Natural Cleaning Recipes for Carpet

Vinegar

There are several types of natural carpet cleaners. The easiest recipe is a mixture of one part water to one part vinegar. Spray on and allow to rest for a short while. Work on the stain using a scrub brush and warm, slightly soapy water. Rinse and blot dry. Many people who prefer natural cleaners use a mixture of a natural soap, water and vinegar as an all purpose cleaner. This will also work well on carpets. Combine a few squirts of a natural liquid soap like Dr. Bronner's Castile soap, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 cup water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil to this mixture for fragrance if you like. Vinegar can leave an odor, but it will dissipate as your carpet dries.

Natural carpet cleaners can remove many stains from your carpeting, including everyday dirt and grime. You may find it harder to remove the odors and staining from pet accidents. Vinegar is effective on urine stains and odor, but may need to be applied full strength and in large amounts to remove urine smells. Allow to air dry. Avoid using ammonia on any pet stain, or as a carpet cleaner, if you have pets in your home. Environmentally friendly, natural enzymatic carpet cleaners are available at pet stores and are quite effective at removing residual pet smells from carpeting. Baking soda, on its own or with the addition of a few drops of essential oils, works well as a "sprinkle on and vacuum up" carpet deodorizer. Punch holes in the lid of a recycled container for a convenient dispenser. This natural carpet freshener can keep your home smelling fresh.

What can you do when that glass of red wine spills? Run for the table salt. Applied immediately, table salt can soak up liquids quite effectively. Pour salt liberally on the stain. The color should begin to transfer from your carpet to the salt quickly. Allow to sit for 30 minutes and vacuum away. Follow with the peroxide carpet cleaner suggested below if needed. Club soda is also a good solution for emergency stain removal. Apply, then blot. Club soda works well with a variety of food stains.

For more stubborn stains, combine one part borax, one part vinegar and one part table salt. Allow to sit until dry and vacuum up residue. You may also find that ordinary soapy water works well on residual discoloration. Apply, then blot with a clean white cloth to lift the stain from your carpeting. You may also want to try a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water, but test in a hidden spot first. Apply the solution and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Blot the stain away. Repeat if needed.

Avoid using powders of any sort in carpet cleaning machines, as they can cause clogs. One of the simplest solutions for a natural cleaner when working with a steam cleaner, whether you own it or have rented it, is plain hot water. Hot water on its own will remove many stains and odors from carpeting. A small amount of vinegar diluted in the water is also an effective natural carpet cleaner and will not leave soap residue in the carpet. Vinegar should be used in the ratio suggested for cleanser in your specific machine.