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DIY Cleaning Methods for Carpets

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy and effective DIY cleaning methods for carpets. Learn tips and tricks to keep your carpets fresh, stain-free, and looking like new at home.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Carpets

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the carpet and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb odors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, lightly spray over the baking soda, and let it fizz. Blot with a clean cloth and allow the carpet to air dry for a refreshed, clean surface.

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How to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Clean Carpets

Start with a dry carpet. Make sure the area you want to clean is dry. If there’s any loose dirt or debris, vacuum thoroughly first. This helps the baking soda reach the fibers instead of just sitting on top of dust.

Sprinkle baking soda generously. Use a shaker or your hand to spread a layer of baking soda over the stained or smelly area. Don’t be shy—baking soda works best when it covers the spot completely. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (longer if you can, even overnight for tough odors).

Mix your vinegar solution. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts plain white vinegar and water. This helps dilute the vinegar so it doesn’t overwhelm your carpet or your nose. (If you’re worried about colorfastness, test a small hidden spot first.)

Spray the vinegar solution lightly. Mist the area where you sprinkled baking soda. You’ll see some fizzing—this is normal. The reaction helps lift some dirt and can help with certain stains. Don’t soak the carpet; a light mist is enough.

Let it bubble and dry. Allow the fizzing to finish and the area to dry completely. This can take a few hours, depending on how much solution you used and the humidity in your home. Open a window or use a fan to speed things up if needed.

Vacuum thoroughly. Once the area is dry, vacuum up the baking soda residue. Go over the spot a few times to make sure you get all the powder out of the carpet fibers.

Repeat if needed. For stubborn spots or lingering odors, you can repeat the process. Just make sure the carpet is dry before starting again.

Know your carpet. This method is generally suitable for most synthetic carpets, but always check your manufacturer’s care instructions. Some delicate or specialty carpets may not react well to moisture or acidic solutions like vinegar.

Incomplete Stain Removal

Baking soda and vinegar may not fully dissolve or lift deep-set stains from carpet fibers, often leaving residue behind. This DIY method can be ineffective for tough or old stains, resulting in incomplete stain removal and visible marks.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap

Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part dish soap in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to carpet stains, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. This solution lifts tough stains and brightens carpets naturally.

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Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap for Carpets: A Straightforward DIY Guide

Gather your supplies: You’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind you find at most drugstores), a mild liquid dish soap, a spray bottle, a clean white cloth or towel, and a soft-bristled brush. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area first—hydrogen peroxide can lighten some carpet dyes.

Mix your solution: Combine about 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1–2 teaspoons of dish soap in your spray bottle. Gently swirl to mix—don’t shake vigorously, or you’ll end up with a bottle full of bubbles and not much else.

Apply to the stain: Lightly spray the stained area. Don’t soak the carpet; a little goes a long way. Let the solution sit for 5–10 minutes. This gives the mixture time to work on the stain without over-wetting the fibers.

Blot, don’t rub: Use your clean white cloth to blot the area. Press down and lift—avoid scrubbing, which can push the stain deeper or fray the carpet fibers. If the stain is stubborn, use your soft-bristled brush to gently agitate the area, then blot again.

Rinse and repeat (if needed): Dampen another clean cloth with plain water and blot the area to remove any leftover solution. This helps prevent residue that can attract more dirt later. Repeat the process if the stain is still visible, but always let the carpet dry between attempts.

Dry thoroughly: Place a dry towel over the cleaned spot and press down to absorb excess moisture. If possible, point a fan at the area or open windows to speed up drying. A dry carpet is less likely to develop musty odors or attract new dirt.

Know your carpet: This method works best on synthetic carpets (like nylon or polyester). For wool or specialty fibers, check the manufacturer’s care instructions before using hydrogen peroxide, as it can affect color and texture.

Residue Build-Up Risk

Using hydrogen peroxide and dish soap on carpets can leave behind soapy or chemical residues if not rinsed thoroughly, attracting dirt and causing rapid re-soiling or discoloration over time. Proper rinsing and extraction are essential.

Club Soda and Salt

Pour club soda directly onto the carpet stain and blot with a clean cloth. Sprinkle salt over the damp area, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum. The club soda lifts the stain while the salt absorbs moisture and residue.

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How to Use Club Soda and Salt for Carpet Cleaning

Blot, Don’t Rub: If you’ve just spilled something on your carpet, grab a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel and gently blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Press down—don’t scrub—so you don’t push the stain deeper into the fibers.

Pour Club Soda: Pour a small amount of club soda directly onto the stained area. Club soda is carbonated water, and the bubbles can help lift some stains, especially those from drinks like wine or juice. Don’t flood the spot—just enough to dampen it.

Let It Fizz: Give the club soda a minute or two to work. The carbonation can help loosen the stain from the carpet fibers. If you see the stain start to bubble up, that’s a good sign it’s working.

Blot Again: Use a fresh cloth to blot up the club soda and any loosened stain. Keep blotting until you’re not picking up any more color from the spill.

Sprinkle Salt: While the area is still damp, sprinkle a generous layer of table salt over the stain. Salt can help absorb moisture and may draw out some of the remaining color from the carpet.

Wait It Out: Let the salt sit on the carpet until it’s completely dry. This could take a few hours, so go ahead and tackle another task while you wait.

Vacuum Thoroughly: Once the salt is dry, vacuum it up. Go over the area a few times to make sure you get all the salt and any residue left behind.

Repeat if Needed: If the stain is still visible, you can repeat the process. Some stains are stubborn and may need a second round.

Pro Tip: Always test this method on a small, hidden patch of carpet first. Some carpets, especially those with delicate dyes or fibers, can react differently to club soda or salt.

What’s Happening Here? Club soda’s carbonation helps lift some stains, while salt acts as a mild abrasive and moisture absorber. This combo can be handy for fresh spills, but it’s not a magic eraser for every type of stain or carpet.

Deep Fiber Penetration

Club soda and salt may not reach deep into carpet fibers, leaving stains and residues behind. This method is often ineffective for deep or set-in stains, resulting in incomplete cleaning and potential odor retention.

Apply a generous layer of shaving cream directly onto carpet stains. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. Rinse the area with warm water and blot again to remove residue. This method lifts stains and refreshes carpet fibers.

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How to Use Shaving Cream and Warm Water to Clean Carpets

Spot Test First: Before you go wild with the shaving cream, pick a hidden corner of your carpet and dab a little on. Wait a few minutes, then blot it up. This helps you make sure the shaving cream won’t mess with your carpet’s color or texture.

Choose the Right Shaving Cream: Stick with the classic, white, foaming kind. Skip the gels, colored, or scented versions—they can leave behind residue or even stain.

Blot, Don’t Rub: If you’re dealing with a fresh spill, gently blot up as much as you can with a clean, dry cloth. Rubbing just pushes the mess deeper into the fibers.

Apply the Shaving Cream: Squirt a small amount of shaving cream directly onto the stain. You don’t need a mountain—just enough to cover the spot. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes so it can work its way into the stain.

Work It In Gently: Use your fingers or a soft-bristled brush to gently work the shaving cream into the carpet fibers. Don’t scrub too hard—gentle circles are your friend here.

Wipe Away Excess: Take a clean, damp cloth and blot up the shaving cream. You might need to rinse the cloth and repeat a few times to get all the foam out. Leftover shaving cream can attract dirt if it’s not fully removed.

Rinse with Warm Water: Dampen another clean cloth with warm (not hot) water and blot the area to help lift out any remaining residue. Again, avoid soaking the carpet—just enough to rinse.

Dry the Area: Blot the spot with a dry towel to soak up as much moisture as possible. If you can, place a fan nearby or open a window to help the carpet dry faster and prevent any musty smells.

Fluff the Fibers: Once the area is dry, use your fingers or a soft brush to gently fluff up the carpet fibers so they blend in with the rest of the carpet.

Allergen Retention Concern

Shaving cream may contain allergens or fragrances that can remain in carpet fibers after cleaning, potentially triggering allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals. Warm water alone may not fully remove these residues.

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