How to Clean Your Own Carpets

Homemade Carpet Cleaning

A Comprehensive How-To Guide

Keeping your carpets clean is important for both appearance and health reasons. While you can always hire professional carpet cleaning services, cleaning them yourself can save you money. With some basic equipment and supplies, you can clean your type of carpets effectively in your own home.

Time to clean30-60 minutes per room
Time to prepare15-30 minutes
CostLow – equipment and supplies
Difficulty levelModerate physical effort

What You Will Need

Equipment:

  • Vacuum cleaner – Use your vacuum to thoroughly clean the carpet first to lift dirt to the surface. Make sure to use an appropriate vacuum head attachment for carpets.
  • Cleaning machine/extractor (rental or purchase) – This machine applies the cleaning solution and extracts the dirty water in one step. It is the most effective Do-It-Yourself option.
  • Scrub brush – For working solutions into heavily soiled areas. Choose one with sturdy bristles that stand up to repeated use and have a long life.
  • White cloths – To perform colorfast testing and blot liquid from carpets.

Solutions:

  • Carpet shampoo or mild detergents – Special carpet cleaning solutions work best to break down oils and lift loose dirt from carpet fibers.
  • White vinegar – Helps remove stains and deodorizes. Mix with water at a 1:1 ratio.
  • Baking soda – Helps remove odors and some staining.
  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – Helps lift some carpet stain discoloration.
  • Dish soap – Formulated to cut through oils and grease. Use sparingly.

Colorfast Testing

Before cleaning your entire carpet, test the solutions on a small, hidden area first. Apply a dime size amount of the mixed cleaner to a white cloth and gently rub it into the carpet fibers. Press with paper towels to absorb the moisture. If any dye transfers onto the towels, do not use that cleaner formula as it could remove color from your carpet.

Steps to Clean Your Carpets

Follow these key steps to get your carpets their cleanest:

  1. Vacuum thoroughly. Be sure to vacuum all traffic areas and along edges and corners to lift ground in soil to the surface. This allows your cleaner better access to dirt and dust.
  2. Mix your cleaning solution. Select your cleaning products and mix with hot water according to label instructions. For heavy soil, use a higher concentration of cleaner.
  3. Pretreat stains. Use a bit of spot cleaning solution, vinegar, baking soda or dish soap directly on any noticeable stains or heavily soiled high traffic areas. Let carpet cleaners soak for 5-10 minutes before extracting. This extra attention helps remove set in stains.
  4. Extract the carpeting. Using your extraction machine, apply your mixed solution to carpet areas according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For best results, work in 3 x 3 foot sections across the length of the room. Extract dirty water promptly in the same direction. Be sure to make a final dry pass to absorb excess moisture.
  5. Help carpets dry. Open windows or point fans directly on damp carpets to quicken drying time. Do not replace furniture or walk on them which can mat the pile. They should be 95% dry within 4-6 hours before walking on them.
  6. Vacuum again. Once fully dry, vacuum your carpeted floor again to lift embedded dirt and restore carpet pile upright. Your house carpets should now look freshly cleaned!

Tips for Stubborn Stains

Even after full carpet cleaning, some stains can still linger if they are not properly pretreated. Follow these tips for handling common household stains:

  • Food stains – Gently scrape off any excess food debris. Apply a bit of dish soap and vinegar directly to the stain. Blot repeatedly and rinse with clean water.
  • Grease stains – Sprinkle corn starch or baking soda over the stain. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb grease then vacuum up powder. Repeat as needed.
  • Wine stains – Blot promptly to absorb excess liquid. Pour seltzer water directly on red wine stains to help lift color. Blot area dry.
  • Pet stains – Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz over the stain and let sit 5 minutes. Blot with white cloths and extract cleaner and moisture. This helps neutralize odors and lift discoloration.
  • Ink/dye stains – Apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Avoid vigorously rubbing to not spread the stain. Rewet cloth as needed.

For best stain removal, always start with the gentlest method first then increase to stronger applications if needed. Pretreating and extracting stubborn stains during full carpet cleaning keeps them looking their absolute best.

How to Clean Carpet the Right Way

Final Carpet Care Tips

  • Vacuum high traffic areas every 2-3 days to prevent dirt from becoming embedded.
  • Clean spills and pet accidents immediately as they occur before they become permanent stains.
  • Have professionally steam cleaned carpets every 12-18 months to revitalize fibers and sanitize them. In between, use your carpet cleaner for periodic cleaning.
  • Place mats at exterior doorways to catch dirt and moisture so it doesn’t ruin carpets.
  • Rotate area rugs every 3-6 months to evenly distribute wear and tear in heavy use areas.
  • Inspect carpet seams and edges regularly. Re-stretch or re-tack down loose edges to avoid more damage.

Caring for your carpets properly makes them last! By regularly vacuuming, cleaning stains promptly, and deep cleaning every year and a half, you’ll keep your carpets looking great for years to come.