Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Methods

Natural Ways To Deep Clean Carpets

Solutions for a Sustainable Home Environment

Carpets can harbor dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens that can impact indoor air quality and health. That’s why regular carpet cleaning service is important. However, many conventional carpet cleaning solutions and methods rely on harsh chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution as well as water pollution when rinsed outdoors.

Eco-friendly carpet cleaning uses gentler solutions made from natural ingredients that get carpets clean without harsh toxins. Eco-friendly methods and natural cleaning products are better for human health, especially for children and pets who spend time playing on carpets. They also help protect the environment.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Solution

There are several advantages to choosing an eco-friendly DIY method or hiring green carpet cleaners over conventional cleaning options:

  • Less exposure to harmful chemicals: Conventional cleaners often contain detergents, solvents, and other chemicals linked to health issues. Eco-friendly cleaners use milder plant- and mineral-based ingredients.
  • Better for indoor air quality: Non-toxic cleaners don’t leave behind sticky chemical residues or strong fragrances that can continue emitting VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into indoor air.
  • Safe for kids and pets: Eco-friendly carpet cleaner minimizes exposure to toxins for people, especially children and pets who spend time playing on carpets.
  • Environmentally friendly: Green cleaners are biodegradable rather than toxic so they don’t pollute waterways. Their packaging is also more sustainable.
  • Cost-effective: While some eco-friendly shampoo have higher upfront costs, homemade cleaners made from inexpensive ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon offer an very affordable option.

Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Methods

Fortunately, some of the best greener carpet cleaners can be easily made at home using items you may already have in your pantry and freezer. Here are some of the top methods:

Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild alkali that helps lift dirt and odors from carpet fibers. To use:

  1. Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda across the carpet. Use about 1/2 cup per square yard.
  2. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the baking soda time to absorb odors and lift dirt.
  3. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with the dirt and odors. Repeat as needed for stubborn stains or smells.

Vinegar

White distilled vinegar is a mild acid that helps dissolve soap residue from carpet along with some stains and odors. To use:

  1. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar.
  2. Lightly spritz it across any stained or smelly high-traffic areas of carpet.
  3. Let sit for 15-20 minutes. The acidic vinegar will help break down residue and tough stains.
  4. Blot with clean white towels to soak up dissolved gunk.
  5. Rinse the area with cold water and blot dry with a clean cloth to remove residue.

Borax

Like baking soda, borax helps deactivate dirt and odors. The abrasive texture also helps scrub some stains.

  1. Add 4 tablespoons to 2 cups warm water and mix thoroughly.
  2. Sprinkle borax onto carpet and let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes
  3. Run a carpet sweeper across area to help work borax into fibers
  4. Vacuum up the borax along with absorbed dirt or odors

Cornstarch

Absorbent cornstarch can help soak up oily stains. Allow to sit for several hours or overnight before vacuuming.

Carbonated Water

Plain seltzer water contains enzymes that help break down stains much like club soda. Blot stain with it, let sit 5 minutes, then blot dry.

For general carpet freshening, add 2 cups club soda and 10-15 drops essential oils like lemon verbena or eucalyptus to a 16 oz spray bottle. Spritz over carpets then allow to dry fully.

Lemon Juice

The citric acid naturally found in lemon cuts through grease, soap scum, oxidation, and some stains.

  1. Squeeze lemon juice onto stained spot and let sit 5-10 minutes
  2. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let sit another 3-5 minutes
  3. Scrub gently with a soft brush
  4. Blot dry with a paper towel

Eco-friendly cleaning ingredients like these offer a great way to banish stains, dirt, odors and leave your carpets fresh without exposing your family or planet to scary toxins. Consult a green carpet cleaning company for deeper steam cleaning services or hot water extraction. With some diligent spot treatments and frequent vacuuming, you can keep those carpets green and gorgeous!

This article is written by Anthony Seot from Eco Carpet Cleaning in Sydney.