Your local grocery store is full of carpet cleaning treatments and solutions. Unfortunately, many of them have caustic chemicals that make it hard to breathe and can be bad for your carpet over the long run. Washing eventually into our waterways, they are also bad for the environment. Natural carpet cleaners are a better solution, and you may already have them in your kitchen cabinets. Affordable and effective, keep these ingredients on hand to battle carpet stains and enjoy a clean carpet.
Vinegar for Crayon Marks
You love the artwork your little one creates, but crayons brushing over the carpet will leave upsetting stains. Keep a jar of vinegar in your cabinet along with an old toothbrush. Dip the toothbrush in the vinegar and gently scrub the stain to remove the crayon mark. Vinegar is also a great cleaner when your pet has an accident and you want to be sure the odor is removed completely.
Rubbing Alcohol and Ink
An exploding ball point pen can ruin your favorite shirt, but it can also leave an unsightly stain on your carpet. Start by blotting up as much of the ink as you can with a paper towel. Next, fold a paper towel so it is a little larger than the ink stain. Soak the towel with rubbing alcohol and set it on the stain. The ink will transfer into the towel. Follow up the treatment by pressing another clean, dry towel over the area to pull up residual ink and alcohol.
Grease Stains Defeated with Cornmeal
Cornmeal lasts forever, so pick up a bag today and leave it in your baking cabinet. In addition to making some amazing cornbread, you can also use it to soak up greasy spills on the carpet. Simply sprinkle the cornmeal over the stain and allow it to sit for at least five minutes. Clean the area by gently sponging it with a solution of two-parts water and one-part vinegar.
Tackle Red Wine with Salt
Perhaps one of the most dreaded accidents is red wine. The pigments will soak into light carpets and are difficult to remove. If red wine is knocked over during a gathering, reach for the salt. Sprinkle the area generously with salt and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. The salt will soak up the wine and turn pink in the process. Once it dries, you can sweep the salt up or even vacuum it away. The residual discoloration can be treated by cleaning the area with a mixture of two-parts water and one-part vinegar.
Fresh Smelling Carpets with Baking Soda and Baby Powder
Leave the scented carpet fresheners at the store and make your own using baking soda and baby powder. Put equal parts of the two powders into your sifter and spread a thin layer over the carpet. Use a soft bristle broom to brush it into the fibers and then allow it to soak in for several hours. Vacuum it out completely and your carpet will be left smelling fresh and clean.
There are several home remedies for treating carpet stains. Safe for your family and the environment, they are also easy on your pocketbook. When you start saving money on your home treatments, you can afford to invest in annual carpet cleaning that will remove residual marks, clean the carpet and prolong the life of your carpeting. Trust High Quality Carpet to clean your carpets, restore the beautiful color and leave them smelling fresh. Contact us today to learn more about eco-friendly carpet cleaning methods.