Cleaning your carpet is essential. Not only does it improve the life of your carpet but it also helps improve your environment by reducing dust stuck to it. There are several ways that you can choose to clean your carpet.
You can create your homemade carpet cleaning shampoo using some basic ingredients that include detergent, ammonia, dish soap, essential oils, etc. Although the recipe might vary slightly depending on your carpet and what you’re looking for. Keep reading and we’ll provide you with 5 different ways to make your cleaning shampoo.
Are Homemade Carpet Solutions As Good As Store Bought Solutions?
The first question you need to ask is whether your homemade carpet solution can be as good as the store-bought solution or not. Store-bought solutions are commercially made and they are made from refined ingredients.
These ingredients base on the need for cleaning the carpets. Since carpets are made from a different wool quality, some ingredients are also made specifically for treating such carpets. Moreover, they have different base ingredients, some have high amounts of ammonia, some are deodorizing agents, etc.
On the other hand, your homemade carpet cleaning solution can be made one time. Not that you won’t be able to make it again but the solution you make can only treat the basic carpet stains.
For making certain solutions, you will need to change the recipe.As for the effectiveness, homemade solutions are effective in their own sense. Both homemade and store-bought solutions have the same ingredients and can be used for DIY cleaning. Even if you spend the same amount on buying the ingredients for a homemade solution as store-bought, you will end up having more quantity for later.
All you need to do is to make some effort, keep the proportions right, and ensure to test the solution on your carpet piece before actually diving in the cleaning phase. Since store-bought ones are made based on specific needs, your homemade solution needs to be tested first to protect your carpet.Overall, one can say that homemade carpet cleaning solutions are quite effective. It is the process of cleaning that brings out the result.
5 DIY Carpet Shampoo Recipes You Can Try
Now that you’re aware of the effectiveness of a homemade carpet shampoo solution, it’s time to make one for yourself. As highlighted earlier, there can be several recipes that you can try for making your homemade carpet shampoo. So let’s dive in:
1. Homemade Carpet Cleaning Shampoo Solution
This is the most basic of the cleaning shampoo solution that you can make. In addition, this recipe is perfect if you’ve got a steam cleaner at home. No need to hassle with professional carpet cleaning services now that you’ve got this recipe with you.
Another great thing about this recipe is that you’ll have spare ingredients to make it again. The basic ingredients you’ll be needing will include:
- 2 cups rubbing alcohol
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
- 2 tablespoons ammonia
- Several drops of essential oils
Make sure to treat ammonia with care as it is corrosive and damage the skin. For making the solution, take an empty container. It is most likely that you’ll not use the entire solution in one go, and having a container will help you save it for water. After pouring the mixture, fill the rest of the container with warm water. Add this to your reservoir and get cleaning.
Another appealing factor for this recipe is that it cannot only be used for cleaning your carpet but also for mopping floors and cleaning your bathrooms. Making this cleaning shampoo can get rid of additional cleaners you buy on a daily basis
2. Homemade Synthetic Carpet Cleaner
If you’ve got a synthetic carpet at your place, you need to make something that is less corrosive. Since any corrosive element can damage the carpet, make sure to test it first on a small carpet piece prior to cleaning.
Most of the carpets at homes today are synthetic carpets. These are popular for their incredible strength, stain resistance, affordability, and durability. However, with all these features, it doesn’t mean that it won’t get dirty.
With that decided, the recipe for it is quite simple. The main ingredient is the specialty of “Muriel from Courage the Cowardly Dog.” Yes, you’ve guessed it, it is vinegar. Vinegar is used to treat carpet and upholstery stains and works excellently. Here’s how you make a synthetic carpet cleaning shampoo:
- Half gallon white vinegar
- Half gallon water
- Essential oils
You’ll need a large bucket to accumulate the ingredients. Mix the solution well so that no residues are left. Make sure to test on a small carpet piece before you dive into cleaning. In addition, ensure that you’ve got a well-working carpet cleaning machine. If you want to know if renting or buying a carpet cleaner is favorable, then click here
3. Carpet Shampoo for Lighter Colored Carpets
If you’ve got a lighter colored carpet such as white, crème, or any light shade, then this recipe is the perfect one for it. The main ingredient of this recipe is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent ingredient that lifts up carpet stains, making it easier to rinse them off.
WARNING
DON’T USE THIS RECIPE ON DARK COLORED CARPETS
For this recipe, you’ll be needing:
- 4 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- 1.5 quarts of hot water
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- Essential oils (preferably lemon) 5 drops
For mixing the solution, take hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, and dish soap in a small bowl, and mix it thoroughly for ensuring a proper combination. Afterward, pour the solution in your machine with hot water. Be sure of how to use your machine by following the instructions manual.
4. Homemade Citrus-Enzyme Cleaner
You might have heard or looked at some commercials of carpet cleaning shampoos that use enzymes to break down stains for removal. Well, you’re in for a treat. Now you can make enzyme-based shampoo cleaner easily with this recipe. Although the recipe needs some time to complete but once completed, you can observe the wonders it does. For making it, you’ll be needing:
- 1.5 cups of orange peels
- 7 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 quart water
- Large container for holding the liquid and the peels
For making the mixture, add brown sugar, peels, and water into the container, and then close it tightly. Shake the container for allowing the ingredients to mix well. Next, loosen the cap hallway to release the gas build up within. This will prevent the container from exploding. As said earlier, it will take time and the solution will be ready in about 3 months.
After three months, take the solution, pour it into a spray bottle, and use it directly on the stain. Gently rinse the area for letting the solution penetrate within. After letting it dry for some time, let it dry, and then vacuum it.
5. Odor Remover Spray Recipe
If you’ve got pets, then your carpet is surely meant to stink from pet urine. But instead of whining about it, you can opt for this special recipe to clean and remove the odor from your carpet.
For this, you’ll be needing:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 cups warm water
Mix the solution thoroughly, and then pour it in a spray bottle. Before using the solution, make sure to blot the area so that the solution can go deep within. Spray the area and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Then gently rub and blot the area to take out the moisture. Another perk of using this recipe is that it can be sprayed on your upholstery and car carpet. Just spray the solution, let it settle, clean it up, and vacuum to give a nice and refreshing finesse.
Why Consider A Homemade Solution?
A homemade cleaning shampoo has its perks. It is easy to make, and you’re most likely to have it safe for the next cleaning, depending on the ingredients and the recipe you use. Moreover, the solution doesn’t have any harmful chemicals. Just the basic ones that you use in daily routines.
Your homemade carpet cleaning solution will most likely cost around $20 in ingredients that can make several bottles or containers. It is more than enough to cover your entire house, and you’ll have enough ingredients to make it again. On the other hand, store-bought cleaning shampoos don’t last that long, and you would need multiple of them to cover the need.
Unlike commercial cleaning agents, homemade solutions only have ingredients that are used daily. It makes the solution safe to use. Moreover, you can also use different recipes that are kids and pets friendly.
These recipes have low chemicals, making them safe. Using a homemade cleaning solution saves you buying multiple bottles of cleaning solutions from stores. Your homemade carpet cleaning solution can cover the entire house.
PRO TIP
DON’T WET IT
Most of the DIY carpet cleaning solutions are used for dry cleaning your carpet. Even if you’re using shampoo, make sure not to wet the carpet much as it would make it difficult for you to dry it later. The carpet might also shrink, and if not adequately dried, it can ruin the finish.
Conclusion
Making a homemade carpet cleaning shampoo is easy. All you need to do is to gather the ingredients for the recipe you want to make, mix them thoroughly, and treat your carpet with it. It saves money and can be used later. If you want, you can also check some recipes given by best-carpet-cleaners-near-me, and try them yourself.