From the Pantry to the Floor: Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solutions You Must Try

A homemade carpet cleaning solutions may be something your grandmother used to keep her rugs pristine. Of course, when it’s more convenient to pick up an already-made cleaner at the store, you might wonder why you should bother making your own. 

When applied to rugs, commercial cleaners aren’t always safe for household members, pets and the environment. Some are too harsh and may damage the carpet fibers in the process. Rather than take a chance, you should try a non-toxic alternative with simple ingredients.

Why Make Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solutions?

Cleaners are meant to remove bacteria, germs, dust, mold and other organic matter from your home, leaving it sparkling and fresh. However, these products can contain harmful chemicals that have the opposite effect on your health and well-being. 

In one study, researchers tested 30 cleaning products, including 14 conventional cleaners, nine eco-friendly solutions with fragrance and seven eco-friendly solutions without fragrance. They discovered 530 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 193 of which are hazardous, according to various government agencies. Conversely, the “green” products — particularly fragrance-free — contained far fewer VOC emissions.

The study is notable for several reasons, but especially because it indicates that even greener cleaners can cause harm. VOCs vaporize at room temperature, triggering chronic respiratory conditions, allergic reactions, headaches, asthma and more. Some long-term effects also include a higher risk of cancer.

Cleaners containing significant amounts of VOCs negatively impact indoor and outdoor air quality. They leave indoor air two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. In some instances, that number reaches 10 times higher. VOCs may also linger for days to months.

Conventional cleaners also cause environmental damage. When you clean surfaces in your home, you might rinse away or throw out supplies and residue. These substances then enter water bodies and natural habitats, detrimentally affecting plants and wildlife and contaminating fragile drinking water systems. 

Surfactants — a chemical appearing in many store-bought cleaning products — also biodegrade slowly, building up in the environment and becoming more toxic over time. Other products using nitrogen and phosphorus contribute to the planet’s widespread nutrient-loading problems. Although less impactful than point and nonpoint sources, it’s best to avoid these ingredients altogether.

6 Homemade Carpet Cleaning Recipes

Whipping up homemade carpet cleaning solutions might seem like an extra step in removing stains and dirt, but they’re often safer and even more effective than commercial cleaners you buy at the store. Most homemade solutions use everyday ingredients you always have around. Here are six popular recipes to remove that nasty stain from your carpeting.

1. Simple Vinegar Solution

A simple vinegar spray is one of the easiest and most effective homemade carpet cleaning solutions. Vinegar’s acidic properties break down stains, grime and mineral deposits. It’s also antibacterial and non-toxic, meaning it eliminates germs and is safe for children and pets.

Add equal parts vinegar and water to a spray bottle — you can usually find these cheap at a grocery store or drugstore. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes. Then, spray the mixture on the spot and blot the carpet with a clean towel.

2. Cornstarch and Vinegar Paste

Vinegar’s acidity also pairs well with cornstarch, which is mildly abrasive to lift dirt and grime without damaging the carpet. Cornstarch also absorbs moisture and oils.

Mix the two ingredients until they form a paste — you can be the judge for the consistency. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to dry. Then, brush it or vacuum it away.

3. Citrus and Enzyme Cleaner

Some carpet stains and dirt leave a foul odor behind — for instance, a dog or cat may have an accident in the house. Cat urine especially smells like ammonia because it has a bacterium. 

A quality enzyme cleaner removes odors only. Combine the stain with another homemade carpet cleaning solution to ensure it fully removes the spot. 

If you have a pet prone to accidents, it’s a good idea to make an enzyme cleaner and keep it on hand for emergencies. Add citrus peels from lemons or oranges, brown sugar and water to a jar. Seal it tightly and allow it to sit for a few weeks. Then, strain the components and dilute the solution with water.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap

Anyone who has hand-cleaned dishes knows how powerful dish soap can be. When combined with hydrogen peroxide — a natural disinfectant and stain fighter — the mixture effectively oxidizes and lifts hard-to-lift grease and dirt.

Combine 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Then, add a tablespoon of baking soda — the most common cleaner elixir. Apply the mix to the stain and allow it time to sit. It should be easy to blot and wipe away with a damp cloth.

5. Vinegar and Baking Soda

Baking soda dissolves dirt, grease and other organic compounds. It delivers mild abrasiveness that’s tough on carpet stains but doesn’t leave damage. When mixed with vinegar, the two ingredients make a mighty, non-toxic, homemade carpet cleaner. 

They are effective because they have opposite pH levels — or acidity. For this reason, you don’t want to mix equal parts, as they will lose their impact. Try combining one part baking soda with two parts vinegar to create a fizzy solution. Allow it to rest on the stain for a while before vacuuming the residue.

6. Club Soda and Salt

If you’ve ever spilled a drink on your clothes, you might have blotted the stain with club soda. This is because carbonated water lifts dirt and spots. The same effect occurs on carpet fibers. However, for greater effectiveness, sprinkle salt, as well. Salt absorbs the stain’s moisture and stops it from setting.

Clean Your Carpets With Powerful Homemade Carpet Cleaners

Making homemade carpet cleaning solutions with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have is worth it. Although simple, they have tremendous benefits, leaving your carpet looking brand-new and spot-free. Take a page from your grandmother’s book and try these age-old, proven solutions for household cleaning.