2. When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Paws and Claws Pet Carpet Cleaner Solution, 64 oz. Follow her on, How to get acrylic, latex, or oil-based paint stains out of carpet, How to choose the right size rug so it properly fits your space, Why material is an important factor when shopping for a rug, How to deep clean a fabric couch and remove tricky stains. But while the deep cleaners are twice as big, they dont necessarily clean twice as well; you dont have to spend a bundle to get a spotless carpet. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. If the stains are stubborn or dry, leave the solution to sit for 10 minutes before rubbing. Most homemade carpet cleaners, in comparison, are natural and safe to be used around children. With homemade products, however, you can choose tolerable ingredients. When using a carpet cleaner, you push and pull it just like a vacuum. Certain ingredients should never be used on carpets to avoid damage. 4. The salt is mildly abrasive and will do most of the work. As for accessories, although an independently rotating brush doesnt guarantee a good cleaning, it tends to scrub more aggressively than a fixed brush (or no brush at all). For other well-rated carpet cleaners, see our comprehensive carpet cleaner ratings. There are homemade carpet cleaner recipes that are perfect for most carpet types and stains, says Nick Wilkesmann, owner of the blog Cleaning King. There are multiple devices to use. Heres what you need: Combine water, ammonia, vinegar, and dish soap in a large bucket. If you dont have a carpet cleaner, you can rent one from your local home improvement store. But their size makes them more cumbersome to maneuver. A hose is especially useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or other tough-to-reach areas. You can also pour some of the solution into a spray bottle to make application easier. The essential oil will add a fresh scent, and the lemon will further help to break up grease. Then they repeat the test on two more swatches. And remember, these machines are heavy. This isn't as effective at removing stains and bacteria, but you won't have to worry about drying time, according to Gurskyi. When cleaning colored carpets, you should always do a spot test to avoid discoloration. A vacuum can come out of the closet ready to go. Move across the carpet, spraying the solution as you move forward and extracting it when going backward. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), 36 oz. While there are homemade remedies for cleaning small spills and stains, it's good practice to steam clean a carpet every 12 to 18 months. 2. People who struggle with allergies and asthma have difficulty using certain cleaners. Baking soda and vinegar is one of the best mixtures for spot-treating messes on a carpet. So, people with allergies must be extra cautious about product ingredients when shopping. Use a clean cloth or towel to blot up excess moisture. Helin Loik-Tomson/Getty Images. Dirt, dust, and bacteria can cause a buildup of various odors within the fiber of your carpet. If you want to soften your carpet, Gurskyi says you can use a laundry fabric softener like Downy since carpets are made from the same basic fiber types as clothing. Dip a brush or sponge in the solution and wring out excess moisture. Again, you know exactly what goes into the solution, and you can make sure its safe. When using a steam mop on carpets, youll need a carpet glider to navigate without resistance. 1. Because of that, Wilkesmann uses a spray of vinegar and liquid dishwashing detergent, Dawn dish soap, to spot-treat dark or patterned rugs. (In decibels, a reading of 80 is twice as loud as 70.) Steam Cleaning: Which Is Better? 3. Put the mixture into a spray bottle, and lightly spray the carpet until it's damp. The steam might discolor or cause damage this is especially important if you have a Berber carpet. Keeping a rug looking and smelling clean takes regular maintenance. Be sure to spot-test this to make sure the spice won't stain your carpet. Mix the water and vinegar, using the appropriate ratio of one part vinegar and two parts water for synthetic carpets. This can be done quickly using a commercial product. 2000-2022 Home Depot. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and Forbes, among others. When It Comes to Carpet Cleaning, Should You Rent, Hire, or Buy. 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (optional), Five drops of essential oil (preferably lemon), One teaspoon of dish soap (preferably clear to avoid staining), Two ounces of an all-purpose cleaner, such as, One tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent. After the solution sits on the stains, use a soft brush to scrub the area until the stains are gone. Be sure you're applying this treatment either immediately after a spill. A carpet cleaner is an excellent tool for deep cleaning carpets since they leave your carpet nearly dry. Allow the cleaner to sit on the carpet for a few moments while the ingredients work their magic. Carpet cleaners are heavy when empty and even heavier after you fill up the tank. The granular property of salt also makes it easy to vacuum up the mess. 1. Locate the grimiest spots on your carpet and give them several good spritzes of your solution. Stick with the standard solution for most cleaning. Sixty readings on three samples make a total of 180 readings per model. Scrub the stains thoroughly until you see them start to disappear. Dip a sponge in the soapy water and rub the area thoroughly. To respond to a new stain, Gurskyi recommends another common kitchen item: salt. The carpet cleaners currently in our ratings cost from about $100 to over $500 for a deep cleaner. 1. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent alternative to harsh bleach like chlorine. An average vacuum cleaner can produce up to 70 decibels of noise. You might notice a musty odor or sour smell in the carpeted room. Of course, a handle makes it easier to carry the machine around, so look for a model that has one if heft is a concern. Important: Always test your homemade carpet cleaner on a small spot before diving in to use it to ensure it won't bleach or do any damage to the carpet. However, this will do more harm than good. CR members can read on for ratings and reviews of the four best carpet cleaner models based on CRs latest tests. If you want a calming scent, go for lavender. If it has left a stain, try blotting it with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel. Amy is a stay-at-home-mom, seasoned writer, and a home cleaning and organization aficionado. In fact, the instructions for these machines tell you to vacuum your floor first using a conventional vacuum cleaner, and then use the carpet cleaner to clean up embedded dirt.. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the stain. Then use a blot and lift motion to get the most out. Weve got eight different homemade carpet cleaners for you to try. Pour a small amount of cold water onto the stain. A combination of baking soda and vinegar is Wilkesmann's go-to solution for spot-treating most carpet types and stains. This should clear the stain, with no need to rinse the carpet afterward, according to Wilkesmann. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Carpets take a lot of wear and tear, but there's no need to turn to harsh chemicals to get them clean. Get out your carpet cleaner. Then finish off with a vacuum to remove excess solution and particles. 3. Though they have a profile similar to an upright vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners are nothing like a standard upright vacuum, says Larry Ciufo, who oversees Consumer Reports carpet cleaner tests. 3. Try this recipe. 1. One of the lightest models we tested, theHoover PowerDash Pet FH50700, weighs 12 pounds when empty and 17 when the tank is full. If you want to freshen your carpet or remove a musty smell in a hurry, stick to a dry cleaning solution. Spray a generous amount of solution directly onto the spot or stain. But for routine carpet cleaning, the specialty formulas and spot stain removers arent necessary. For carpets made from wool or natural materials, use a one-to-one ratio of vinegar and water. If the stain is still wet, start by blotting it using a cloth or paper towel. Steam mops are excellent tools for disinfecting surfaces and removing grime (7). Dont use ice cubes as these will melt and can cause the gum or wax to become even more difficult to remove. (Check out these tips for preventing hearing loss.). Salt can help absorb liquid stains like spilled wine before they set. This will help to make it easier and improve the end results. Regular vacuuming is the best way to keep dirt at bay, but sometimes your carpet requires a deeper clean. Try to wring the sponge as much as you can, leaving it moist but not dripping wet. Use a slightly damp cloth to rinse the area. Scrub with a hard-bristle brush. Allow it to sit until the substance is frozen solid. 2. Natural fibers are more delicate, so you'll have to be more careful when cleaning them, says Gurskyi. An excellent choice is the Hoover PowerDash. Make sure you're cleaning your carpets regularly to it last longer, and leave a home looking and smelling fresh. Use a clean cloth or paper towels to remove excess water and salt. Leave the powdery solution on the carpet for one to two hours. The largest cleaner in our ratings, theRug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Pro, weighs 65 pounds when full and may be difficult for one person to maneuver. After seeing the different reasons why you should make your own carpet cleaner, its time to reveal our favorites. For more information, see our carpet cleaner buying guide. The fabric softener will add a lovely scent to the carpet while calming the fibers, creating a better result. You can use any type of salt for this fine grain, such as table salt, is very effective. 1. Rinse with a damp sponge and finish by drying the entire carpet using towels and a fan. Use a soft brush to work the solution into the carpet, and then allow the carpet to dry. While baking soda and vinegar are generally safe, they might leave a residue on dark-colored or patterned rugs. You can do this by hand or use a carpet cleaner for the easiest results. However, this next recipe is perfectly safe and effective on colored fibers. Whether you need something for deep cleaning, something to remove gum stains, something for light-colored carpets, and more, we have lots of recipes! Sprinkling the spice just like you did with the baking soda. If your stairs have carpeting, youll want a longer hose to reach up the steps, Ciufo says. If you have a dark-colored carpet, you might be feeling a bit lost as to how you can remove a stain. If the floors in your home are covered in carpet and there are lots of feetor pawsto make a mess of it, a dedicated carpet cleaner may be a wise addition to your cleaning closet. Not so much. It can make short work of ground-in dirt and stains in a way that even the best vacuums cant. Settings to consider: Some manufacturers claim that their models clean hard floors, like wood and tile, and carpets. Manufacturers recommend that you use their proprietary cleaning solution with their machineseven requiring it, at the risk of voiding the warranty. Allow it to sit for a little while to work. Just be cautious if you have pets, as many essential oils are toxic to them. Its worth mentioning that not all green products are necessarily safe. A major difference between steam mops and carpet cleaning machines is the amount of moisture left behind. Leave it to sit for up to five minutes. Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to the gum or wax. Give it a slight stir with a spoon to combine well. This recipe is easy to make, and you most likely have everything already. You can also mix them in a shaker to make the application easier. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle. However, the bay leaves need to be fine so as not to clog the holes. Add fragrant dry spice, such as cinnamon or rosemary. It works especially well for greasy stains, Wilkesmann says, since the dish detergent is designed to break down grease. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. However, a steam mop doesnt have that function you must dry the carpet thoroughly afterward. "Homemade carpet cleaning solutions have been shown to be incredibly effective at cleaning carpets," Gurskyi says. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. You can also use this solution by hand simply dip a soft brush in the solution and work it into the carpet. All content found on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Carpet can add an elegant, luxurious feel to your home. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If you like citrus, go for lemon or grapefruit. This method also works wonders on pet accidents such as urine. However, carpets also become a thriving spot for dirt, dust, crumbs, and bacteria yuck. However, this tool is best used on hard surfaces such as tiles and countertops. Amy enjoys having an absolutely spotless home and has worked hard to develop strategies to keep it that way, despite having 2 kids and 3 dogs! On the other hand, homemade cleaners often consist of products already in your pantry. For carpets made from natural materials, use one part vinegar and one part water. Heres what you need to make an easy carpet deodorizer: Start by combining all of the ingredients in a container or bowl. Carpet cleaners are loud. Paws and Claws Pet Carpet Cleaner Solution with Stainguard, 1 Gal. Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to use vinegar and baking soda to finish off cleaning the stain. Continue rubbing until the stain is gone. 2. For a dry cycle, release the trigger and complete the same steps. You can ensure that its 100 percent free of bleach that could damage your colored carpet. Rubbing a spill will only work it further into the fibers, making it more difficult to remove. 2. Pour a small amount of vinegar (about a tablespoon) on the baking soda. 5. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain. Because of the baking soda, this mixture is generally good for lifting stains without leaving residue. The baking soda and cornstarch should have dried out any stains and created a form of crust. When the alkaline baking soda reacts with the acidic vinegar, it creates a safe, oxygenated gas that foams up and helps lift stains out of a carpet, according to Wilkesmann. Theyre also known for causing asthma symptoms in people who dont usually suffer from respiratory issues (2). Here are five things to keep in mind as you shop. And they might sell a bewildering array of specialized solutions. At this decibel level, we recommend wearing hearing protection, especially if youre using the machine for a prolonged period. Next, fill the machine with cleaning solution and water. If youve accidentally spilled fruit juice on your carpet, dont fret. Weve found that you might need to test multiple products before finding the one. This is because of certain chemicals or hidden bleaches that discolor and damage the fibers. 2. Save the specialized solutions for stubborn stains, like a pet mess. Tetra Images/Getty Images. Start by mixing water and vinegar in a spray bottle. It takes three days to put one carpet cleaner through our battery of cleaning-performance tests. Learn more. Before using a cleaner, consider the color of your carpet and whether there are stains that need treatment. The two powders will effectively absorb the urine while neutralizing the pungent odor. For synthetic carpet, mix a solution using a ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water. KellyBurchis a New Hampshire-based freelance journalist writing about finances, health, family, and more. It's also a good idea to give a carpet a cleaning whenever you're struggling with allergies, as the allergies can be worsened by a dirty carpet. Once the time is up, use a strong vacuum to remove powder and potential stains. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 4. How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost? Andrii Gurskyi, CEO of the New York City cleaning service HomeClean, likes that homemade carpet cleaners are oftentimes on-hand, and environmentally friendly. One advantage of a steam mop is that it doesnt require any cleaning solution. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or consultation. When combined with vinegar, it creates an unstoppable stain-fighter. Finally, dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. According to Gurskyi, water with vinegar can be used to clean an entire carpet with a steam cleaner. Whether you're spot-cleaning a recent spill or tidying up as part of your regular home maintenance routine, there are plenty of homemade carpet cleaners that will work for you and your carpet type. (2022 Prices & Considerations). Bissell Little Green Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners vs. Resolve Sprays. You can also use paper towels just be prepared to use a lot. To make a carpet softener solution, mix half a cup of fabric softener, one gallon of hot water, one cup of clear vinegar, and one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent. The point is to create a pleasant scent in your carpet. The following method is excellent for when you need to deep clean your carpet. Its even more challenging if you have a specialized carpet, such as a Persian or shaggy. So grab noise-canceling headphones or earplugs that guarantee protection for up to 85 dBA. What Works Best to Remove Stains? Get out a carpet brush or any other with stiff bristles and scrub using back and forth motions. Once youre satisfied, you need to let the carpet dry completely before you (or pets) walk on it or replace the furniture. In a spray bottle, combine water and hydrogen peroxide. Sprinkle salt onto the stain, covering it thoroughly, and leave it for five minutes. Our engineers soil large swatches of off-white nylon carpet with red Georgia clay. Sprinkle the powdery combo in a thin layer on the carpet. A full tank of cleaning solution (which you have to lug from the sink) adds 6 to 15 pounds to the full-sized models in our ratings. Pour a small amount of cold water onto the salt and scrub using a soft brush. Here are a few things to avoid: 15 Carpet Cleaning Hacks You Need to Try Right Now, How To Clean Your Carpet Without a Vacuum, How Often to Clean Carpet (for All Cleaning Types), How to Clean Blood out of Carpet (Defeat Fresh and Dried Stains). Some have dispensers that automatically add the cleaning agent to the water, saving you the hassle of having to measure out a full tank each time. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. To suction the cleaning solution from the rug, make dry passes with the carpet cleaner. Allow the area to dry once youre done. In our tests, the average noise level was 80 dBA. After admiring your work, you have to unplug the machine, clean out the tank, and remove any debris from the brushes following the instructions in your owners manual. All Rights Reserved. Make your own carpet cleaner with these eight recipes. "I find homemade carpet cleaners can be just as effective as commercial solutions," Wilkesmann says. The all-purpose cleaner will help to remove stubborn stains such as grease. Begin mixing all ingredients except for the water in a bucket. However, branded products tend to be priced higher. Luckily, you can use something a bit stronger since there are no patterns or bright colors to worry about. Steam cleaners can be rented from hardware or grocery stores, or you can purchase one for permanent use. Before using a steam mop on your carpet, we highly recommend you check the manual. Removing gum or wax from a carpet doesnt need to be complicated. Your first instinct might be to rub the spill as hard as possible. Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock. Plus, you can buy in bulk, saving you money in the long run. Spray onto the stain, covering it thoroughly. Blot the stain with a rag to remove most moisture. All you need to do is fill the water reservoir with tap, distilled, or demineralized water. Blot the spot to get rid of the residue left by the stain. Add the solution to the steam cleaner. This mixture works effectively at removing food stains such as grease and even rust (3). Cleaning rugs is an important part of home maintenance, but you don't need harsh chemicals to get the job done. 4. Heres why: One of the main reasons to make your own carpet cleaner is to save a few (or many) bucks. Hoover, for one, offers a dozen different choices for carpets and floors. But a carpet cleaner? Rugs should be steam cleaned at least every 12 to 18 months, Gurskyi says. Pour additional cold water onto the stain and finish by blotting the dry area. Need Help? Protect yourself with gloves, goggles, and a plastic. Safe Summer Activities for Kids During the Pandemic, What You Need to Know About Bug Spray for Kids, Best Cooling Mattress Toppers From Consumer Reports' Tests, CR's Carpet Cleaner Ratings and Buying Guide, Best and Worst Carpet Cleaners From Consumer Reports' Tests. We respect your privacy. Use a clean sponge dipped in water to rinse excess ammonia off the fibers. If the carpet is still dirty, repeat wet and dry passes until the cleaning solution you removed from the carpet runs clear. Add the solution to the machines tank and plug it into an outlet. Commercial carpet cleaners can be tricky to use since you have to test them before using them. Dry Carpet Cleaning Vs. Light-colored or white carpets are more prone to stains. It works effectively at removing stains such as blood (4). Salt is a mildly abrasive cleaner that works effectively at removing stubborn stains. Instant Carpet Spot Remover Carpet Cleaner, 128 oz. A longer cord and a hose can save you some repositioning effort. Cleaning with a carpet cleaner takes time. High-traffic or light-colored rugs will need more frequent cleanings. However, we found that helping it along with a brush creates the best result. Give it a good mix to combine well. This should lift the stain. Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, dusting the entire area. Clean the carpet, following the instructions on the machine. Over the course of the test, our experts use a colorimeter, a device that measures the absorption of light wavelengths, to take 60 readings of each carpet per test: 20 in its virgin state, 20 after it has been soiled, and 20 after it has been cleaned. Scrub with a soft brush for one minute. You can also buy some of the so-called deep cleaners that are available to rent at grocery, hardware, or home improvement stores. And some models offer a variety of tools for special applications, including upholstery, small stains, pet stains, stairs, and corners and crevices. 3-in-1 Carpet Cleaner, Concentrated Carpet Cleaning Solution, EPA Safer Choice Certified, Fragrance Free. For stains that are already set in, the granular salt also gives your scrubbing a bit of extra abrasion, which can help lift the stain quickly. Slowly add the hot water do this slowly to avoid bubbles. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. But these often contain toxic chemicals and harsh perfumes. True, you can find commercial products at various price points. But we found that its more convenient to have two separate tanks, one for water and the other for the cleaning solution. If you have young children or furry friends, a non-toxic cleaner is the best choice. Use a dull tool such as a butter knife or spoon to scrape off the gum or wax gently. Ammonia can create noxious fumes that can harm your lungs, eyes, and skin. If there are any stains or spills, clean these immediately to prevent them from settling. We list the weight of the carpet cleaner when empty and when full on each model page. Start at the edges and work your way towards the center of the stain. These are basically bigger, more rugged versions of the full-sized upright cleaners, often twice as powerful with twice as much cleaning capacity, as measured by their tanksand at least twice the heft. Add more little by little, just enough to make the baking soda fizz. There are also carpet cleaners that have dry-only settings so that you can suck up more water after your initial cleaning, which may speed up drying time. If you encounter particularly stubborn stains such as blood, use this recipe. "Baking soda and vinegar work so well as a cleaner due to their chemical makeup and reaction," says Wilkesmann. Be sure to cover it thoroughly. You dont want your machine falling down the stairs after you tug the hose too far. On the cleaners weve tested that have hoses, they tend to run 8 to 9 feet long, though a few models, particularly deep cleaners, come with longer hoses. Next, add salt and essential oils and mix well. They run a carpet cleaner over the carpet for four wet and four dry cycles to simulate a consumer cleaning a particularly dirty spot on a well-trafficked carpet. Instead, why not try to DIY it with some of the best homemade carpet cleaners? Carpet cleaners will extract most liquids, leaving your carpet nearly dry. Add the essential oil and give it a good shake to mix well. These issues are easily removed using ice and a dull tool. This will allow the two powders to absorb any odor lingering in your carpet. You should clean a carpet immediately after a spill or stain, and whenever it has a musty odor or is visibly dirty. You can use any essential oil you like. OxiClean also helps to lift and dissolve dirt and grime stuck to the carpet fibers. If you're not sure whether the carpet is synthetic or natural materials like wool, flip it over and look at the bottom: most synthetic carpets are hard underneath, whereas wool carpets are soft on both sides.

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