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DIY Carpet Cleaner Solutions

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 19, 2024

Cleaning the carpets can give headaches to most people. If you feel the same way, DIY carpet cleaner solutions can help. They are easy to make and budget-friendly. Here’s how to make homemade carpet cleaner.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Can DIY Solutions be Used with Carpet Cleaner Machines?

DIY formulas can be used with most carpet cleaner machines. They are one of the best carpet cleaner solutions that can be easily made at home.

Some DIY formulas might not be suitable for the machine. For instance, bleach can react if it comes in contact with the machine's metal components. Hence, make sure to read the machine's instruction booklet.  

Some machines allow only a specific type of cleaning solution. Using a different one might void the warranty. In that case, you can buy a normal carpet cleaning solution.

Vinegar and Baking Soda DIY Carpet Cleaner Solution

Homemade carpet cleaner solutions are a convenient option when you need a quick fix. You can prepare the vinegar and baking soda solution in a few minutes and proceed to clean your carpet. 

What You Will Need:

You will need the following ingredients to prepare this DIY carpet cleaner solution.

  1. White vinegar- 1 cup
  2. Warm water- 2 cups
  3. Baking soda- 2 tablespoons
  4. Essential oil- A few drops (optional)

How to Make the Solution:

  1. Get a sterile and clean spray bottle.
  2. Add 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of warm water to this spray bottle. 
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to this solution and swirl the solution. 
  4. Add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil. 
  5. Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients. 

 

How to Use the Solution:

  1. Vacuum your carpet well before using this DIY carpet cleaner. This will remove all the dust and make it easier to clean the stains. 
  2. Spray the prepared solution onto any hard stains.
  3. Let the solution work itself in for 10 minutes.
  4. Now, fill the cleaner's water tank with this solution you just made. For best results, use a multi-surface carpet cleaner. 
  5. Test run this solution on a less visible area or on the area you just sprayed. 
  6. Wait for 24 hours after the test run to let it dry out completely. 
  7. Check the test run spot for any abnormal stains or hardened fabric. 
  8. If all goes well, fill the cleaner's water tank with this solution. 
  9. Run the carpet cleaner over the entire carpet using this DIY solution. 
  10. Give special attention to the stained areas.  
  11. Once completed, let the carpet air dry completely. 

Powdered Bleach DIY Carpet Cleaner Solution

This is one of the best carpet cleaner solutions for polypropylene rugs. However, it is necessary to dilute the bleach before cleaning the carpets. If used without diluting, bleach can cause discoloration of the carpet. The solution can be used for portable carpet cleaners as well as upright carpet cleaners. 

Caution

Wear safety goggles and safety gloves when working with bleach. Make the DIY solution in a well-ventilated area. Do not use bleach with woolen carpets, as it can discolor them and damage the fiber.

What You Will Need:

  • Dishwashing liquid - 1 tablespoon
  • Powdered oxygen bleach - ¼ cup 
  • Distilled white vinegar - 1 cup
  • Distilled hot water - Enough to fill the reservoir 
  • Essential oil - a few drops (optional)

How to Prepare the Solution:

  1. Heat the distilled water, but do not boil it. 
  2. Pour this hot distilled water into a plastic bucket. 
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid to the bucket. 
  4. Pour 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and mix the solution. 
  5. Now add ¼ cup of powdered bleach to the bucket. 
  6. Give it a good mix with a long spatula or a mug.
  7. If the solution is not enough to fill the reservoir, you can add hot water to the solution.

How to Use the Solution:

  1. Pour this homemade carpet cleaner solution into the vacuum cleaner’s reservoir.
  2. Test run this solution on a less visible area. 
  3. Let it dry out completely. 
  4. After 24 hours, check the test run spot for any abnormal stains or hardened fabric. 
  5. Fill the cleaner's water tank with this bleach solution if all goes well. 
  6. If you're cleaning a large area, pour the solution in batches.  
  7. Now, use the carpet cleaner on the entire carpet.
  8. Watch out for any stained areas. Give extra attention to hard stains. 
  9. Once completed, let the carpet dry completely.

How Long Do DIY Carpet Cleaner Solutions Last?

Homemade carpet cleaner solutions don't contain preservatives, so they have a short shelf life. It's best to use them immediately after you make them.

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