Carpet stains are a part of life and homeownership. If you have kids, you know this to be especially true. You can certainly use the newest chemically "magic" stain remover and attack the stains. Another option would be to go to the local store and rent one of those expensive and bulky machines that claim to make your carpet look brand new.
Forget both of those options. I'm going to tell you about 5 unbelievable homemade carpet cleaners. These 5 options are pocketbook friendly and easy to make. Check them out.
*I haven't experienced any issues with discoloration of the carpet using these methods. If you are concerned about that, test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness before using in a noticeable spot.*
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
What You'll Need:
- 2 Cups of hydrogen peroxide
- ¼ Cup of baking soda
- Spray Bottle
How to use it:
Combine the hydrogen peroxide with the baking soda in the spray bottle. Spray it generously on your carpet and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then simply vacuum the spots you sprayed! It doesn't get much easier than that.
White Vinegar Solution
What You'll Need:
- 1 Cup of white vinegar
- 2 Cups of water
- Spray bottle
How to use it:
Spray onto the affected areas very lightly, let sit for 5 minutes and wipe away with a damp cloth. Repeat as necessary. This one is great because it's kid and pet friendly.
Dish Soap and Lemon Juice Solution
What You'll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap (preferably a translucent dish soap)
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- Spray bottle
How to use it:
Mix together the dish soap, water, and lemon juice into your spray bottle. Saturate the problem area, and scrub with a damp cloth. Let sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe off the solution with a wet cloth. The lemon juice is a natural stain remover and the dish soap will fight any oils or greases that have found their way into your carpet fibers.
Milk and Cornstarch
What You'll Need
- Milk
- Cornstarch
How to use it:
Mix together enough milk and cornstarch to create a paste. Apply the paste to a stain (this method is extremely useful on ink or oil stains). Now just let the paste dry for a couple hours. The paste will harden on top of the carpet after soaking up the stain. Brush it away and then vacuum up the bits of paste.
Club Soda and Liquid Laundry Detergent
What You'll Need
- Club Soda
- Liquid Laundry Detergent (Diluted)
How to use it:
This combination is amazing for pet accidents, tea, and coffee stains. Pour the club soda onto the stain, soak for a few minutes and then dry with a cloth. Use a well diluted mixture of laundry detergent and water to scrub the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes. Finally, clean up the spot with a damp cloth or sponge.
Carpet stains are annoying, embarrassing and sometimes expensive to get rid of. Using these 5 unbelievable homemade carpet cleaners I've had great results with many different kinds of stains. I don't have to spend tons of money renting bulky machines, and I don't have to expose my children to harmful chemicals.
Are there any natural or home remedies that you use for carpet stains? Have you tried any of the 5 I've shared with you?
Robyn says
Thank you for sharing this!! I had a disgusting diaper stain to get out of the carpet and the club soda and detergent method worked!! Thank you!!!!
Shelby says
This was a huge help for a busy momma like me! Thank you for helping me with carpet stain removal!
Heather says
Thank you so much for this article. I had success with the two that I have tried so far.
Liz says
The baking soda and hydrogen peroxide worked wonders for my ten year old synthetic carpet not so much for me thirty year old wool one . One thing you left out, baking soda doesn’t dissolve into the hydrogen peroxide well. Shake that bottle until it does!