Natural Cleaning Week: Carpets & Stains

We're talking carpets and stains today, as part of the 22 Day Spring Clean Challenge.  I am almost finished with my 22 Days...just two more left!  Where are you at???  I challenge you to take a read through the list and start your own countdown to a spring clean home NATURALLY!  And that's what this week is all about, after all.  I am sharing my personal all natural recipes and methods to get your home squeaky clean.

It's good habit to give your carpeting a good washing once a year.  This will get the deep down dirt and dust that has built up over the year out.  AND it will eliminate bacteria, allergens, mold, and dust mites, all known to make our indoor air (and us) sick!  You will need a personal carpet cleaning wet vac or you can rent one and use natural ingredients instead of the commercial detergents (which are toxic!).

If you have stains or spots on your carpet, maybe left by pets or wine, you will also need a carpet brush or, to stay green, use an old toothbrush.

Natural Carpet Cleaning

STAINS
carpet brush
about 2 tsp baking soda (more/less depending on size of stain)
1/2 tsp castile soap
1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide

CARPET
distilled white vinegar
distilled water
essential oil, optional  (I use Thieves)

1.)  First, pretreat noticeable/tough stains:  Vacuum the entire carpet thoroughly.  Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the stain, make sure all edges are covered.  In a small bowl, mix 1/2 tsp of castile soap with 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide.  Pour the mixture over the baking soda.  Gently push the paste that forms down into the stain with the brush, being careful not to scrub it or split the carpet strands.  Blot with a clean dry towel to remove any standing liquid, then let dry (about 24 hours).

2.)   Fill the carpet cleaning vac with 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts distilled water.  Run the cleaner across the carpet, following manufacturer's instructions.  Follow up with a rinse of only distilled water (and a few drops of essential oil if you wish), especially over the baking soda spot pretreatments.  Let carpet dry fully for 24 hours.  Finish with a thorough vacuuming to pick up any fibers or dirt particles left from the cleaning.

And it's as simple as that, folks!  Your carpet will be refreshed and sanitized, and last longer from great maintenance!  And soft -- did I forget to mention your carpet feels softer after it dries?  Your feet will thank you.  :)