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Commercial carpet shampoos contain strong chemicals that effectively clean dirty carpets but also leave behind toxic residues. For a safer way to clean stains with materials commonly at home already, try these 7 DIY alternatives that use gentle, natural ingredients.

Baking Soda

Baking soda works wonders to deodorize carpets and lift some staining naturally. Sprinkle it liberally over any area that needs freshening up, let sit for 30 minutes and vacuum thoroughly. The fine powder absorbs odors trapped down in carpet fibers. For set-in stains, make a paste with just enough water to form a thick solution and rub gently into problem spots before rinsing clean. The high alkaline in baking soda helps dissolve staining material without using harsh chemicals.

White Vinegar

White vinegar naturally cuts through grease, food oils, some dyes and other dirt components common in carpeting. Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar to gently blot over stained areas or use in carpet cleaner machines designed for mild liquid solutions. Vinegar neutralizes odors as it dries instead of simply masking them like fragranced products. Its antimicrobial properties help sanitize carpets too without residue buildup.

Hydrogen Peroxide

As a mild bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide can lift some staining very effectively. Carefully apply it directly onto light colored carpet stains. Or combine one part clear dish soap with one part hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle, shake and spray over problem areas. The active bubbly solution helps release trapped dirt, food, pet messes and more with some dwell time. Just don't over saturate carpets and always rinse afterward.

Club Soda

The slight carbonation and neutralizing salts in plain club soda make it a handy cleaning booster for fresh carpet stains. Immediately blot wet spills like wine, coffee, and juice with club soda first. The quick bubble action helps lift coloring before it sets into fibers, especially when combined with a bit of dish soap too. Club soda cuts grease well also. Just don’t rub too aggressively to prevent spreading.

Castile Soap

Made from vegetable oils, mild unscented Castile liquid soap effectively cuts oil-based staining without harsh detergent residue. Dilute a few drops of Castile soap into a spray bottle filled with warm water and shake gently over problem areas on carpets. Let soak briefly before dabbing and rinsing - the soap molecules trap and lift staining materials effectively from down below.

Essential Oils

Various antimicrobial essential oils like lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus and lemon oil naturally combat odors and some staining in carpets too. Add a few drops into a warm water carpet cleaning solution so pleasant aromas remain after drying. The potent plant extracts help break down components in stains for better removal and freshen air quality. Just keep oils away from unfinished wood furniture legs with potential water damage risks.

Salt

Plain table salt sprinkled onto fresh carpet stains like red wine or beet juice can help extract some stubborn coloring. The salt chemically pulls dye particles out from fibers as the area dries. Let salt dwell at least an hour before vacuum cleaning up. A salt paste rub also scours caked-on dirt and debris out of carpeting with some elbow grease. Just avoid pouring directly on delicate antique carpets and thoroughly rinse after salt applications.

Final Words

With a few homemade solutions easily mixed using common household ingredients, carpets can get effectively cleaned more safely and economically. If these natural carpet cleaners don’t provide the results you expect, you shouldn’t switch back to toxic chemicals. Instead, you can replace your carpets at an affordable price. You just need to shop for them from us at Pay As You Go carpets. We provide monthly flooring. Once you start shopping for carpets, you will get a £600 instant credit. Then you can continue to pay £10 month as you use new carpets at home.