Whether it’s a spot of wine, pet pee, or just plain old dirt, there are several simple cures that can be used to clean your carpet quickly.
One thing to note, however, is that any cleaning solution should be tested on a small inconspicuous area before applying it to your whole carpet.
1. Baking Soda
When used correctly, baking soda can be a fantastic cleaning product. It can help remove stains, absorb liquids, and freshen and deodorize your carpet.
When sprinkling a few tablespoons of baking soda into your carpet, it’s important to work it in with your fingers or a dry brush so that it can get deep into the fibers. It should also be left to sit for a few hours or overnight to make sure it has the time to absorb any odors.
Baking soda is a classic baking ingredient, but it’s also useful as an abrasive and an emulsifier. It can help to remove food stains on your countertops, keep floors and tiles sparkling clean, and even freshen your refrigerator’s smell!
If your pet has a habit of leaving a mess on the floor, baking soda is an effective way to clean it quickly. Besides absorbing any fluids and removing stains, it can help to reduce the amount of smell that lingers on the carpet after the animal has gone.
You may need to repeat the process a few times before you see results, but it’s definitely worth trying! If you’re dealing with greasy stains, baking soda can be an especially helpful stain remover.
For non-greasy stains, the process is slightly different, but the same general principle applies: sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain, moisten it with a damp paper towel or washcloth, and let it sit for about three hours or longer. Once the stain has dried up, vacuum it up.
One of the best things about baking soda is that it’s inexpensive and doesn’t clog up your vacuum! It’s also safe for the environment and for pets.
It’s also great for cleaning tile and grout. Simply add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your scrubbing solution and mop up the grime!
A quick search on the Internet will reveal many more enticing uses for this household staple. It’s just a matter of finding the ones that are right for your home. Whether you’re looking to save money or keep your family healthy, baking soda is a must-have!
2. Club Soda
Club soda, which is nothing more than carbonated water infused with sodium and potassium salts, can be an effective stain remover. Its aeration keeps the stain from setting into the carpet fibers, making it ideal for getting out stains such as red wine.
It’s also safe to use on carpet, as long as you don’t over-saturate the area with it. Just pour it on the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it away. Repeat until the stain is gone, says green-cleaning expert Leslie Reichert.
Before using any cleaning product, test it in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won’t discolor or damage your carpet. If it does, discard the product and find another that works.
You can also try using lemon juice to lighten a dirty carpet, but be careful when dousing the stain. It can bleach your carpet, so make sure to only use a small amount.
Another natural carpet stain remover that you can use is hydrogen peroxide, advises green-cleaning expert Leslie Reichert. Just make sure you test the stain before applying it, as it may lighten your carpet, which would be a bad look.
If you have a large spill that needs to be treated quickly, a mixture of cornstarch and club soda can help. Apply the solution and blot it up, then repeat as needed.
You might not think about gum or wax stains as a problem, but they can really wreak havoc on your carpets. Ice is a good tool to get rid of these messes, but be gentle so you don’t leave any worn spots behind.
Alternatively, rubbing salt onto the greasy food stain can help lift it from your carpet fibers. Sprinkle the salt over the stain and let it set for about 10 minutes. Then vacuum up the excess, which will help prevent future stains.
You can also mix club soda with baking soda to create a paste that’s perfect for lifting grease stains from your carpets. Be sure to mix it well and don’t leave any of the paste on your carpet.
3. Febreze Fabric
If you have an uninvited smell hanging around your carpet, try using Febreze fabric to get rid of it. This product is easy to use and can help you eliminate odors from couches, carpets, curtains, upholstery, and more.
Unlike air fresheners that just mask odors, Febreze goes to the source to eliminate them and leave your carpets smelling clean. It has an active ingredient called cyclodextrin that binds to the odor molecules and prevents them from getting to the odor receptors in your nose. This can be especially helpful for carpets with lingering odors like pet stains, urine, and stale foods.
You can also use it on your clothes, gym bags, and bedding to remove unwanted odors that may be present in these areas. It is a great way to make sure that your guests are greeted with a clean and comfortable space when they enter your home.
Another thing that can help you get rid of odors in your home is baking soda. This can be used to remove odors from fabrics like blankets and pillow covers by sprinkling them over the fabric. Once the baking soda dries, it can be vacuumed up and the smells will be gone for good.
The good news is that it is completely safe to use. It is made with natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin and pets and is free of harmful toxins such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and flammable propellants.
One of the best things about Febreze is that they have a very strong safety focus on their products and only use the safest ingredients. They do extensive testing to find the safest amount of each ingredient so that they can keep them well within the safety limits that are required by law.
This is especially important if you have children or pets. You can use this spray on a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, linen, denim, and wool. It can also be used on furniture, sofas, carpets, and even your car. Just remember to test the product on a small hidden seam or area first, and always dry thoroughly before wearing or using the sprayed item.
4. Vodka
Vodka is one of the most popular drinks on the planet, with its neutral taste allowing it to mix easily in cocktails. It’s also an excellent choice for degreasing surfaces, disinfecting and cleaning appliances, and removing odors from your home.
The alcohol in vodka cuts through grease and oil, leaving a clean surface. For greasy pots, pans, trays, and utensils, spray a solution of equal parts water and vodka on the stain and let it sit for 20 minutes before using a scourer or iron wool to scrub it away.
You can also use this mixture to remove stubborn price stickers from electronics, toys, and jewelry. “Simply apply a few drops of vodka to the residue, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe off with a paper towel for a squeaky-clean surface,” says Addison.
If you have a stained carpet, you can try adding vodka to a solution of baking soda and water. This will help the stains lift and you can then vacuum it.
Another great tip is to use vodka on soap scum and hard-water stains in your bathroom. Just spritz the cleaner on the mess, and it will come off easily.
It’s also a good choice to remove grime and grease stains on your stovetop, backsplash, and countertops. It can also shine up chrome faucets and cabinet hardware.
You can also use vodka to get rid of pet odors in your house. It can neutralize odors and make the room smell fresh. It can also be used to clean windows and mirrors. It’s a safe option for pets and children because it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like bleach or abrasives. Just be sure to rinse the glass or window thoroughly afterward.
