How to Make a DIY Carpet Cleaner and Stain Remover Using Household Ingredients

Carpets can easily build up with dirt and dander due to heavy foot traffic, spills, and pets. But maintaining the appearance of your carpet can easily be done using products you likely already have in your home. Common ingredients like vinegar and dish soap can be used to restore the beauty of your carpet. Ahead, we're providing three expert-approved DIY solutions—a carpet cleaner, stain remover, and freshener—that will help you remove any unsightly spots, discoloration, and odors from your carpet.

How Often to Clean Your Carpets

How frequently you clean your carpet depends on how much foot traffic it receives, but generally carpet manufacturers recommend deep cleaning every 12 to 18 months. "However, make it a point to vacuum weekly to remove dust, hair, skin cells, and other bacteria-laden substances," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when making the following solutions.

• Bowl
• Spray bottle
• Container with a perforated lid
• Soft brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Distilled white vinegar
  
• Water
• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• Essential oil

How to Make a DIY Carpet Cleaner

A DIY carpet cleaner can be made with several common household ingredients. Be sure to spot-test it before using the cleaner on the entire carpet, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. In a bowl, combine 2 cups distilled white vinegar and 2 cups water.
2. Slowly add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the mixing bowl.
3. Optional: add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
4. Stir the mixture well so the baking soda is completely dissolved.
5. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle.
6. Spray the natural cleaner onto the carpet, avoiding over-saturating the surface.
7. Use a soft brush or a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the cleaner into the carpet fibers.
8. After scrubbing, blot the treated areas with a clean, dry cloth.
9. Allow the carpet to air dry completely.
   

How to Make a Carpet Stain Remover

To spot-treat stains on your carpet, use this DIY solution from Sokolowski.

1. In a bowl, combine 1 cup distilled white vinegar and 1 cup water.
2. Add 1 tablespoon natural dish soap to the mixture and stir gently to combine.
3. Optional: add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
4. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle.
5. Blot (don't scrub) the stained area using a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
6. Spray the stain remover directly onto the stained area. Don't oversoak the area.
7. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes.
8. Blot the treated area with a microfiber cloth to lift away the stain and excess cleaner. If necessary, rinse the area with plain water and blot again.
9. For stubborn or persistent stains, repeat the process.
   

How to Make a Carpet Freshener

Give your carpet a refresh with this easy DIY formula. Before applying the freshener, first make sure your carpet is clean and dry, says Sokolowski.

1. In a bowl, combine 1 cup baking soda and 10 to 20 drops of your chosen essential oil.
2. Mix until thoroughly combined.
3. Transfer the scented baking soda to a shaker or container with a perforated lid.
4. Sprinkle a light, even layer of the scented baking soda over the carpet surface.
5. Allow the freshener to sit on the carpet for at least 15 to 30 minutes to absorb odors.
6. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove the baking soda.
   

How to Store Carpet Cleaner

Store the unused portion of the natural carpet cleaner, stain remover, and freshener in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, says Sokolowski. Ensure the above solutions are labeled and stored in a tightly sealed container. But note that it's best to make small batches of each product as the potency of the ingredients may diminish over time.

Preventing Future Stains

Messes are inevitable, but there are some simple things you can do to prevent carpet stains and help extend the life of your carpet.

• No shoes: Create a no-shoes policy and ask your family and visitors to leave their shoes by the door. Shoes can bring in dirt and oils from outside.
• Act fast: The quicker you can jump on a stain, the better. Blot the stain as soon as the accident occurs.
• Use doormats: Doormats at your front and back doors will help trap dirt before it ever reaches your carpet.
• Rotate furniture: Occasionally moving your furniture prevents uneven wear, plus it gives you a chance to clean the hidden dust or crumbs before they're ground into the carpet.