How to clean carpets naturally and effectively

Keep your carpets intact and clean with natural methods

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By Edward Campbell

how to clean carpets naturally

Knowing how to clean carpets in a manner as natural as possible and without the assistance of chemicals or detergents, readily available on the store shelves, will allow you to save money and protect the environment.

Love them or hate them, knowing how to clean carpets is important for those who use this piece of home furniture to give each room a touch of personal taste and style, never hurts. Whether it’s a classic, modern, colorful, synthetic or made out of natural fabrics and fibers, carpets are inevitably destined to get dirty with some ease and therefore it’s very important to take care to avoid becoming the nests for germs, mites and bacteria.

Instead of relying on dry cleaning or chemicals that are harmful to the health, the appearance of the carpets themselves, cleaning, sanitizing and keeping the beauty of our carpets intact is achievable with natural methods that allow you to get perfect results from every point of view without spending a fortune. And without hurting the fragile environment.

How to clean carpets naturally: the most effective natural allies

The number one ally for cleaning your carpets is – needles to say – baking soda, which combined with white vinegar is perfect in handling the cleaning if any type of carpet and fabric.

In addition to regular cleaning of the carpets to be performed with a vacuum and a brush, baking soda and white vinegar are very effective in removing even the most stubborn stains and act virtually alone, no need to rub or linger on the dirt. Just sprinkle a little baking soda on the stain, add vinegar later and leave it for a couple of minutes, then blot with a clean cloth and let it dry out.

For stubborn stains and particularly extensive ones, just sprinkle baking soda and let it sit and do it’s job for 30 minutes, followed by a vacuum cleaning after it’s done. Another trick to clean carpets in a natural way is to combine salt and vinegar to form a sort of batter, applied to the stain and left for a few minutes, it will get rid of it in no time.

how to clean carpets naturally
Our best allies here are baking soda and white vinegar.

A natural carpet cleaning solution for fresh stains

Similarly, corn flour mixed with baking soda can be used to remove fresh and new stains from carpets, similarly to the good ole’ salt and vinegar; just rub gently with a sponge and then wipe it all off taking the stain off along with the mixture.

7 Tips & Trick to clean carpets naturally and effectively

Taking care of carpets is easy, but some reminders starting from prevention can be useful.

Here’s a 7-points practical guide to help you:

Regular Vacuuming

This is very important because it prevents the accumulation of stubborn dirt. Vacuum your carpets regularly to remove loose dirt and debris. This also prevents dirt from getting ground into the fibers.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great natural deodorizer and cleaner. Sprinkle it evenly over the carpet and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Then, vacuum it up to remove odors and freshen the carpet.

Spot Cleaning

  • For spills and stains, address them immediately. Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the spill as possible.
  • Create a natural cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Test it on an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t discolor the carpet.
  • Gently blot the stain with the vinegar-water solution, working from the outside of the stain towards the center. – Rinse with plain water and blot again until the stain is gone. Be patient, and repeat if necessary.

Carpet Shampoo

  • You can make a DIY carpet shampoo using a mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild liquid dish soap.
  • Apply the solution sparingly to the carpet with a sponge or cloth, then scrub gently.
  • Rinse with clean water to remove soap residue, and blot dry.

Steam Cleaning

If you have a steam cleaner, use it with hot water and a bit of vinegar or a specialized natural carpet cleaning solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Drying

After cleaning, make sure the carpet dries thoroughly. Open windows and use fans to improve ventilation, or even consider using a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.

Preventative Measures

To keep carpets cleaner longer, consider using doormats to reduce tracked-in dirt and removing shoes at the entrance. Regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your carpets clean.

Finally, remember that different carpet types may require specific care, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations if available. Additionally, always test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor your carpet.

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