If you have carpet in your home, you probably know how quickly it can get dirty and look worn. Regular vacuuming helps a little, but you need a more thorough approach to deep clean the carpet.
And an affordable, effective way for you to clean the carpet is with white vinegar and baking soda.
This simple homemade carpet cleaner will remove dirt, eliminate odors, and leave your carpet looking and smelling fresh again. So, let’s look at how to clean the carpet with these solutions.
Why Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean Carpet
White vinegar is a mild acid that works to dissolve dirt, debris, and grime that gets ground into the fibers of your carpets over time. It also helps remove any funky odors and brighten up dull, dirty carpets.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive that works to lift dirt and neutralize odors when mixed with vinegar. Together, vinegar and baking soda make a simple but powerful DIY carpet cleaning solution.
The best part is that white vinegar and baking soda are very cheap compared to commercial carpet cleaners you can buy at the store. And they are safe for most carpet materials without the harsh fumes or sticky residues some store-bought cleaners leave behind.
For an effective carpet cleaning solution that’s easy on your budget and better for the environment, you should reach for vinegar and baking soda!
What You Need to Clean Carpet with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Before getting started, gather the supplies you’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle for the vinegar solution
- Spoon for sprinkling baking soda
- Old towels
- Scrub brush or broom
- Fan or windows to air out the carpet
Don’t forget to vacuum thoroughly before you start cleaning. Having a clean brush head and removing loose debris ahead of time allows the vinegar and baking soda solution to penetrate deeper into the carpet fibers for a better clean.
Steps to Clean Carpet with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to get your carpets clean and refreshed with vinegar and baking soda:
Vacuum the Carpet Thoroughly
Be sure to vacuum all carpet areas, going back and forth in different directions to lift dirt from deep in the carpet fibers. Get under furniture and in corners too. This prep work helps the cleaning solution work its best.
Sprinkle Baking Soda Generously Over the Carpet
Spread baking soda lightly and evenly across the entire carpet. Make sure to get a coating over all areas, and use extra on high-traffic zones or spots that are extra dirty. The baking soda will help absorb odors and prepare the carpet.
Spray Vinegar Over the Baking Soda
Fill your spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Then spray the vinegar lightly over the whole carpet. It starts to fizz and foam as it reacts with the baking soda. This reaction helps lift dirt while breaking down tough stains.
Let the Mixture Soak In
Allow the foamy vinegar and baking soda solution to soak into the carpet for 10-15 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to work on dirt and odors deep in the fibers. As it sits, re-apply vinegar to keep the reaction working.
Scrub the Carpet
After letting it sit:
- Scrub the carpet with a brush, broom, or your hands to work the mixture further into the pile.
- Gently scrub in different directions to loosen stuck-on grime and debris.
- Focus extra on stained or high-traffic areas.
Rinse the Carpet
Once scrubbed, rinse away the cleaning solution with cool, clean water and towels or a wet/dry vacuum. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Make sure all residue is lifted before moving on.
Allow Carpet to Dry Fully
It’s important to let the carpet dry completely before walking on it. Keep kids and pets away while it dries too. And to speed up the drying time, open windows and use fans. This prevents mold or mildew from growing later.
Tips for Getting Carpets Really Clean
Follow these extra tips and tricks for getting carpets their cleanest with this vinegar and baking soda method:
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
Pay special attention to dirtier high-traffic areas. Apply more solution and scrub hard there to get up ground in grime. Doorways, halls, and walking paths usually need extra work.
Work in Sections
Tackle one area of carpet at a time in sections. This allows for thorough application of the cleaner, time to soak in, and effective scrubbing before rinsing each section.
Fluff Up the Carpet Pile
Once completely dry, fluff the carpet fibers with your fingers or a spoon. This brings back the soft, plush feel. Run a vacuum over it again to bring out the fluff.
Conclusion
Cleaning carpet with white vinegar and baking soda is an effective, affordable, non-toxic solution you can try at home. The vinegar dissolves dirt while the baking soda scrubs away stains for a deeper clean.
Follow these instructions to remove grime and revive your carpets. They’ll smell fresh and look new again in no time!