Keep the Foam at Home

One of the best-selling features of DIY carpet shampoo cleaning is the reality that you can get decent results during all kinds of weather as there is no overuse of liquid which demands a longer drying time. No need to worry about fans, open windows, or soaked underfloor issues. The other benefit is the fairly good chance that you already have all the supplies you need at home.

This process is also a terrific quick pick-me-up for auto interiors, sunroom rugs, summer cottages, and especially larger recreational vehicles where the installed carpets take a massive beating but require stringent cleaning measures to maintain the structural integrity. A few camping seasons can turn any factory-installed RV carpet into an eyesore that also retains odors. 

The basic procedure to follow when discerning how to shampoo carpet the bare-bones way is to start with a quick but moderately applied pressure sweep with a regular broom. Don't go overboard with the pressure but do just enough to get the fibers "open." Follow up with a liberal sprinkling of baking soda, powdered borax, or an oxy-based powder, then take a break. Seriously. Relax for at least 20 to 30 minutes to allow the soda to soak up any hidden oils and dirt and apply its enzyme odor suppressant magic to the carpet.

While waiting, check on your vacuum and start off with either a clean bag or filter canister. Vacuum cleaners are infamous for smelling not so terrific if not cleaned after each use or when required. After your rest break, vacuum up the baking soda. It is imperative that this vacuuming is done thoroughly to loosen up and remove all debris and dirt as possible. We recommend that you ensure your pile height adjustment is set correctly and alternate your vacuuming paths, length, and width. If you strike it rich, you may be pleased with this step. If you want to get into the shampoo process, then we go.

Stirred, not Shaken

Keeping in mind that even the most luxuriant broadlooms are made to take on a beating, your DIY shampoo is created not to be overkill just because it isn't commercial grade. The simplest versions are required to guarantee your success. Less is best.

A simple shampoo consists of an empty and cleaned spray bottle, like a window cleaner one, two teaspoons of a carpet cleaning shampoo solution if you happen to have it from a prior home rug cleaning session, and enough warm water to fill the bottle.

Suppose you don't have the actual carpet shampoo. Not to worry. You can substitute it with a few drops of liquid dish soap, laundry detergent, or a lemon juice and vinegar blend. !! If using the lemon juice/vinegar mix, please test it on an inconspicuous area of your rug first, as it may create a bleached effect resulting in dye bleeding. Color steadfast testing will save your rugs and takes minimal time and effort!!

Swirl the contents just gently to mix them, do NOT shake, as this will create a bubbly mix that will generate excessive foaming that will extend the cleaning time and gum up and become another oily problem. Gently mist the liquid on a section of your rug, and scrub the cleaner into the carpet with your broom or a handheld brush. Resist the urge to go full force, and do not saturate the rugs with your DIY carpet shampoo. Finish off with a final vacuuming if you wish, and voila!

For stubborn stains, you can always rely on the club soda or sparkling water drip, dab, and rub routine with a clean white cloth and follow up with the shampoo procedure. Once complete with the shampooing, inspect the rug and review any missed spots until you've attained the overall clean match. **all season tip: if you live in a snowy region and want to quickly refresh and clean an area rug, take it outside, and after a brooming and shaking, cover the rug in 4 to 6 inches of fresh dry powder snow; not the heavy moisture-laden flakes, work it into both sides of the throw rug, shake it, broom it and beat it to remove the snow and then hang it up to air freshening. Once you bring it back inside, you will be amazed at the results.**

A Toast to Your Efforts

A DIY rug shampooing requires minimal physical effort and limited expense and is the best maintenance you can treat all of your carpeting, but why stop there? For in between those times when you just can't spend the hour or so or are quickly rushing about to greet a last-minute guest, you can spritz and fritz your entire rug, room, furniture, and drapes with a bit of vodka. Seriously. Diluted alcohol spirits infused with a few drops of your favorite essential oil and a drizzle of vinegar will have your home odor-free in no time flat. Great on clothing, towels, and linens, the enzyme in vodka is a natural odor-busting catch-all and doesn't require any brand-specific high-quality potable.

For more tips and tricks or to book a super-sanitized high-pressure extraction cleaning, call us at 617-202-2202. Proudly servicing the Boston area with an incredible array of in-home and commercial cleaning services, we are your top-line carpet cleaning company and beyond. At Mass Carpet Cleanup, we do it all with one call, morning, noon, or night, and we get it done right.