Keeping your carpets clean is an important factor in maintaining a healthy home environment, though many commercial cleaners include chemicals that some homeowners would rather not use. Fortunately, some natural alternatives can get your carpets clean without the use of toxic products. Here’s how to naturally clean your carpets at home.
Gather Natural Cleaning Supplies
Overview: Gather essential ingredients for natural carpet cleaning.
Supplies:
Baking Soda: Iconsumes odor and releases dirt.
White Vinegar: Dissolves stains & natural disinfectant.
Essential Oils: Introduce fragrance and possess extra antibacterial properties.
Salt: Provides a gentle abrasiveness for scrubbing and absorption.
Action Steps:
If you don’t already have these ingredients sitting in your pantry, buy them from your local grocery store.
Keep supplies in a designated cleaning caddy for convenient access.
Routine Vacuuming
Or do You Need a Guide: Regular vacuuming is essential to keep dirt from accumulating and carpets fresh.
Tips:
Vacuum at Least Weekly: More frequently in high-traffic areas.
Slow Passes: Vacuum slowly so that you pick up as much dirt and debris as possible.
Action Steps:
Establish a weekly vacuuming schedule.
Make sure you have a HEPA vacuum cleaner to trap allergens.
Baking Soda and Essential Oil Freshener
Overview: Use baking soda and essential oils for a quick carpet refresher.
How To:
Mix: Mix one cup of baking soda with a couple drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or tea tree.
Sprinkle: Spread the mix out over the carpet.
Let it Sit: Leave it for 15-30 minutes, let absorb odors and dirt.
Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda from the carpet.
Benefits:
Scent leaves carpets fresh and clean.
Essential oils offer additional antibacterial properties.
Vinegar and Water Spot Treatment
Overview: A natural vinegar-and-water solution can get out tough stains — without chemicals.
How To:
Mix: In a spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
Spray: Spray the stained area with a light mist, but do not saturate the carpet.
Blot: Gently blot the area with a clean, white cloth to lift the stain.
Rinse: Spritz with a bit of clean water to rinse, then blot again until dry.
Benefits:
Breaks down stains naturally.
Deodorizes while it cleans.
Carpet Cleaning DIY with Heavy Duty Cleaners
Overview: On a grander scale, homemade carpet cleaner can do wonders with just several ingredients.
Recipe:
Mix: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup salt with 1/4 borax and 1/4 vinegar to form a paste.
Apply: Use the paste on heavily soiled areas or stains.
Let Sit: Let the paste dry completely, then vacuum it up.
Benefits:
Deep cleans and disinfects.
Not as harsh on the environment as chemical method.
Action Steps:
Make sure to spot test a small and inconspicuous area of your carpet before using a cleaner.
Use on high-touch surfaces as necessary for deeper cleaning.
Steam Cleaning with Vinegar
Summary: If you do entire carpet cleanings, steam cleaning with vinegar is an effective chemical-free option.
How To:
Fill the Machine: Use equal parts water and white vinegar, not commercial cleaner, to fill your steam cleaner.
Steam Clean: Adhere to the manufacturer’s directions, passing the machine slowly so that it cleans well.
Ventilate: Propped windows open, use fans to help the carpet dry rapidly.
Benefits:
Removes dirt and allergens naturally.
Leaves no chemical residue.
Preventative Measures
Overview: With small and simple habits, you can prevent stains and dirt buildup.
Tips:
Door Mats: At entrances, which reduces dirt brought in.
Shoes off: Ask family and friends to leave their shoes at the door.
Be Proactive: “Fuller’s Earth works wonders on oil stains,” she said.
Action Steps:
You could also implement a no-shoes policy in your home to cut down on dirt.
A lot of dirt can be removed on the spot with a small cleaning kit nearby.
Conclusion
Natural carpet cleaning is healthy for your home, as well as the environment. But between vacuuming regularly, homemade remedies and preventive measures, you can have clean carpets that don’t require harsh chemicals. These techniques are effective and safe, giving peace of mind and a renewed living space. Get year round fresh look of carpet by natural cleaning.
