Tips for Green Carpet Cleaning

For people with pets and small children, keeping harsh cleaning chemicals around the house for removing stains can be dangerous.  But is it necessary?  Cleaning stains with harsh chemicals does not have to be the answer.  Many times, common household items can remove tough stains just as effectively.

Tips for Green Carpet Cleaning

Removing stains from carpet can be done effectively without harsh chemicals.  In general, ordinary club soda works wonders, but only if applied to the stain immediately.  The carbonation lifts the stain, while the sodium prevents the stain from setting.  There are also specific formulas for dealing with specific types of stains.

• Grease – Sprinkle the affected area with cornmeal and allow it to sit for about five minutes.  Then, apply a vinegar and water solution with a sponge.


• Glue – Apply a vinegar and water solution.  To create the solution, mix 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of water.  Treat the affected area with the solution by sponging it on and blotting. 


• Mildew – Apply a vinegar solution consisting of half vinegar and half water.  After applying the mixture, ensure the carpet is able to dry thoroughly by using a heater or blow dryer.  After all, the enemy here is moisture!


• Pet stains – Apply a vinegar and water solution.  This solution calls for 1 part vinegar and 1 part lukewarm water.  Blot the affected area, rinse with clean water, and allow it to dry thoroughly.


• Red wine – Sprinkle the affected area with salt, and let that sit on the stain for about 15 minutes.  The salt will absorb the spill, and cause the color to change to pink.  Brush or vacuum the salt up, and then apply a vinegar mixture of 1/3 cups vinegar and 2/3 cups water.

The next time you are faced with battling a stain, don’t look for harsh remedies filled with chemicals.  Chances are, a little vinegar and water will go a long way!