So maybe this isn’t a Christmas craft, but today’s little tip does go along with Christmas (sort of!), and it’s FREE (love that!), so I wanted to let you in on it.
Most likely people will be coming by your home for the Holidays. You might be having a party, or are you cleaning up after one? Are you hosting Christmas this year? Dinner for the whole fam damily? Friends and neighbors will want to stop by with their treats, too, and it’s always fun to invite them in for a little chat.
As I was thinking about guests coming to my house, I realized I was a little hesitant to invite anyone in because my carpets were dirty. I mean DIRTY. I knew it was time for a good clean…STAT! So I borrowed a carpet shampooing machine from a sweet lady at church, and I found a babysitter for little J. (Nice!) All of the furniture was hauled out of the rooms (by myself! Just call me She-Ra!). Now I was ready to clean.
Except….
No carpet shampoo. None. Oops. Blame it on the mom brain. I forgot to buy some. But, being the Free Stylin’ chick that I am, I looked around the house to see what I had…
Yep! It’s a stain fighter, it’s gentle on carpets (and carpet cleaners), and it makes your whole house smell fresh. And I believe I used less detergent than actual carpet shampoo.
After testing a little area first to make sure my idea would work (and not ruin the carpet!), I dripped a little diluted laundry detergent right on one of the toughest stains.
Ok, this is seriously a great idea. I have a Bissell little green machine and I can't find the carpet shampoo for it at any store! It needs to be low-suds, so I bet I could use the front loading washer detergent for it. I'm totally going to try this! Thanks for the great tip.
~Allison @ House of Hepworths
OK, I don't want to be controversial (sp) but you need to be VERY careful with this tip. I have a carpet cleaner and ran out of cleaner and did the same thing you did. In a pinch, use laundry soap. Well I used too much (didn't look like too much) and it left a residue on the carpet that actually attracted more dirt. I have had the hardest time cleaning this rug that I finally just got rid of it. (I have even tried to reclean my rug with regular carpet cleaner and it just doesn't get clean.) Be careful! Sorry to be a Debbie Downer!
Thanks for the heads up, Ang. The laundry detergent is meant to be used 1. Diluted, and 2. In a pinch. And it is always smart to spot test first. I used a bit less than the smallest amount recommended by the carpet shampooer.
Beth, this is a great tip! I like to use laundry detergent instead of carpet cleaner too. You definitely have to dilute it, but it works wonderfully for me. I usually only add about 1/4 cup of soap for 2 quarts of water. Detergents have brighteners in them that lift the stains and grubby look that carpets get. They also make the carpets smell terrific!!
vinegar also works magic… when it dries you can't smell the strong original aroma. Then follow with a good baking soda vacuum if you need a reduction in smell. NO RESIDUE here!
We do the same. I've always worried about residue from any carpet shampoo or detergent so I usually "wash it" then "rinse" it with just warm water in the machine. We've always used the store brand of Clorox 2.
What a great idea! I need to clean my carpets. Especially after grace spilled her blue yogurt in the living room today. Yay.
Bless you! This is a terrific tip! We just moved to a place with white carpets. Have mercy! I know I will use this tip.