Can You Clean Carpet With Vinegar And Baking Soda?
The acidity in vinegar is what makes it such a versatile cleaner – it can dissolve soap scum, counteract sticky build-ups and remove glue left behind by stickers.
Baking soda has many uses besides cooking – it neutralises odours, removes tough stains, and can help with cleaning ovens and tiles. It’s also affordable and leaves a pleasant after-smell alongside refreshing the appearance of carpets.
Can you clean carpet with vinegar and baking soda? Read on…
Getting rid of carpet stains with vinegar and baking soda
Choosing natural products for cleaning your carpet means that there aren’t any chemicals or toxins present which could be harmful to your family and your pets.
You’ll need the following tools when cleaning carpet with vinegar and baking soda:
- * Paper towels or clean microfibre cloths
- * Spray bottle or another container
- * Vacuum cleaner
Ingredients for the solution:
- 1- Vinegar
- 2- Water
- 3- Baking soda
Method:
As soon as possible after the stain has occurred you need to blot any spots dry with absorbent paper towels, or a clean microfibre cloth. Pat the area rather than rubbing as this can cause the stain to spread.
Make a mixture of equal amounts of water and vinegar and apply to the stains – this is easier if you pour the mixture into a spray bottle as you can target the specific area. It’s advisable to check the carpet for reaction to the vinegar to make sure it doesn’t affect the nap or colour.
The water and vinegar mix works well as the water hydrates spots and the vinegar consumes the stain. Soaking the stains will make it easier to remove, as well as neutralising any unpleasant smells.
Gently scrub the stain, to begin with, then apply more pressure as you work into the dirt. Bear in mind that you can damage carpet fibres if you’re too rough.
Whilst the area is still wet scatter the baking powder, then add a little extra undiluted vinegar. This process will result in the fizzing of the baking powder as the cleaning starts to take effect. Gently rub the mixture into the carpet to cleanse the fibres.
If the stain is small you can let the mixture sit for about half an hour and then blot dry and vacuum. If the stain is stubborn leave the solution overnight to ensure that it dries completely. Then you can vacuum up any residue to leave the carpet refreshed.
Carpet cleaning alternatives
Steam cleaning
A professional carpet steam cleaner is probably the best deep-cleaning method you can use on your carpets. As it combines hot water with chemicals it cleans more than the surface – and can get rid of any deep-seated dirt and residue.
Steam cleaning benefits include:
- – The removal of trapped pollutants
- – Eradication of dust mites
- – Prevention of mould growth
- – Extending the life of the carpet
- – Refresh, renewing, and restoring
Dry cleaning
Dry cleaning carpets is the option to choose when your floor coverings are delicate and prone to shrinkage. Too much exposure to water will cause the fibres to lose shape and not return to their original state.
Dry cleaning compound powders need to be sprinkled over the stained area, covering with a light dust. Make sure any heavily soiled areas stay covered if you’re doing the entire room. Remember the deeper the stain the more powder will be needed to remove it.
A soft-bristled brush is ideal to work the powder into the carpet – pushing along the surface. Leave the powder to settle for about half an hour, letting it draw the grime out from the fibres. Be careful to keep children and pets away to make sure none of the powder is accidentally swallowed.
Leaving the powder on for looking will enhance the cleaning. As soon as the powder is completely dry vacuum the carpet thoroughly. Sometimes you may need to repeat this treatment more than once to ger rid of heavy stains.
Expert help
A carpet cleaning specialist from professional cleaning services will make sure the most effective methods are used for your carpet type. Any stains will be pre-treated before the operation starts to make them easier to remove.
Powerful solutions will be used to break up dirt and debris – yet these are safe for your family, pets, and the environment. Following the cleaning process, your carpets will look as new!