Carpets provide style and comfort to our homes. Unfortunately, they can also be a magnet for dirt, pet hair, spills, and stains that will occur with daily living, so carpet cleaning is a must. To keep carpets looking great and comfortable, it is important to take care of stains immediately and regularly give carpets a deep cleaning. Sometimes, however, you don’t have access to a carpet steam cleaner when those accidents happen or when an unexpected company arrives. However, no need to panic because House Life Today has several tricks that use tools and cleaning solutions you already have on hand.
Eliminating a Stain
To treat a stain on your carpet, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove loose dirt and dust. Then, sprinkle the stain with baking soda until completely covered. You can also use one tablespoon of dish soap per six to eight inches of stain, working it gently into the carpet until you see bubbles.
Using an old brush, toothbrush, rag, or towel, gently scrub the stain with warm water, careful not to completely soak the floor but getting the carpet just wet enough to scrub away the stain. When the stain is removed, turn on a fan or open nearby windows and allow the spot to dry, then vacuum again.
Deep Carpet Cleaning
Buying or renting a machine and lugging around a heavy steam cleaner is not the only deep carpet cleaning method. If you have a large, stiff-bristled scrubbing brush and a vacuum, you can get the job done without the added expense of a machine. Mix 1/8th teaspoon of mild soap, such as Castille soap, into a spray bottle filled with water and shake gently to mix. Sprinkle a combination of baking soda and table salt over the carpet and then lightly spray it on the soapy water mixture.
After the mixture has sat for a few minutes, brush the carpet in one direction, section by section. At the same time, remove the loose debris that will accumulate on the brush. If hair and dirt remain in the carpet, move 90 degrees from the original direction and go over it again. Next, press the towels into the carpet to pick up the excess water. When the carpet is nearly dry, empty the soapy mix from the spray bottle, fill it with tap water, lightly spray the carpet once more, and use cloth towels to remove excess water.
Light Carpet Cleaning
Sometimes your carpet needs to be refreshed. For this carpet cleaning method, use baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the carpet until it is covered, and allow it to sit for 10 minutes—vacuum as normal.
Eliminating Pet Odors
We love our pets, but the odors they leave behind on soft surfaces such as carpeting can be difficult to remove. For lingering pet odors, mix 16 ounces of warm water with 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. You may also substitute two tablespoons of peppermint extract. Then, spray the carpet with the solution and let it dry.
With regular maintenance using cleaning solutions and tools you already have, your carpet can provide comfort and style to your home for years to come.
