How to Make an Effective Homemade Carpet Cleaner

using baking soda paste on a rug

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 mins - 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 4 hrs - 1 day
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5-10

Carpets take lots of abuse from shoes, spills, and pets. Whether it is wall-to-wall carpeting or an area rug, it will eventually need to be cleaned.

There are dozens of carpet cleaning products on the market and hundreds of professional carpet cleaning services.

But with just a few supplies you probably already have, you can clean your carpets yourself with an effective homemade carpet cleaner.

Just be prepared to use a bit of elbow grease and some patience while you wait for the carpet to dry.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 Plastic bucket or tub
  • 2 Spray bottle
  • 1 Soft-bristled nylon brush
  • 4 Microfiber cloths
  • 1 Vacuum
  • 1 Carpet cleaner
  • Stovetop or microwave
  • Funnel
  • Wooden spoon

Materials

  • 1 Distilled water
  • 1 Distilled white vinegar
  • 1 Dishwashing liquid
  • 1 Baking soda
  • 1 Salt
  • 1 Oxygen bleach powder
  • 1 Label

Instructions

Overhead shot of materials to make carpet cleaner

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How to Make Homemade Carpet Stain Remover

  1. Mix the Ingredients

    In a spray bottle, mix one cup of distilled water, one cup of distilled white vinegar, and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Shake well to mix and label the bottle.

    Mixing ingredients to make carpet cleaner

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  2. Spray the Stain

    Spray the stained area of the carpet with the solution and use a soft-bristled brush to work it into the fibers.

    Let the solution work for at least 10 minutes to begin breaking apart the stain.

    Tip

    Try to treat stains as quickly as possible after they happen. Blot away as much liquid as possible from spills. Use a dull knife or spoon to lift away solids that hit the carpet. Never rub because that pushes the stain deeper into the fibers.

    Working the spray into the stain with a soft bristled brush

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Rinse, Blot, and Dry

    Dip a microfiber cloth in cold water and wring until damp. Rinse the soiled area of the carpet.

    Keep moving to a clean side of the cloth as the stain is transferred.

    Blot the area with a dry cloth until no more liquid is transferred. You can also place a dry towel under a heavy object like books to help absorb the moisture more quickly.

    Allow the area to air-dry. Do not walk on the area until it is dry. This can take up to 24 hours.

    Blotting the carpet

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How to Make Homemade Carpet Freshener

Create a dry mixture that can be used to freshen, deodorize, and brighten carpets.

  1. Mix the Ingredients

    In a bowl or bucket, mix equal amounts of baking soda and table salt. To clean a 5 x 7 carpet, you will need at least one cup of each. Mix more for wall-to-wall carpeting.

    Fill a spray bottle with distilled water.

    Mixing a carpet refresher solution

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  2. Treat Stains and Vacuum

    Treat any visible stains with a stain remover and vacuum the carpet well to remove loose soil.

    Vacuuming the carpet after applying refresher

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Sprinkle, Spray, and Scrub

    Evenly sprinkle the baking soda mixture over the carpet. Working in a grid so you don't miss any areas, lightly spray the dry mixture with water.

    Use a soft-bristled brush to work the mixture into the carpet fibers.

    Sprinkling the carpet refresher onto the rug

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  4. Dry and Vacuum

    Allow the damp mixture to remain on the carpet until it has air-dried. This can take up to eight hours. Vacuum away the loose soil and odors.

    Vacuuming the carpet refresher off of the carpet

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How to Make a Homemade Carpet-Cleaning Solution

  1. Heat Water

    Heat enough distilled water on the stovetop or in the microwave to nearly fill the water reservoir of your carpet cleaner (around one gallon). The water should be very hot but not boiling.

    Heating up water

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  2. Mix Cleaning Ingredients

    In a plastic bucket, mix one-half cup of distilled white vinegar, one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, and one-fourth cup of powdered oxygen bleach. Add the hot water and stir to mix.

    Mixing a carpet cleaning solution

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Fill the Carpet Cleaner

    Using a funnel, pour the cleaning mixture into the carpet cleaner. You do not need to dilute the solution.

    If you are cleaning a very large area, mix additional batches as needed.

    Funneling liquid into the carpet cleaner

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  4. Operate the Carpet Cleaner

    Follow the manufacturer's directions for operating the carpet cleaner. Work slowly and pay attention to stained and high-traffic areas.

    Operating the carpet cleaner

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  5. Air-Dry the Carpet

    Allow the carpet to air-dry. Do not walk on the carpet until it is completely dry.

    Add a circulating fan to speed drying and place plastic down in walkways if you must use the room.

    Allowing the carpet to air dry

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How Often to Make Homemade Carpet Cleaner

Commercial carpet cleaning products include preservatives and stabilizers to improve their shelf life. Since homemade cleaners don't, it is best to prepare a fresh solution right before each carpet cleaning session whether you are treating a new stain or doing a deep cleaning.

Additional Tips

  • Before you use any carpet shampoo or stain remover, test it in an inconspicuous spot. Dampen a cloth with the cleaner and rub it on the carpet. Wait at least eight hours for the area to dry and check the color of the carpet. Some dyes are not stable and ingredients can change the color of the fibers, especially dark colors.
  • Check a carpet steamer or cleaner's user guide or website before using a homemade cleaning solution in the appliance. It may void the warranty,
  • Do not use a homemade cleaner in a rented appliance to avoid maintenance issues.
FAQ
  • Can I use a homemade carpet solution in a carpet cleaning machine?

    The recommended homemade solution can be used in most home carpet cleaning machines. However, check the manufacturer's website or user guide to make sure that it does not void the original warranty.

  • Will a homemade carpet cleaner work on upholstery?

    The water-based carpet cleaner is safe to use on all upholstery labeled W or W-S. Take extra precautions not to over-saturate the cushions to prevent problems with excessive moisture.

  • Does this DIY solution expire?

    Since a homemade cleaner does not contain preservatives, it is best to prepare a fresh solution right before each stain removal or carpet cleaning session.

Originally written by
Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a frugal living expert who has been writing for over 10 years about easy ways to save money at home.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process