Cleaning carpets can be a challenging task, especially when you want to avoid chemical cleaners due to health concerns for family members or pets. Luckily, you can effectively and efficiently clean your carpets using natural DIY hacks, which are cost-effective, safe on different carpet types and colors, and excellent for allergy sufferers.
A big advantage of these DIY carpet cleaning solutions is their eco-friendly nature. They help reduce our carbon footprint by not using hard chemicals that can find their way into our water systems. Besides, these are readily available, found in most households. So, without further ado, let’s dive into natural DIY hacks to clean your carpets.
1. Vinegar & Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are all-natural cleaning powerhouses. Both of these ingredients have immense cleaning potentials. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stained carpet and leave it for a couple of hours to absorb the dirt and odors. Vacuum it up then spray a mixture of vinegar and water (1:2) onto the carpet. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it with a clean towel.
2. Salt
Salt is another easy-to-access natural ingredient for cleaning carpets. Wet the stained area of carpet with some water and sprinkle a good amount of salt over it. Leave it for a couple of hours or overnight to absorb the stain before vacuuming. Salt works best on fresh stains like red wine by absorbing the liquid and preventing it from setting into carpet fibers.
3. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is an excellent absorbent ideal for grease and oil stains. Mix equal parts cornstarch and milk to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it dry. Later, vacuum up the dried paste along with the stain. It’s a natural and easy way to tackle stubborn grease stains.
4. Club Soda
Club Soda is famous for removing beer and wine stains naturally. Moisten the stained area with club soda and blot, don’t rub, the stain with it. This process may need to be repeated for the stain to be fully removed.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Well-known for its antibacterial properties, hydrogen peroxide is ideal for cleaning. Mix equal parts water with hydrogen peroxide and spray the solution on stains or pet accidents. After a few minutes, dab the area dry. Proceed with caution, as hydrogen peroxide can have a bleaching effect on certain carpets.
6. Essential Oils
Essential oils such as lavender or lemongrass, can give your carpet a delightful, fresh smell. Mix several drops of preferred essential oil with baking soda, sprinkle the mix on your carpet, leave it for a while, and vacuum. This simple hack not only cleans your carpet but also deodorizes it.
7. Borax
Borax, a natural mineral, can deep clean your carpets and remove stubborn stains. Make a paste of borax and water, and apply it to the stain. Let it dry and then vacuum. Be sure to first test this method on an inconspicuous part of your carpet, as borax can bleach some fabrics.
8. Lemon & Hydrogen Peroxide
The combination of lemon’s citrus power and hydrogen peroxide’s cleaning strength makes a great stain-fighting solution. Mix equal parts lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide, apply to the stain, then blot with a clean cloth.
9. Shaving Cream
Applying shaving cream directly to the stain and letting it sit for about 30 minutes makes the cream harden, allowing you to remove it with a spoon or blunt edge. Afterwards, rub a solution of one part vinegar, one part water over the area, and wipe clean.
10. Ice Cubes
Use ice cubes to remove chewing gum or sticky candy. Freeze the sticky stuff with an ice cube for about a minute. You can then carefully lift the frozen chunk without damaging the carpet fibers.
Before trying any of these DIY hacks, it’s recommended to test a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet to ensure these natural cleaners do not discolour or damage it. Also, remember to blot stains instead of rubbing to avoid spreading the stain further.
General carpet care includes addressing spills and stains immediately, vacuuming regularly to prevent dirt from settling into the fibers, and professional cleaning at least once a year. By adding these natural DIY hacks to your cleaning routine, you can maintain your carpets’ brilliance and longevity without resorting to harsh chemicals. However, remember that these DIY solutions are not complete replacements for a professional carpet cleaning service, but rather an intermediate solution to keep your carpets clean and fresh.
