Your carpet is a hidden ecosystem of fungi and germs – here’s how to clean it for cheap
- Mild dish soap is the most versatile and underrated item to clean entire carpets, while leaving baking soda overnight can bind acid odors into vacuumable salts.
- For spot-cleaning, hydrogen peroxide is great for light carpets, while white vinegar can help dissolve some fungi and bacteria.
- To remove stubborn old stains, try rehydration, but note that over-wetting can lead to mold growth.
Dirty carpets are a universe of irritants, fungi and microbes, which is why deep-cleaning them at least once a year can prevent respiratory issues, allergic reactions and skin infections.
According to Tony Kantzavelos, owner of carpet cleaning specialist Love Your Rug of Ottawa, there are four key household ingredients that are safe and effective to clean carpets at home:
“Mild dish soap is the most versatile and underrated item for cleaning your house. As a surfactant, it helps water penetrate fibers, lifting dirt and even oils. A tablespoon per gallon of water is more than enough to treat surfaces and deep clean entire carpets. Exceeding this leaves a sticky residue and can be irritating for crawling babies and toddlers, depending on how harsh the composition is.
“Hydrogen peroxide is brilliant for removing stubborn spots on light carpets. It can remove coffee, wine and pet messes through oxidation. First, one should blot up as much liquid as possible. Then, mix some mild dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle and rehydrate the stain lightly. Follow with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for a few minutes. The dirt should lift now and it is crucial that you then blot the spot, rather than rub it back into the carpet. Rinse it with cold water.
“White vinegar is another spot-cleaning solution. While its smell can be unpleasant if not rinsed thoroughly, it can help remove some fungi and bacteria. For natural fibers, mix equal parts of vinegar and distilled water and a drop of mild dish soap. For synthetic rugs, use twice as much water. Spray this concoction on the stain, leave it for up to five minutes, then gently agitate, rinse and blot dry.
“Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and helps get rid of dog smells or cooking odors stuck in kitchen runners. If the smell is acid-based, it can be neutralized by bases and baking soda is one. Sprinkle it over the whole surface and let it sit overnight or even over an entire day if you are out for the day. Over the next few hours, it will bind acidic compounds in gas form into a less volatile salt that becomes easier to eliminate. Use a vacuum cleaner at full power to thoroughly remove all the baking soda.”
“Rehydrating old stains is a good trick to try, but do not go overboard to avoid mold growth. Make sure your carpet has good ventilation to dry properly and consider using a hair dryer on a cold setting if you have accidentally soaked the carpet.
“As always, protect your hands by wearing gloves and do a patch test first to avoid damage or discoloration.”
If all of the above fails, the carpets are heavily used or you have a strict warranty, enlist a professional carpet cleaner.