Many people are searching for ways to decrease the amount of toxic chemicals used in their homes and natural carpet cleaning solutions can be effective.
Both liquid carpet stain removers and powder carpet deodorizers can be made easily at home using non-toxic cleaning ingredients. Of course, all carpet cleaning solutions should be tested on a small portion of the carpet to make sure it won’t lift the color or damage the carpet.
Carpet Cleaning Solutions – Liquid Carpet Stain Removers
Perhaps one of the simplest carpet cleaning solutions to make is something that can be used in steam carpet cleaning machines. Vinegar and hot water in equal parts, instead of the strong chemicals usually purchased in stores, is an effective odor and stain remover for most carpets.
Another recipe for homemade carpet cleaners includes borax, mixed with equal portions of vinegar and lemon juice to create a carpet spot treatment. The mixture has been shown to be safe on color fast fabrics in the authors home, but you should test it on any fabrics, rugs or carpets first, just in case. Any residue left on the carpet after it dries completely can be brushed loose and vacuumed up to help remove the dirt, grime or grease completely out of the carpet.
The other liquid carpet stain remover that was used for many generations in more frugal and do-it-yourself eras, was club soda. The fizzing action of club soda can help lift stubborn stains and it has been effective for cutting grease stains for many homemakers. Often just a few minutes of letting it sit on the stain, before using a wet vac to pick it up, will take up the stain without having to scrub, rub and ruin the carpet pile.
Carpet Cleaning Solutions – Dry Powder for Carpets to Deodorize and Freshen
Many homemakers and house cleaners like to use carpet powder to freshen a room when vacuuming and to help deodorize any lingering smells that may be hiding in the carpet. Reading the labels will show that either there are several undesired chemicals in the carpet powder, or else so few ingredients it is easy enough to make it at home.
Baking soda is the primary powder to use in the carpet powder and while some use only baking soda, some house cleaners choose to use baking soda and corn meal together. To alter the scent, it is easy to mix in desired herbs for deodorizing, freshening, bug repellant or fragrance purposes. Try bay leaves, lavender, cloves or other herbs, finely ground, and mixed into the powder base.
Sprinkle generously onto the carpet and let the mix settle overnight. In the morning, vacuum the entire carpet area thoroughly to lift the powder mix out of the carpet.
Carpet cleaning doesn’t have to be an expensive or caustic experience. These carpet cleaning solutions will provide non-toxic cleaning products that are readily made in the average household kitchen. Obviously test any cleaning agent on a small, non-visible portion of your carpet first to see if there will be any negative reaction.
Karen Stephenson says
This is a great blog providing useful information to help people get off chemicals!
I recently did some spot cleaning on my carpets using equal portions of borax, salt and vinegar. Worked well! But as you mentioned in your blog – test first!!!!
kurt harris says
Non- toxic solutions are gentle on carpet fiber and also does not have any negative effect on indoor quality.
Carla Banner says
Baking soda + vinegar = magic!
Yes! It is that easy. This combo cleans practically everything. I buy a big bag of baking soda from Costco and a big jug of white vinegar and it lasts me quite a while.