How to clean a carpet?

Your carpet is stained and you don't know how to clean it? You can't put it in your washing machine or take it to the dry cleaner’s? Don’t panic! There are natural, ecological and economical solutions to help you get rid of carpet stains. Here are some tips on how to get the job done.

How to clean a carpet with baking soda or terre de sommières

The multiple uses and effectiveness of baking soda are no longer in question. Used in the kitchen to make cakes rise or in the bathroom as a deodorant, it is also a great weapon for carpet cleaning. Its high absorbency makes it a great solution to remove tough stains on carpets.

The terre de sommières is a little less known, but just as effective. It works in the same way as baking soda, thanks to its high absorption capacity. It is a clay powder that is particularly effective on tough stains.

The advantage of these two powders is that they are environmentally friendly dry cleaning options because they don’t release any toxic substances.

The use of baking soda and terre de sommières is very simple. Here is how to clean a carpet with these two ingredients:

• Vacuum the carpet;
• Sprinkle the carpet with baking soda or terre de sommière;
• Let sit overnight or for at least several hours;
• Once the powder is dry, vacuum the carpet.

Do you have a wool carpet? Use baking soda or terre de Sommières to give it back its puffiness. You can also reinforce the effectiveness of these two powders by applying some sparkling water. Then sprinkle any stains with one of these powders, and you're done! If you don't have either of these at home, apply shaving cream on the stain and leave it to dry overnight.

How to use black soap to clean your carpet

Black soap is also an essential cleaning tool. With its strong stain and grease removal properties, it can be used to clean all types of surfaces. It is also very effective as a detergent to remove stubborn stains. Soap is mainly composed of vegetable oils, such as olive or linseed oil.

Is your beautiful white carpet looking a little gray? Revive its colors with black soap.

Here's how to clean a carpet with black soap:

• Dilute black soap in a container of water;
• Dip a sponge into the mixture;
• Scrub the carpet with soapy water;
• Rinse the carpet with a mixture of warm water and white vinegar;
• Let the carpet dry.

Black soap is very concentrated, so it should always be diluted with water. Black soap, combined with white vinegar, ensures that your carpets will be clean in an economical and environmentally friendly way. You can also use dish liquid in this recipe. Even if the latter is less degreasing than the black soap, it can do the trick on stains that are not very encrusted.

How can white vinegar help you clean a carpet?

If you are a fan of ecological cleaning, you must have white vinegar in your cupboards. It is extremely effective in fighting limescale. But did you know that white vinegar is also a great stain remover? Indeed, if your carpet is dirty, white vinegar will be your ally to fight against any encrusted spots.

How to clean a carpet with white vinegar?

The procedure is simple:

• Mix warm water and white vinegar. The amount of vinegar should be slightly higher than the amount of water;
• Add a little dish liquid;
• Moisten a sponge with this mixture and rub vigorously on the stains;
• Rinse with a damp cloth;
• Allow drying.

White vinegar should only be used occasionally because of its high acidity.

What about the steam cleaner in all this?

The previous methods allow you to clean your carpet occasionally if one or more stains appear. But regular maintenance is still essential, especially if you have pets. For regular and effortless deep cleaning, a steam cleaner is the best solution.

A steam cleaner allows you to thoroughly clean the interior and surface of a carpet with immediate results. It also has the advantage of being environmentally friendly as it does not require any cleaning products. To use it, you only need an electrical outlet and a bit of water.

How to clean a carpet with a steam cleaner:

• Vacuum the carpet to remove dirt (dust, crumbs, etc.);
• Run the steam cleaner back and forth over the carpet;
• Allow drying.

Tip: Don't go too cheap when picking your cheap steam cleaner. Heating time and maximum pressure are important aspects to consider before making your decision.