What to Use to Clean Carpets Like a Pro

Even the cleanest house can look drab if the carpets are dirty. But cleaning carpets takes time and is an easily avoidable chore. If your carpets need a thorough cleaning, one option is to call a pro. But if that’s not in your budget, you can clean carpets yourself using a few items you already have in the pantry. Learn more about what to use to clean carpets like a pro and enjoy the feeling of a spotless home.

What to Use to Clean Carpets

The best method for cleaning your carpet depends on the type of stains you’re tackling. However, in most cases, you probably already have what you need on hand without buying expensive carpet cleaner.

1. Steam

A steam cleaner uses hot water to remove dirt from your carpet. Many grocery, hardware, and big-box stores rent carpet steam cleaners, or you can purchase one for under $150 if you want to clean your carpet anytime.

Steam cleaners use steam from hot water to penetrate deep carpet stains, loosen dirt, and vacuum up the residue. The dirty water goes into a tank you can empty after each use. Steam cleaning can also disinfect the carpet and remove stubborn stains.

2. White Vinegar

Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that can freshen a dirty carpet and treat carpet stains that keep coming back. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray the mixture directly onto the carpet, letting it dry before vacuuming.

If you want to deodorize the carpet while you clean, add 10 drops of essential oil per cup. Options include lavender, peppermint, and geranium. Choose a clear essential oil so it doesn’t stain your carpet further.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a carpet-cleaning powerhouse. If you have a stubborn stain, sprinkle it with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours. Then, spray the baking soda with vinegar and let the mixture fizz to penetrate deep into the stain. Work the mixture into the carpet with a soft bristle brush and allow it to dry. Once dry, vacuum the mixture from the carpet, and the stain should come up with it. You might need to repeat this several times for severe stains.

4. Borax

Borax can help remove stains from carpets. Mix equal parts of borax, vinegar, and salt until you have a paste. Spread the paste onto the stain and leave it to dry before vacuuming the mixture. If you still see a faint stain, clean it gently with a clean rag and water until it’s gone.

A note of caution: Borax can cause skin irritation, so use gloves when applying the paste to your carpet, and keep kids and pets away from the mixture.

5. Salt

Salt can help remove red wine stains from the carpet. When the spill happens, blot it gently with a paper towel to remove as much liquid as possible. Then, cover the stain with a thick layer of salt. Leave the salt on the stain for several hours, ideally overnight, before vacuuming it up. The stain should disappear, but if it’s severe, you might need to try additional treatments to remove it fully.

6. Enzymatic Spray

If you have pets, you’ve probably dealt with stains from urine, feces, vomit, and more. These stains can be challenging to remove since they can sink deep into the carpet, especially if you don’t notice them immediately. An enzymatic spray can help remove pet urine from your carpet by breaking up the bacteria that cause odors, reducing the risk that your pet will repeat the offense in the same spot.

What Not to Use to Clean Carpets

Many different products and ingredients can keep your carpet clean and fresh, but there are also several products you should never use on the carpet. 

• Bleach might be able to remove a carpet stain, but it’s likely to leave a bleach stain in its place. Bleach can also be toxic if inhaled or ingested, which makes it a no-no for households with pets.

• White wine is said to remove red wine stains from the carpet, but it’s likely to leave a new stain. Instead, treat the stain with salt as described above.

• Laundry detergent helps remove stains from clothes, but it’s not meant for use on carpets. When mixed with water, laundry detergent creates suds that are hard to remove from the carpets. If you oversaturate the carpet with water when removing the detergent, your carpet could get moldy and start to smell.

• Abrasive cleaners can damage the carpet fibers and leave a bare spot where the stain used to be. The same goes for heavy-duty scrubbing brushes. If you must scrub your carpet, use a mild cleaner and a soft bristle brush to prevent damage.

• Dish soap can remove stains from the carpet but can also seep into the fibers and cause damage. Sticky soap residue can be a magnet for dirt, so you could end up with a much bigger stain than you were trying to remove in the first place.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Cleaning a lightly stained carpet can be a DIY task with the right tools and supplies. But if your carpet is heavily stained, or it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned it, you might be better off calling a local carpet cleaning company. A professional knows exactly what to use on your carpet and can complete the job quickly. Additionally, most carpet cleaning companies are insured, so repairs will be covered if they damage your carpet during cleaning. On average, carpet cleaning costs $180, though you could pay as little as $120 or as much as $240 or more, depending on your house size, carpet material, and the cleaning method used.

Alternatively, a local house cleaning service may also offer carpet cleaning. This may be a good option if you want to deep clean your entire house rather than just your carpets. Like carpet cleaning companies, house cleaners are often insured.