My Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution

by Emily
(Yakima, WA USA)

Dish soap is great for removing stains in carpet. I just work it in with a damp rag, then sponge the area until the soap is out. It works particularly well for oily stains, but the soap can take a while to rinse.


I use vinegar and baking soda to clean my carpets as well, but I apply the ingredients a little differently from the way described in the article. First, I take about three tablespoons of baking soda and work it into the spot with a small brush or even a broom.


You have to get it really deep into the carpet spot. Then, I put white vinegar in a spray bottle mixed half and half with water, and I spritz the mixture on the spot until the area is saturated. It will get extremely foamy.


That foaming action is what will lift the stain. I let it dry, which usually takes a day or two, and then I vacuum the area thoroughly to get all residue out. I have yet to find a stain that this does not work on. Vinegar and baking soda, separately or combined, can be used to clean almost any area of the house, no matter how worn or stained.