Cleaning your carpets doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right DIY carpet cleaner, you can remove stains, pet odors, and dirt while saving money. This homemade carpet cleaner recipe is effective, budget-friendly, and safe for kids and pets.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your own homemade carpet cleaner, how to use it in any carpet cleaning machine, and tips for best results.
Table of Contents
- Why Make Your Own DIY Carpet Cleaner?
- Ingredients for Homemade Carpet Cleaner
- How to Make DIY Carpet Cleaner
- How to Use DIY Carpet Cleaner
- Tips for Best Results with DIY Carpet Cleaner
- FAQs About DIY Carpet Cleaner
- Benefits of Using DIY Carpet Cleaner
- Step-by-Step Recap
- Conclusion
Why Make Your Own DIY Carpet Cleaner?
Store-bought carpet cleaning solutions like Rug Doctor shampoo can cost $25–$30 per bottle. For families with pets or kids, this adds up fast. A DIY carpet cleaner is:
- Cost-effective: Ingredients are inexpensive and often available at dollar stores.
- Pet- and kid-friendly: Non-toxic and safe for the home.
- Customizable: Add scents like Downy fabric softener for a fresh-smelling carpet.
- Highly effective: Works for dirt, stains, and pet urine.
By making your own homemade stain remover, you can clean your carpets without breaking the bank.
Ingredients for Homemade Carpet Cleaner
This DIY carpet cleaning solution uses just four simple ingredients:
1. Tide Laundry Detergent
Regular Tide detergent is perfect for this recipe. You can also use Tide Simply Clean & Fresh. It provides the base cleaning power for your carpet cleaner.
2. OxiClean or Generic Brand
OxiClean is excellent for lifting carpet stains, dirt, and odors. Generic versions work just as well and are more budget-friendly.
3. LA’s Totally Awesome Degreaser Cleaner
A strong cleaning agent that removes tough grime. This homemade carpet stain remover ingredient is great for stubborn messes.
4. Fabric Softener
Downy or any other fabric softener keeps your carpets soft, fresh, and smelling clean after use. It also helps maintain smooth carpet fibers.
How to Make DIY Carpet Cleaner
Follow these steps to create your natural carpet cleaning solution:
Step 1: Measure Ingredients
Use a small bowl and spoon to measure the four ingredients. Combine them to create your concentrated carpet cleaner mix.
Step 2: Mix Thoroughly
Stir for 15–20 seconds until all ingredients are well combined. This ensures the cleaning power is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Dilute in Hot Water
Add the mixture to a gallon of hot water. Stir gently until the OxiClean crystals dissolve. Avoid creating bubbles at this stage.
Step 4: Smell Fresh
Your solution will smell like freshly washed clothes, thanks to the fabric softener. This is your DIY carpet cleaner concentrate, ready to use in any machine.
How to Use DIY Carpet Cleaner
Step 1: Test a Small Area
Before applying the solution to the entire carpet, test a small, hidden area. This ensures the cleaner won’t cause discoloration or damage.
Step 2: Add to Carpet Cleaning Machine
For most machines, add 1/4 cup of the concentrate to the water reservoir. This DIY carpet shampoo is super concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Step 3: Pre-Treat Stains
Apply some concentrate directly to tough stains like pet urine, food spills, or dirt marks. Let it sit for a few minutes before cleaning. A spray bottle works well, but your fingers or spoon can also do the job.
Step 4: Shampoo Your Carpet
Run your carpet cleaning machine slowly, moving in both directions for a deep clean. Repeat if necessary for heavily soiled areas.
Step 5: Adjust for Extra Dirty Carpets
For extremely dirty carpets, increase the amount of concentrate to 1/2 cup. Some users even apply the straight concentrate, though rinsing afterward is recommended.
Tips for Best Results with DIY Carpet Cleaner
- Vacuum First: Remove loose dirt before shampooing.
- Move Slowly: Cleaning in both directions ensures deep penetration.
- Refill as Needed: Dirty carpets may require multiple refills.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover concentrate in a gallon container, milk jug, or water jug for future use.
- Use on Various Carpets and Machines: Works with Bissell, Hoover, Rug Doctor, and other carpet cleaning machines.
FAQs About DIY Carpet Cleaner
Can I use Tide Pods instead of detergent?
Yes! Replace the detergent with one Tide Pod (about two tablespoons). It works just as well for homemade carpet shampoo.
Is it safe for pets and children?
Yes, this natural carpet cleaner is safe for use around pets and kids when used as directed. Avoid ingestion.
Will it remove old, tough stains?
It works on most stains, including dirt, pet urine, and food spills. Very old or extreme stains like nail polish or ink may not come out.
Do I need to rinse the carpet afterward?
For the standard recipe, rinsing is not necessary. The fabric softener leaves a fresh scent and keeps carpet fibers soft. Only rinse if using a high concentration.
Which carpet machines are compatible?
This DIY solution works in most carpet machines, including Bissell, Hoover, Rug Doctor, and smaller spot-cleaning machines. Always check your manufacturer’s warranty.
Benefits of Using DIY Carpet Cleaner
- Save Money: Ingredients cost much less than store-bought cleaners.
- Eco-Friendly: Fewer harsh chemicals in your home.
- Customizable: Add scents and tailor to your needs.
- Effective: Works on dirt, stains, pet odors, and general cleaning.
- Convenient: Store concentrate for repeated use.
Step-by-Step Recap
- Measure Tide detergent, OxiClean, LA’s Totally Awesome, and fabric softener.
- Mix ingredients for 15–20 seconds in a small bowl.
- Dilute with hot water and stir gently.
- Test a small area of the carpet.
- Add 1/4 cup of concentrate to your carpet cleaning machine.
- Pre-treat stains with the concentrate.
- Shampoo carpet slowly and thoroughly.
- Store leftover concentrate for future cleaning sessions.
Conclusion
This DIY carpet cleaner is a cost-effective, natural, and highly effective solution for keeping carpets clean and fresh. Whether you’re dealing with pet stains, dirt, or everyday spills, this homemade recipe works in most carpet cleaning machines and keeps carpets soft and smelling great.
By making your own homemade carpet cleaning solution, you save money, reduce chemical exposure, and gain control over the cleaning process. Store your concentrate, use it as needed, and enjoy spotless, fresh carpets without spending a fortune.
Skip the expensive store-bought cleaners and give this DIY recipe a try—you’ll love the results!
Emma Vanderlyn is a home enthusiast with a passion for all things natural and eco-friendly. With years of experience experimenting with DIY solutions, she’s dedicated to creating safe, effective, and budget-friendly cleaning recipes that are kind to both your home and the planet. Emma believes that a clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of harsh chemicals, and her easy-to-follow guides make natural cleaning accessible to everyone.
When she’s not whipping up a new cleaner in her kitchen, Emma can be found researching the latest in green living or transforming her space with mindful, stylish decor ideas. She’s here to share her love of natural living and help you create a home that shines—naturally.