Homemade Carpet Cleaners: Lean, Mean, and Green
Replace Harmful Chemicals with Effective Non-Toxic Pantry Items
Dec 14, 2008
Store-bought cleaning products contain many toxins harmful to humans and contaminate the air. “Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, xylene are found in common household cleaners. These chemicals are cancer causing and toxic to the immune system,” according to Dr. George Grant, Toxicologist and founder of the International Academy of Wellness. These chemicals can be greatly reduced by making your own carpet cleaners from items found around the house.
Some ingredients recommended are safer, but not non-toxic. They have been identified with an asterisk(*). Never mix home chemicals together without a recipe. These recipes come from Michigan State University Extension, Readers Digest Practical Problem Solver (1991), and grandmothers everywhere.
General Tips on Carpet Stains
Clean up spills quickly. Scrape or blot up as much of the spill as possible, working from the outside toward the center. Test the stain remover on an inconspicuous area and wait 15 minutes to see if it damages the carpet color. After you clean the carpet, blot it dry.
General Stains
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax* and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.
Blood Stains
Sponge stain immediately with cold water or club soda and dry with a towel. Repeat as necessary.
Ink Stains
Place cream of tartar on the ink stain and squeeze a few drops of lemon juice on top. Rub into the stain for a minute, brush off the powder with a clean brush and sponge immediately with warm water, being careful not to saturate the carpet backing. Repeat if necessary.
Or blot Isopropyl * alcohol onto stain. Be sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Non-Oily Stains
Mix together 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 pint lukewarm water. Rub this mixture gently to the non-oily stain with a soft brush or towel. Rinse with a towel dampened in clean water. Blot dry. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. Dry the carpet quickly using a fan or blow dryer. Try it on an inconspicuous area first as vinegar may bleach some dark, sensitive colors.
Soot Stains
Sprinkle the area generously with salt. Allow the salt to settle for at least 15 minutes and then vacuum.
Stains and Odors
Vinegar will kill the odor of urine and prevent staining if you can get to the spot right away. First absorb as much moisture as you can with dry paper towels. Next rinse the area with warm water and apply vinegar and soap solution into the stain using a clean cloth or paper towel and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with a towel dampened in clean water and blot dry. Since vinegar may bleach some dark, sensitive colors, try it on an inconspicuous area first.
Carpet Cleaning Machines
Put 1 cup vinegar in cleaner reservoir and fill with warm water. Eliminates pet urine and stains and leaves your carpet smelling fresh. Add a few drops of essential oil or perfume for scent if desired. Test on an inconspicuous area first. Remember to run some fresh, clean water through machine before storing.
Using these formulas and substitutions help minimize the use of toxic substances in the home, and reduce the environmental harm caused by the manufacture, use and disposal of toxics. Before applying any of these recipes, test in small hidden areas. Make sure to keep all homemade formulas well-labeled and out of the reach of children.
For more non-toxic solutions for the home, please go to Air Fresheners, Laundry Cleaners, and Furniture Cleaners.
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