If you have a carpet at home, then you know – it’s not a question of if, but when it will experience its first stain. Coffee, wine, baby soda or a dog’s “greeting” after a long walk – carpets are a daily scene for accidents. And when that happens, the first thought is often: “Where is that expensive cleaner I bought once and never used?” Well, good news – there is a better (and significantly cheaper) solution. A homemade, effective and proven mixture that can do more than many industrial cleaners – homemade carpet cleaner.
It is a concentrated carpet cleaner, which you can make at home, using ingredients that you probably already have in your cleaning supplies cupboard. What makes it special? It costs around $1 per gallon and can remove stains as if they were coming out of the carpet themselves. No harsh chemicals, no mysterious ingredients with names that sound like they were from a lab experiment. Just proven ingredients that work.
Recipe for homemade carpet cleaner
Here is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and their function in this powerful blend:
Ingridients:
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- 2 tablespoons liquid laundry detergent
(use a classic liquid laundry detergent that removes stains well – no bleach) - 1/4 cup all-purpose cleaner
(it can be a multi-purpose surface cleaner that dissolves grease and dirt – preferably labeled “degreaser” or “all-purpose cleaner”) - 3 tablespoons of oxygen cleaning powder
(also known as “oxygen bleach” – it is sodium percarbonate that is activated upon contact with water and deeply cleans) - 1 teaspoon of fabric softener (optional)
(for a softer and more pleasantly scented carpet – use as desired) - about 4 liters of hot water
(the water should be hot, but not boiling – ideal for dissolving the powder and activating the active ingredients)
- 2 tablespoons liquid laundry detergent
Instructions for preparation and use:
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- Preparation of concentrate:
In a small bowl, mix together the liquid detergent, all-purpose cleaner, oxygen bleach, and fabric softener (if using). Stir gently until the powder begins to dissolve. - Dilution with water:
In a large container or directly into the tank of your carpet cleaning machine, mix the concentrate with hot water. Make sure that all the powder is completely dissolved – without lumps. - Usage:
Use the mixture in a deep carpet cleaning machine or as a hand cleaner with a sponge or cloth. For stubborn stains, you can pre-apply it directly to the stain, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, and then vacuum or wipe it off.
- Preparation of concentrate:
Effective, simple, homemade: carpet cleaner
In short: this recipe combines the power of professional cleaning with home accessibility and cost-effectiveness. There are no secrets, no tricks - just a good ratio of active ingredients and a touch of home ingenuity. With this cleaner, you will carpets extend your life, save yourself money and a few gray hairs.
And if you ever get a compliment about how clean and fresh your living room is – you can just nod cryptically. Or confidently reply, “Thanks, my secret carpet recipe is better than many carpet cleaners on the market.” As you wish.
