Grandma's (inexpensive) Carpet Cleaning Solutions

Carpet Cleaning Ideas

To give your light colored carpet a fresh look, brush with cornmeal before vacuuming.

Homemade Carpet Shampoo:
1/2 c powdered detergent
1t ammonia
1 quart of warm water

Mix ingredient in a bowl, stirring constantly to work up a layer of froth. Using froth only, rub carpet lightly with a sponge or cloth. Stir solution to get additional froth. Allow carpet to dry and vacuum.

If you are shampooing your carpet with a carpet cleaning machine, cover your furniture legs with plastic baggies to protect them and to keep your carpet from getting rust stains caused by metal legs on damp carpet.

Carpet Stain Removal Ideas

Mix a diluted solution of vinegar, dish soap, and water. Dampen a cloth with this solution and press firmly against the stain for several seconds. Blot dry with a clean cloth.

Shaving cream can be used as an emergency carpet stain remove. It works on coffee, wine, ketchup, chocolate, and tea.

Sprinkle salt liberally on fresh stains and allow to soak up the moisture, then vacuum. Salt is great for absorbing mud stains.

Homemade Carpet Stain Remover:

Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda. Add several drops of white vinegar and enough water to make a paste. Check carpet for color fastness, then apply the paste to the stain and let it set. When it is dry, brush it away and the stain should go with it. For a particularly nasty stain, scrub it when you first apply the paste.

Homemade Pet Stain Remover:

1 C of hydrogen peroxide
1 T of baking soda
1/2 t of dish soap

Mix all ingredients and stir well. Apply solutions to the stained area with a sponge. Let dry and vacuum!