells fresh.

Whether you let kids or pets run around, or just track dirt into your home from your own shoes, carpets and rugs can trap all kinds of particles that you’d rather not breathe in. And let’s not even start the spots.

Of course, you don’t want your cleaning products to trap more potentially harmful material in the carpets they’re designed to clean. This is where the allure of natural carpet cleaning comes into play.

We have collected both DIY recipes and some ready made products from the wide world of natural carpet cleaning. Many of these can be made using items you probably already have at home or are worth buying if you don’t have them in stock. If you don’t already have white vinegar, investing in a bottle opens up a whole world of natural DIY cleaning solutions.

With carpets, you should always start with a sample. Test a small amount of what you are using on an inconspicuous area to ensure it does not stain your particular carpet fiber combination. When you buy a product, make sure it’s compatible with your floor’s fibers. And always remember to blot or blot, not rub — too much scrubbing pressure can push stains deeper into the fibers instead of pulling them out.

DIY

These are some of the best – and easiest, in terms of ingredients used – non-toxic solutions for naturally cleaning your carpet.

1. steam steam

Plain, clear water is certainly the easiest, most uncomplicated way to keep things clean. No potential chemical reactions or accidental ingestions to worry about, just one ingredient that comes straight out of your tap.

You probably won’t have the tools to try this cleaning method right away. But if you’re looking to invest in a new cleaning tool, the Ladybug line of Advap home steam cleaners lets you bring professional-grade steam cleaning into your home to easily speed up your home cleaning game.

The ladybug uses dry steam to clean, deodorize and disinfect. Along the way, it also relaxes the carpet fibers to help them regain their bulk and kills tiny pests like dust mites with the high-temperature steam. Distribute the steam with a towel attached to a large floor brush, sweeping it in two directions across the carpet, similar to vacuuming.

2. Water + Vinegar + Salt

Take a large spray bottle and start with a water and vinegar mixture, using 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar. (So ​​if you have 1 cup of water, you’ll want 1/2 cup of vinegar.) Mix the water and vinegar in the spray bottle, then add 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of water. It’s not for seasoning—the salt helps bind the stain particles[*].

To add a deodorizing effect, add about 10 drops of essential oil per cup of water. Make sure you choose a clear essential oil rather than one of any color to avoid staining your carpet. Lavender is popular in cleaning solutions, but you can also try something like lime, peppermint, juniper, or geranium depending on the scent scene you want to create in the room.

Shake to combine, then spray the mixture liberally onto the stained area or simply spray all over the carpet. Wait for it to dry, then vacuum over the area.

If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can also dip a cloth in the solution and blot a stain. The same applies here: dab, do not rub.

3. Baking Soda + Vinegar + Water

The classic baking soda and vinegar combo is good for so much more than just science fair volcanoes. At first, just sprinkle baking soda over the stained area. You can also mix in a few drops of a colorless essential oil if you want an extra deodorizing effect. Leave the baking soda on the stain for at least an hour and ideally overnight[*].

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray the mixture onto the baking soda. You should get a satisfying hissing response. After the bubbling has taken place, blot the area with a cleaning rag to blot the mixture. For particularly stubborn spots, you may need to repeat the process.

4. Salt + Borax + Vinegar

Start by mixing equal parts salt, borax, and vinegar in a small bowl or other container; the Thriving Home Blog recommends ¼ cup each. You end up with a paste that you then apply to your carpet.

Ideally, you’ll wear gloves during this process, especially if you’re cleaning up something rough (thanks pets). The gloves minimize both the spread of bacteria from the stain-causing element (please do not touch bodily fluids with bare hands) and your skin contact with borax, which can be an irritant.

After rubbing the paste into the stained area, leave it on for a couple of hours, or at least until it dries. Make sure that no children or pets in your household ingest the mixture. Then vacuum and away. After the paste is gone and the stain is still there, you can scrub with a damp rag, rinsing periodically if this persists for a while. After the water dries, vacuum again, just in case.

5. Baking Soda + Corn Starch + Corn Flour + Borax

If you’re looking for a dry natural carpet or rug cleaner, try this mix from DIY Network.

Start by combining 2 cups baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup corn flour, 1 tablespoon borax, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2-3 dried bay leaves in a food processor. Blend them together until the bay leaves are ground into a fine powder and everything is an even consistency. Transfer from your food processor to an airtight container (a mason jar works well).

Make sure the surface is dry before applying. To use the powder, then sprinkle it over the carpet or rug you want to clean. Brush over the surface with a broom or hand brush for maximum coverage and absorption into the fibers, then leave on for as long as possible, up to overnight. Again, be careful if you have pets or children in your home, as borax should not be ingested. Then suck it up when you’ve reached the limits of your powdery patience.

buy it

These products have been recommended by home bloggers, editorial testers at sites like The Spruce, and other editorial sources.

Proudly made with only clean ingredients, this 5-star rated stain and odor remover ensures no harsh chemicals are released into your living space. The home pet odor eliminator harnesses the power of oxygen through a highly efficient, professional-grade hydrogen peroxide that leaves your home smelling fresher than ever. It removes pet odors and stains from urine, feces, vomit and blood – FAST!

A blogger who praises steam cleaning adds her own blend to her cleaner. Make sure you don’t void your steam cleaner’s warranty by adding anything other than water. Once you’ve confirmed you’re clear, try a drop of Sal Suds Cleanser by Dr. Add Bronner per 2 liters of warm water.

You shampoo your hair, why not your carpet? This cleaner uses concentrated, naturally-derived detergents and deodorants that can be used anywhere you can use water, whether you’re putting it in a machine or cleaning by hand. It’s even safe for gray water and septic systems.

This concentrated carpet and rug shampoo uses grapefruit seed and orange essence to win praise for its stain-removing abilities and lack of overpowering odors.

This popular spray is designed to remove both stains and any accompanying odors, whether on carpets, clothing or sports equipment, using yeast and botanical oils for deodorization. You can use the herbal formula to pre-treat clothing stains, or spray it directly onto your carpet or furniture and blot with a damp cloth.

The conclusion to natural carpet cleaners

Whether you choose to go the do-it-yourself route and browse your own pantry, the shelves at your local eco-market, or the internet, there’s a natural carpet cleaning solution for you.

Try a dry steam machine, make your own carpet volcano, or just click the buy button and start scrubbing to freshen up your floors.

Anyone who has children knows that pretty much everything they come in contact with needs frequent cleaning – including their toys. However, since children tend to put things in their mouths, it is not advisable to use an all-purpose cleaner on their toys, especially small toys that encourage chewing. The chemicals in cleaning products can be dangerous if swallowed and even in small amounts can cause adverse effects. Instead, wipe down toys with warm water or clean non-electronic plastic toys in the top rack of the dishwasher.

See Also: Over a Dozen Things You Didn’t Know You Can Clean in the Dishwasher