If you have kids or pets, you know you need a carpet cleaner. But, with the little hands and feet that walk on your carpets, you want to make sure you use something that is safe but yet effective.
It took some time, but I found a way to make my own DIY carpet cleaner! There are two different recipes below. The first one is a way to clean your carpet without a machine, using spot cleaning. The second one listed is a recipe you can use to make homemade carpet cleaning solution for your carpet cleaning machine.
Both of these work amazingly well and are easy to make. I like that they don’t feel like they leave as much residue, while still removing stains. Best of all, I know what is going into the solution, making it better for my family.
Oh, and make sure you check out these other cleaning tips:
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CARPET CLEANER
SUPPLIES
1 Milk-Based Soap Bar or Ivory Soap
2 1/2 gallons of Water (split)
1 cup Borax
1 cup Super Washing Soda
(FYI: This batch makes 2 1/2 gallons, so you will need a large stock pot)
INSTRUCTIONS
First, place the stock pot on the stove, and turn the burner on high. While the pot is heating up, cut up your soap into small pieces. Put the soap in the pot, let it start to melt.
Pour in 1 1/2 gallons of very hot water. This will help ensure the soap continues to melt, rather than slow the process. Gently stir the water, and only keep the pot on the hot burner until all the soap is melted.
Once it’s melted, remove the pot from the heat, and add the borax, and the washing soda. Stir until dissolved completely. For the final step, add one gallon of cold water, and mix well. Pour your carpet cleaning solution in clean milk jugs (or another method with a screw on cap). You may want to place a small amount in a fresh spray bottle for in between cleanings.
To use, apply a liberal amount of cleaner to the stain. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes or longer. Apply another small amount to the spot, again, and then scrub with a clean, dry rag vigorously. Repeat as necessary.
If you want to clean a larger stain or spot, fill a bowl with the cleaner and saturate a heavy scrub brush. Scrub the areas vigorously and allow to dry for at least 12 hours (best to allow to dry overnight).
Keep in a cool, dry place. It should last for several months. For best results shake before using.
**Note that this solution has not been tested with a cleaning machine, so I cannot recommend that method.
HOW TO HOMEMADE CARPET CLEANER SHAMPOOER
I love this simple recipe for making your own homemade carpet cleaner shampoo that you can use in your carpet cleaning machines.
SUPPLIES
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Water
Essential Oils (if desired, but not necessary)
INSTRUCTIONS
2 Tbsp. Liquid Laundry Detergent (I always use Tide)
1/4 cup of all-purpose cleaner
1 scoop of Oxi-clean (or something comparable)
1 Tbsp. Fabric Softener (I use Downy)
1 gallon hot water
Fill your bucket with the hot water and add all items. Mix well and then add to your machine. Clean your carpets according to the machine instructions.
It is very important to read your warranty information as some manufacturers will void the warranty if you use anything other than the recommended products. If that is the case, make sure yours has passed the warranty period, or stick with the store-bought cleaners to be safe.
