Cleaning a carpet is up there on the list of chores many of us dread – especially if you have to complete the job by hand and don't have a fancy machine to take the pressure off.
While carpet cleaners save time, they are expensive, heavy and clunky, taking up storage space, meaning many of us can’t justify the investment. So, what is the best homemade carpet cleaners for scrubbing by hand?
We asked professional cleaners for their best homemade carpet cleaner recipes to clean a carpet without a machine. They've shared four tried and tested concoctions that break down stains and dirt while nixing the need for scrubbing.
Best homemade carpet cleaner
These DIY carpet cleaners work best when tackling small areas and stains, but they can be used to deep clean a carpet if you have the time and energy to work around the whole space in one go.
For all of these carpet cleaner recipes, you will need the following essentials:
- A soft bristled cleaning brush, which you can get at Walmart
- Microfiber cleaning cloths, available at Walmart
- A measuring pitcher from Walmart, to mix solutions in
- A measuring spoon set, available at Walmart
1. Vinegar and baking soda
It wouldn’t be a DIY cleaning solutions list without mentioning cleaning with vinegar and cleaning with baking soda. This perfect duo is great for tackling deep-set stains.
You will need:
- Baking soda, such as Arm & Hammer baking soda from Walmart
- White vinegar, also from Walmart
- Dish soap, such as Dawn, from Walmart
- Warm water
Vanessa Terra Bossart, professional cleaner and owner of Green Terra Cleaning says, ‘My go-to recipe combines two cups of warm water, one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of eco-friendly dish soap.
‘Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle, then lightly mist the area you need to clean. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the solution into the carpet fibers. Finish by blotting with a clean, damp cloth to lift the residue. This mix refreshes carpets and neutralizes odors naturally perfect for families and pets.’
Cleaning with baking soda is possible and effective all over the home.
2. Oxygen bleach
Oxygen bleach is a secret laundry ingredient professionals swear by for cleaning all sorts of soft furnishings around a home. It helps to break down tough stains (especially enzyme-based stains) without discoloring surfaces.
You will need:
- An oxygen bleach cleaner, such as Oxi-Clean, from Amazon
- Gentle laundry detergent, like Ecover from Amazon
- Hot water
Veronica Williams, professional clever and owner of Guelph Maids shares, ‘To prepare this solution, you’ll only need two tablespoons of non-bleach laundry detergent, one tablespoon of oxygen-based powder cleaner like OxiClean [available on Amazon], and one gallon of very hot water to activate the ingredients.
‘Mix all the ingredients in a large, non-metal container, and you’re ready to go. It’s perfect for cleaning carpets by hand (it is also a good DIY carpet cleaning solution for machines if you have one). Just remember to wear cleaning gloves, available at Amazon, while mixing and using the solution to protect your skin from irritation.’
3. Castille soap
Castile soap is another one of those multi-purpose ingredients that can be used for everything from cleaning upholstery to cleaning windows and beyond.
You will need:
- Some Castile Soap. We like Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap from Amazon for its luxurious scents that make a home smell nice
- Warm water
- Baking soda, optional
Brunson Sayes, cleaning expert and founder of Breathe Maids says, ‘I start with two cups of hot water, not boiling, but hot enough to help break down grime. To that, I add one teaspoon of Castile soap (I prefer unscented or lavender). Castile soap is gentle yet effective, and unlike some dish soaps, it won’t leave a sticky residue behind.
‘If there’s a stain, I blot it gently with a clean, dry cloth to absorb any excess liquid. Blot, don’t rub – rubbing just pushes the stain deeper,’ he adds.
‘For tough stains, I keep baking soda handy,’ Brunson continues. ‘Instead of adding it to the mix, I sprinkle it directly on the stain before applying the liquid cleaner. This creates a light fizzing action that helps lift the stain without scrubbing too hard.
‘If I’m refreshing an entire carpet rather than spot-cleaning, I work in sections. After scrubbing and blotting, I vacuum again once the carpet is completely dry to fluff up the fibers and remove any leftover baking soda. The result is a carpet that feels and looks as good as new.’
4. Hydrogen peroxide
Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide is perfect if you want to clean a carpet without adding any strong odors or fragrances.
You will need:
- Hydrogen peroxide, available at Walmart
- Dish soap, such as Dawn from Amazon
- Warm water
Jade Piper, cleaning professional and operations manager at BetterCleans explains that ‘Unlike some store-bought cleaners, this DIY mix doesn’t have a strong, artificial scent that lingers. Hydrogen peroxide has a neutral smell, and the dish soap just leaves a mild, clean fragrance.
‘But of course, before you proceed to mixing and scrubbing, it’s better to vacuum the carpet first. After that, mix one tablespoon of dish soap (my bet will always be Dawn) with two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and about two cups of warm water in a bowl. Wet one section (don’t drench it!) and let it sit for five to 10 minutes before scrubbing gently with a floor scrub brush.
‘Rinse with water and let dry. You can fluff the fibers after with a brush for a soft, plush feel.’
If you need to clean a whole carpet, but don’t fancy crawling around scrubbing or buying a single-use tool, consider steam cleaning a carpet instead. Steam cleaning kills bacteria and loosens stains, and you can then use the steamer elsewhere around your home to get your money's worth.
