7 Most Effective DIY Carpet Cleaners in 2025

Cleaning carpets can feel overwhelming, especially with kids, pets, and unpredictable messes. Store-bought solutions are pricey and full of harsh chemicals.

These 7 homemade carpet cleaners use simple, eco-friendly ingredients you already have at home, and they’re tough on stains.

1. Baking Soda + White Vinegar (All-Purpose)

Why it works: The alkaline baking soda neutralizes odors, and the vinegar’s acid lifts stains and refreshes fibers.

How to use:

1. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain.
2. Mix 1:1 white vinegar + water.
3. Pour mixture over baking soda, let it foam.
4. Blot gently, rinse with water, air dry, vacuum residue.
5. Best for general freshening and mild stains.

2. Baking Soda + Steam Clean

Perfect if you use a steam cleaner, great for deep cleaning.

• Synthetic carpets: Mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water.
• Natural fibers (wool): Use a 1:1 ratio.

Fill your cleaner with the mixture, add a few drops of essential oil for scent, then steam over your carpet. Air dry.

3. Salt (Fresh Spills)

Quick fix for fresh spills:

1. Blot liquid.
2. Sprinkle salt generously.
3. Wait 15–30 mins, vacuum.
4. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Salt absorbs liquids fast, perfect for wine or coffee accidents.

4. Baking Soda Deodorizer (Dry Clean)

For smell-neutralizing only:

1. Sprinkle baking soda (or baking soda + essential oils).
2. Let sit 30 mins–overnight.
3. Vacuum thoroughly.
4. Freshens without moisture.

5. Castile Soap + Hydrogen Peroxide (Color-Safe Stains)

Great for dark or patterned rugs, clean without fading:

1. Mix Castile soap + hot water.
2. Add 1–2 tbsp of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
3. Blot gently; rinse; dry.
4. Keeps colours intact.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide + Dish Soap (Stubborn Stains)

New addition: Ideal for tougher stains (wine, pet mess, food):

1. Mix 2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide + 1 part mild dish soap in spray bottle.
2. Test in a hidden area.
3. Spray stain, wait 5 mins.
4. Blot, rinse lightly, dry, vacuum.
5. An effective spot-treater used by professionals.

7. Enzyme Cleaner (Pet & Organic Mess)

New addition: Top choice for pet accidents and organic-based spills:

• Uses protease, lipase, and amylase enzymes to break down proteins and odours. Effective!
• Follow product instructions, let it sit, blot, and dry.
• Pro tip: wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation.

How Often to Clean?

• Vacuum high-traffic areas 2–3× per week; others weekly.
• Deep DIY clean seasonally (spring/fall).
• Pro clean every 12–18 month, or more often if pets/allergies

Quick DIY Maintenance Tips

• Use washable mats at entryways
• Enforce a “no shoes inside” rule
• Blot spills immediately
• Test any cleaner on unseen area first

In Case You Skipped Ahead:

DIY Mixer	Best For	Why It Works
Baking soda + vinegar	Everyday stains & freshness	Neutralizes, deodorizes, foams
Vinegar mix in steamer	Deep cleaning	Combines moisture + cleaning in one
Salt	Fresh spills	Absorbs liquids fast
Baking soda deodorizer	Musty odours	Dries & refreshes carpet
Castile + peroxide	Colored/patterned rugs	Cleans gently without fading
Peroxide + dish soap	Stubborn spills	Lifts and disinfects
Enzyme cleaner	Pet/organic stains	Breaks down organic matter deeply

Ready to leave the mess behind?

These DIY cleaners can save you money and avoid harsh chemicals, but when stains get stubborn or the carpet needs a pro touch, we’ve got you covered.
Contact Premier Carpet Cleaning to book: fresh, healthy carpets with no fuss.