Nothing is more comforting than a nice, fresh carpet. However, far too often, a clean carpet doesn't seem to stay that way very long. Children, pets, and even just foot traffic can leave your carpet a little worn. Odors, stains, and furniture dents on your carpet can leave you thinking perhaps you need some expensive cleaning products or even a new carpet.
Save your money, and use these DIY hints to keep your carpet looking as good as new. With nothing more than some basic household supplies, you can keep your carpet fresh and clean!
1. Mix up a DIY carpet freshening powder (h/t Making Lemonade)All it takes is a cup of baking soda and 25 drops of your favorite essential oil to create a carpet powder for freshening any room. Mix the ingredients together in a mason jar, and sprinkle it over the carpet as needed. Allow it to rest for a bit, and then simply vacuum as usual. All that is left behind is a clean scent.
2. Craft a powerful carpet cleaning powder (h/t Creek Line House)This powdered carpet cleaner goes beyond freshening up the room to pulling out grime and oils from your carpet. All you need to do is mix 2 cups of corn meal with 1 cup of borax. A few drops of essential oil can be added if you want, but it isn't necessary. Sprinkle the mixture over the carpet, and allow it to work for at least an hour. Vacuum as normal to reveal a cleaner carpet.
3. Use a dry carpet stain remover (h/t Extra Wellness)Some carpet spills and stains don't require an entire carpet cleaning, but they need quick attention. This dry method of stain removal is perfect for quick carpet cleaning without a trip to purchase a commercial stain remover. Simply sprinkle the stain with baking soda, and allow it to rest for an hour. Mix 1 1/2 teaspoon clear dish soap, 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, and 1 cup warm water. Gently dab the cleaning solution over the stained area with a cleaning cloth until the stain has lifted. Dry the area by blotting with a dry cloth.
4. Remove furniture dents from carpet (h/t Cool Creativity)Rearranging furniture can transform a room, but you are often left with frustrating carpet dents in obvious places. You don't have to just wait for the carpet to pop back up on its own with this easy carpet hack. Place ice cubes in the dented area. Allow the ice to melt. Any remaining moisture can be blotted up the next day. If needed, gently fluff the carpet fibers with the edge of a spoon.
5. Fluff high traffic areas (h/t Simply Stacie)Entrance ways, hallways, and stairs can all start to look a bit flat from constant traffic. To fluff worn carpet, all you need is a spray bottle filled with equal parts of vinegar and water. Spray it over the carpet, and wait until the carpet is dry. Vacuum and then fluff any remaining matted areas with the edge of a spoon.
6. Make a homemade carpet cleaning solution (h/t The Retro-Modern Mom) While most commercial carpet cleaning solutions are very effective, many leave behind chemicals that you just don't want in your home. You can create a safe carpet cleaning solution for your carpet cleaner with items that you already have. Add 1 tablespoon baking soda to your carpet cleaning canister. Pour in 1/3 cup vinegar, and fill the rest of the container with hot water. Then add in 1 tablespoon laundry detergent. Use your carpet cleaner to clean the carpet as directed by the manufacturer.
