The price of professional carpet cleaning products and services may be quite expensive. However, you can make your own cleaning solution at home to use with a machine or manually with regular cleaning tools. Home carpet cleaners are suitable for removing stains, spots, cleaning areas that are frequently passed, and general cleaning. There are also a number of blends that you can try if one of them doesn't work for stubborn stains. So keep trying until you find the one that suits you.
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Part 1 of 3: Making Various Carpet Cleaning Solutions
Step 1. Make a carpet cleaner and conditioner
These carpet cleaners and conditioners are most similar to commercial cleaning products, and will leave your carpets clean, fresh, and smell good again. To make this cleaner, mix the following ingredients in a bucket:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) liquid laundry soap (detergent)
- cup (60 ml) all-purpose cleaning fluid
- 1 measuring spoon OxiClean
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fabric softener
- 4 liters of hot water
Step 2. Make a toxin-free, aromatic cleanser
For families with children and pets, toxin-free cleaners are usually the first choice. Especially for objects that are used daily, such as carpets. To make a toxin-free carpet cleaner with a fresh scent, mix:
- 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar
- 2 cups (500 ml) water
- 2 teaspoons (about 15 grams) salt
- 15 drops an essential oil such as lemon, lavender, or pine oil.
Step 3. Use a window cleaner to make a simple solution
Window cleaners can not only clean windows. You can mix this cleaning product with water and create an effective inexpensive carpet cleaner for homes, cars and other appliances.
To make this cleaner, you only need to mix hot water and a window cleaning product like Windex in equal proportions
Step 4. Try making a stronger ammonia-based cleaner
Ammonia-based cleaners are stronger than regular cleaners. However, you must be careful when using it because ammonia is corrosive and can damage the skin, eyes, lungs and certain materials. Put on protective gloves, and carefully mix the following ingredients in a bucket:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) liquid dish soap
- cup (60 ml) ammonia
- cup (60 ml) vinegar
- 11 liters of water
Step 5. Try a simple lemon and peroxide solution
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful cleaning agent, while lemon is a powerful degreaser and can refresh all kinds of things. These two simple ingredients can be mixed together to make a homemade carpet cleaner. To make it:
- Pour cup (180 ml) of hydrogen peroxide into the bucket
- Add 1½ cups (350 ml) of water
- Add 5 drops of lemon essential oil
- Mix well
Step 6. Make a simple cleaning powder
Carpet cleaner in powder form is suitable for treating oily stains and spots. You can also make your own cleaning powder at home. To make a simple cleaning powder, mix the following ingredients in a bowl:
- 1 cup (220 g) baking powder
- 1 cup (110 g) cornstarch
- 5 bay leaves, mashed (for flavor)
- Pinch of dry potpourri, mashed (optional)
Step 7. Mix a packet of borax with baking soda powder
For an even stronger cleaner and deodorizer, try mixing baking soda and borax together. You can also add herbs or flowers to this mixture to give it a scent. To make it, mix the following ingredients in a bowl:
- 1 cup (400 g) borax
- 1 cup (220 g) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried herbs or flowers
- 20 drops of essential oil
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning Carpets by Hand
Step 1. Put the cleaning agent you have made into a spray bottle or shake bottle
To clean carpets or stains by hand, you'll need to apply a thin layer of the cleaning agent to the surface of the carpet. The easiest way to do this is to put the cleaning liquid in a spray bottle, or the cleaning powder in a shaker, which will make it easier to apply.
Stir the cleaning mixture before putting it in the container to make sure all the ingredients are evenly mixed
Step 2. Test the cleaning agent first
You should test the impact of using a cleaning product on an object's surface before using it thoroughly, especially on items such as carpets, fabrics, and upholstery. This test will ensure that the cleaner will not damage the carpet or its color. To test the cleaning agent:
- Determine a hidden area on the carpet, such as in a corner or under furniture.
- Spray or sprinkle some of the cleaning agent onto a small area of the carpet.
- Wait for 24 hours.
- After that, check for discoloration or other damage to the part.
- Only continue to use cleaning agents if there is no damage to the carpet.
Step 3. Spray or sprinkle the cleaning agent on the dirty area
To clean stains and spots on certain parts of the carpet, simply apply the cleaning agent evenly to those parts. To clean the carpet as a whole, divide the carpet into three or four sections and clean one at a time.
To avoid getting trapped in the room, start by cleaning the farthest part of the door and slowly move outward
Step 4. Allow the cleaning agent to be absorbed
Allow the cleaning agent to sit on the carpet for 10 minutes after pouring. This way, liquid cleaning agents can soak in, while cleaning powders can absorb odors and stains on the carpet.
If you're in a hurry, you don't have to wait for the cleaning agent to be absorbed. However, leaving it on for a while will give a cleaner result
Step 5. Brush the dirty part
Use a carpet brush or other strong-bristled brush to scrub the area that has been treated with the cleaning agent. This will help push the cleaning agent deeper into the carpet, as well as loosen any dirt, debris, and other particles trapped in the fibers.
After brushing all the soiled areas, wait about 30 minutes for the cleaning solution to dry completely
Step 6. Vacuum the carpet
After the cleaning solution dries completely and the cleaning powder absorbs odors and stains on the carpet, vacuum the carpet thoroughly. Vacuum the same area two or three times to make sure all the dust, dirt, and remaining cleaning powder is completely removed.
After vacuuming the carpet, repeat this step on the other side if you cleaned the entire surface
Part 3 of 3: Using a Carpet Cleaning Machine
Step 1. Test the cleaning agent first
Before using any cleaning agent on an object, you should always test it first to make sure it doesn't cause any damage. Choose a hidden area of the carpet, and pour in a small amount of cleaning solution or powder. Leave it for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, check for discoloration and damage to the part. Continue using the cleaning agent if there is no visible damage to the carpet
Step 2. Fill the cleaning solution in the container in the machine
Most carpet cleaning machines have a single container designated for the cleaning agent. Fill this container with the cleaning solution of your choice. If this container has a lid, put the lid back on before starting to clean the carpet.
Some carpet cleaning machines have separate containers for water and cleaning solution. Make sure to fill in both
Step 3. Machine clean the carpet
Start the engine and pull the lever (if any) to turn on the cleaning function. Start by cleaning the corner furthest from the door, cleaning the carpet in a back and forth motion as if you were vacuuming. Wipe the same area two or three times to make sure the carpet is really clean.
During cleaning, move towards the door so you don't get trapped in the room
Step 4. Let the carpet dry
This machine will pour a lot of cleaning solution on the surface of the carpet. So, leave the carpet for 24 hours after cleaning. This allows the cleaning agent to be completely absorbed and evaporate so the carpet can dry.
Step 5. Vacuum the carpet
Once the carpet is completely dry and there are no more cleaning agents you can feel with your hands, vacuum the entire surface with a regular vacuum cleaner. This tool will suck all the dirt and dust trapped in the carpet so as to complete the cleaning process.
