Last update: 6 days ago
Carpets aren’t just part of your home—they’re part of your stories. From coffee spilled during a late-night chat with friends to the wine stain that marked a memorable celebration, every spot tells a tale. But while these moments are priceless, the stains they leave behind don’t have to be permanent.
Here are six effective DIY carpet cleaner recipes using natural, everyday ingredients. They’re budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and, most importantly, safe for your little ones and furry friends. Perfect for Australian homes, where every carpet tells a story of outdoor adventures and cherished indoor moments.
Baking soda carpet cleaner
Baking soda is a simple and effective DIY carpet cleaner. It naturally deodorises and removes dirt, leaving your carpets refreshed without harsh chemicals. Ideal for tackling lingering odours from pets, food, or spills. It lifts light stains caused by dirt or dried spills. Additionally, it helps with general carpet maintenance, keeping fibres fresh and deodorised. Check this guide to creating and using this versatile DIY carpet cleaner solution:
Ingredients:
- Baking soda (enough to lightly cover the area to be cleaned)
- Optional – A few drops of your favourite essential oil (lavender, lemon, or tea tree are great choices)
Recipe and application
Sprinkle an even layer of baking soda across your carpet. Add a few drops of essential oil into the baking soda before sprinkling it for a better aroma.
Let it work. Allow the baking soda to sit for 15-30 minutes. This gives it time to absorb odours and loosen dirt.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda completely. Go over the area a couple of times to make sure no residue is left behind.
What materials can be cleaned
- Synthetic carpets
- Wool or wool-blend rugs (provided they are vacuum-safe)
- Area rugs and low-pile carpets
What materials can’t be cleaned
- Delicate fabrics – Materials like silk or antique rugs may react poorly to baking soda.
- Shag carpets – The fibres can trap baking soda, making it difficult to remove completely.
- Moist areas – Baking soda is less effective on wet stains or areas with moisture, as it can clump and become harder to vacuum.
Vinegar and water spot cleaner
When it comes to an all-natural DIY carpet cleaner, a simple mixture of vinegar and water can be enough. This solution acts as a natural stain remover for spots. Plus, it lifts light stains from dirt, food spills, pet accidents, and even high-traffic areas where foot traffic has caused discolouration. Its acidic properties help break down dirt and grime, refreshing carpet fibres and neutralising unpleasant smells. All without leaving a sticky residue behind. Here’s how to make and use this effective carpet cleaner DIY method.
Ingredients:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water
- Optional – A few drops of essential oil (to mask the vinegar scent)
Recipe and application
For carpets with natural fibres, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
For those with synthetic fibres, use a 1:2 ratio of vinegar and water. Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus for a fresh scent.
Spray the solution directly onto the stained area or high-traffic zones. Avoid soaking the carpet; a light mist is sufficient.
Blot gently using a clean, dry cloth, working from the edges of the stain toward the centre. This prevents the stain from spreading.
Repeat as needed for stubborn stains.
What materials can be cleaned
- Synthetic carpets – Safe for most types of synthetic fibres.
- Natural carpets – Can be used cautiously on wool and cotton. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.
What materials can’t be cleaned
- Delicate fabrics – Avoid using on silk or antique rugs, as vinegar can be too harsh.
- Stone flooring under rugs – If your carpet sits atop natural stone floors, be careful with vinegar, as it can etch and damage stone surfaces.
Hydrogen peroxide stain remover
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful DIY carpet cleaner, perfect for tackling stubborn stains and refreshing light-coloured carpets. Especially for tough spots like coffee, wine, and tea spills. It is great for organic stains such as blood and food-related messes. Additionally, it’s a fantastic homemade cleaner for dog urine. Check how to make a DIY carpet cleaner using hydrogen peroxide.
Ingredients:
- 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
- 1 part water
- Optional – A small amount of mild dish soap (for added cleaning power)
Recipe and application
Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. If desired, add a small squirt of dish soap for particularly tough stains.
Apply your homemade carpet cleaner to the stain. Never pour the solution directly onto the carpet.
Allow the solution to sit for about 10 minutes.
Wipe the stain gently with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing so as not to push the stain deeper into the carpet fibres.
For tougher stains, you might have to repeat the process.
What materials can be cleaned
- Synthetic carpets – Safe and effective for most synthetic fibres.
- Stain-resistant carpets – Works well on carpets designed to repel stains.
What materials can’t be cleaned
- Dark or bright-coloured carpets – Hydrogen peroxide can lighten colours, so test in an inconspicuous spot first.
- Delicate materials – Avoid using it on antique, silk, or wool rugs.
Cornstarch and borax carpet powder
The combination of cornstarch and borax makes a powerful DIY cleaning solution. Both affordable and easy to use. It’s an excellent choice for deodorising, lifting dirt, and tackling light stains with ease. Here’s how to create and apply this carpet cleaner DIY.
Ingredients:
- 1 part cornstarch
- 1 part borax powder
- Optional: A few drops of essential oil (for a fresh scent)
Recipe and application
Combine equal parts cornstarch and borax in a bowl. If you like, you can add 5-10 drops of your favourite essential oil. It smells good and kills bacteria.
Spread the powder evenly across the carpet. Focus on areas with strong odours or light stains.
Allow the powder to sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
Vacuum the powder completely without leaving residue.
What materials can be cleaned
- Synthetic carpets – Safe for most synthetic materials and blends.
- Natural fibre rugs – Can be used cautiously on wool and jute, provided they are vacuum-safe.
- Area rugs – Works well on low-pile and medium-pile rugs.
What materials can’t be cleaned
- Delicate or antique rugs – Avoid using on silk, viscose, or antique carpets, as borax may be too harsh.
- Shag carpets – The powder may become trapped in long fibres, making it difficult to vacuum out.
Safety note – It’s a natural cleaner, but kids and pets shouldn’t get into it. Avoid using this powder in areas where they frequently play or rest.
If the old stains have been there for a long time, hiring professional carpet cleaners for this job is better.
Club soda for spills
Club soda is a surprisingly effective DIY carpet cleaner solution for handling fresh spills, mild stains and splatters. It’s also a fantastic option for eco-friendly carpet care. All that without leaving a sticky mess. Plus, club soda neutralises odours, making it a great solution for keeping carpets fresh and clean.
Ingredients:
- Club soda (unflavored and unsweetened)
- Clean, white cloth or paper towels
Recipe and application
Blot the spill gently with a clean, white cloth or paper towel.
Let it absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the carpet.
Pour a small amount of club soda directly onto the affected area. Use just enough to dampen the carpet, not soak it.
Use a fresh cloth or paper towel to blot the area. Work from the edges of the spill toward the centre. This helps contain the stain.
For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the process until the spot is completely gone.
After the stain is gone, press a dry towel over the area to soak up any moisture.
What materials can be cleaned
- Synthetic carpets – Safe for most synthetic materials.
- Wool rugs – Gentle enough for wool carpets and blends, provided they’re blotted dry thoroughly afterwards.
- Area rugs – Effective on most low- to medium-pile rugs.
What materials can’t be cleaned
- Delicate fabrics – Avoid using club soda on silk, viscose, or antique rugs, as they can be sensitive to moisture.
- Shag carpets – The liquid may be difficult to fully remove from thick, long fibres.
Dishwashing detergent carpet cleaner
Refresh your carpets and eliminate stains effortlessly with a detergent-based DIY carpet cleaner. Suitable for both synthetic and natural fibres. Dirt, spills, and stains are gone with this simple formula. It’s especially effective for food and drink spills like coffee, juice, and soda, as well as tough grease and oil stains. Here’s how to prepare it based on your carpet type.
Ingredients:
- Translucent liquid dishwashing detergent (e.g., Dawn or Joy)
- Lukewarm water
- Clean, white cloth or sponge
Recipe for synthetic carpets
- Mix ¼ teaspoon of translucent liquid dishwashing detergent into one cup of lukewarm water.
- Stir gently to combine, avoiding excess suds.
- For natural fibre carpets
- Mix one teaspoon of translucent liquid dishwashing detergent into one cup of lukewarm water.
- Stir gently to create a mild cleaning solution.
Application
Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the prepared detergent solution.
Then, gently dab the stained area. Before applying the solution, blot any excess liquid or debris off.
Rinse the area with plain water after treating the stain. This step removes detergent residue, which can attract dirt if left behind.
Press a dry towel or cloth onto the treated spot to absorb moisture and let the carpet air dry completely.
What materials can be cleaned
- Synthetic carpets – Perfect for most synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester.
- Natural fibre carpets – Safe for wool, cotton, and other natural materials when used with the appropriate recipe.
What materials can’t be cleaned
- Silk or antique rugs – Delicate fibres may not tolerate detergent-based solutions.
- Shag carpets – The solution may be difficult to rinse out of deep, long fibres.
Laundry detergent carpet cleaner
If you’re on the hunt for an effective DIY carpet cleaner, stop searching like a detective and head straight to your laundry room—it’s hiding there! Laundry detergent isn’t just for clothes; it’s a carpet superhero in disguise. It easily tackles stains, dirt, and odours, all while being gentle enough for both synthetic and natural fibre carpets. From milk and coffee spills to mud tracked in by your not-so-innocent outdoor adventures, this cleaner handles it all. Bonus points? It’s so easy to use, you might just wonder why your carpet isn’t thanking you personally! It can even help when tackling challenges like how to clean a shaggy rug.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon liquid laundry detergent (choose a gentle, non-bleach formula)
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- Clean, white cloth or sponge
Recipe and application
Combine one teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent with 1 cup of lukewarm water. Stir gently to mix without creating excessive suds.
If the stain is fresh, blot away as much of the spill as possible using a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing, as it may spread the stain.
Dip a white cloth or sponge into the detergent mixture. Dab it gently onto the stained area. Work from the edges toward the centre.
After treating the stain, dampen another cloth with plain water. Blot the area to remove detergent residue. You need to do this to prevent sticky spots.
Press a dry towel over the treated area to absorb excess moisture. Let the carpet to air dry completely.
What materials can be cleaned
- Synthetic carpets – Works well on nylon, polyester, and other synthetic fibers.
- Natural fibre carpets – Safe for wool, cotton, and jute, provided you rinse thoroughly to avoid detergent buildup.
What materials can’t be cleaned
- Delicate fabrics – Avoid using laundry detergent on silk or antique rugs, as it may damage the fibres.
- Shag carpets – The long fibres can trap detergent, making it difficult to rinse out completely.
Let the experts handle it!
Get your carpet and rugs professionally cleaned!
Takeaways
- Homemade solutions are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and use everyday ingredients found in most homes.
- Most DIY cleaners are safe for pets and children, making them ideal for households looking for non-toxic cleaning methods.
- They are simple cleaning methods with straightforward steps for stain removal and deodorising.
- For stubborn stains or extensive cleaning needs, professional services are worth considering.
