Not all of us can afford to hire a professional carpet cleaner often or buy a machine to keep the carpet clean. Children are very messy and having them around calls for more regular carpet cleaning, which can be quite expensive. So, the only option there is learning how to clean a carpet and keep linens free from stains without a machine or a professional.
For tough stains, you can also use stain removers. Whether you are dealing with pet fur, dirt, and dust that has built up over time, we've got you covered.
How to Clean Your Carpet By Hand
The idea of cleaning your carpet without the help of a machine can seem difficult; however, it's not impossible. Try the following hand cleaning methods the next time you want to clean your carpet.
1. Using a Carpet Brush
A stiff carpet brush can help remove soil, little pebbles, and other solid particles from the carpet. The catch is you'll have to get on your knees and put in the extra effort for this method to work effectively.
Ruffle every area with the brush, then use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt you've loosened from the carpet.
A carpet brush is best if you want to maintain your carpet's shine. If your home is prone to dust, you will have to use this method to clean your carpet weekly.
2. Cleaning a Carpet With a Broom
A stiff broom and dustpan can remove debris and dirt stuck in the carpet. For the broom to effectively remove the dirt, it must have stuff bristles.
Bristles are extremely tough, which is helpful and can help bring out the dirt and dust which is not visible. You can try broom cod made of sorghum Vulgare, which helps absorb dust and dirt stuck in the carpet.
Use a dustpan with a handle to scoop up the dirt if you don't want to bend over. Start cleaning from one end, then work your way to the other end to clean effectively. Scoop the dirt up if it begins to pile up.
3. Cleaning a Carpet with a Rug Beater
A carpet beater can remove a lot of dust and debris from your carpet. What you need to do is take the rug/carpet outside and hang it over your clothesline or fence, then hit it with the rug beater.
A rug beater is made of a sturdy handle and a wide paddle attached to its end. When beating the carpet, make sure to do it on both sides and start from the top.
How to Deep Clean a Carpet Without a Machine
Coffee, wine, and any other drink spills can cause stubborn stains on your carpet. However, this shouldn't worry you since you can easily clean and remove the stains even without a machine.
One thing to remember when something spills in the carpet is that water is the best solution for stain removal. Just blot the stain using a clean wet cloth. If this method doesn't work, you need the best stain remover. However, the stain removal will depend on the type of stain.
Try these tips the next time you spill something on your carpet:
1. Remove Excess Liquids
To ensure your carpet doesn't get a permanent stain, dry out or scrape off solids or excess drinks on the carpet as soon as the drink spills.
Absorbent material can suck up the excess liquid; just make sure you don't rub it off.
2. Use a Stain Remover
Once you have eliminated the excess solutions, apply a stain removing solution on the area with the stain. If you don't want to spend money purchasing a stain remover, just make yours at home. You can use vinegar or a solution from baking soda.
All you have to do is mix equal amounts of water and vinegar and place in a bowl or spray bottle then apply it on the area with stain.
If you are using baking soda, mix it with a bit of salt and water and apply it on the area with the stain. Remember not to use excessive cleaning solution as this would damage the backing.
Removing Stubborn Stain Without a Machine Depending on the Cause
The most common types of stains that you may have to deal with include:
- Chocolate Stains: Scrape off the chocolate using a dull knife. Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes, seal it, and then place it over the melted chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to harden before scraping it off. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up excess flakes. Use a clean wet cloth and dampen it with a mixture of water and soap to wipe off the stain. Then blot it with a clean cloth until the stain is gone.
- Mud Stains: Let the mud dry first before scraping off using a dull knife, then sweep off the flakes using a broom and dustpan. You can also use a vacuum to suck up the flakes. Mix warm water with soap or vinegar, then dampen a white cloth and blot the area covered with the stain.
- Gum Stains: Harden the gum by placing a plastic bag filled with ice over the area with a stain. Use a dull knife to scrape off the gum. Dump a piece of clean cloth with a carpet cleaner(dry solvent), then blot off the stain for a few minutes.
- Wine Stains: Wine is a common drink that most people spill on the carpet. The good thing is, it's not hard to remove once it spills. You need to absorb as much wine as possible using an absorbent material as soon as it spills. Use wine away solution to saturate the stain as much as possible, then blot the area using a dry clean cloth.
- Blood Stains: To clean blood stains, you need a bucket of cold water and a clean piece of cloth. Dip the cloth in the water to dampen it then wash the blood stain off for a few minutes.
How to Keep Your Carpet Clean
According to reports by Allergy UK, keeping your carpet clean is a great way to eliminate dirt and dust mites, which is a trigger for so many illnesses such as asthma. It is also a good way to prolong your carpet's life and save money.
Here is how you can keep your carpet clean:
Don't Allow Dirt to Get Inside the House
Be proactive by keeping dirt outside your home by using things like doormats and encouraging your visitors to wipe their shoes. Place the mats inside and outside the house to reduce the amount of dirt tracked inside the house.
Vacuum Your Home Regularly
Regularly vacuuming every room in your home is a good way to keep dirt and dust from piling in your carpet. Once you are done cleaning, ensure you check whether the vacuum bag is full.
Clean Stains as Soon as They Occur
The longer the stain sets in on the carpet, the harder it will be for you to remove it. As soon as you pour a drink, use a clean white cloth to blot. Avoid rubbing off as this will damage the carpet more.
Wash the Carpet Once in a While
Carpet washing is a good way to deep clean your carpet without spending much. It is also a good way to eliminate germs and deodorize your carpet fibers.
All you need is:
- Water
- Cleaning detergent
- A soft brush to scrub off dirt and dust.
If you don't want to add any harsh chemicals, add a few teaspoons of vinegar to water and use the solution to clean your carpet. However, if you have a woolen or silk fiber, vinegar may not be the best thing to use.
Use a brush to scrub the carpet while pouring generous amounts of water. Ensure you start from one end and work your way to the other end. Once you are done, hang the carpet outside on the fence or hanging line and ensure it dries out completely before taking it inside the house.
If you fail to give it enough time to dry, the carpet will stink, which is something you don't want to deal with.
The Best Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution?
Instead of buying a commercial cleaning solution, you can make yours at home and save tons of money. Some of the carpet cleaning solutions you can try include:
Cleaning Solutions for Light-Colored Carpets
Light colored carpets can get dirty really quickly. To clean the carpet, use a mixture of:
- A few spoonfuls of water
- A few spoonfuls of hydrogen peroxide
- A few drops of lemon juice
Hydrogen peroxide serves as a disinfectant, removing germs and odors from the carpet, while lemon juice serves as a natural bleaching agent, removing stains to bring back that spark in your carpet.
Cleaning Solutions for Colored Carpets
For solutions for dark colored carpets, use a generous amount of water and salt. To remove stains, apply a generous amount of salt on the affected areas. After a few minutes, apply the cold water, then scrub the surface with a brush.
Alternatively, use a mixture of water, baking soda and white vinegar to get the perfect cleaning solution not just for your carpet but for all the upholstery in your house.
Note: You should read the label on every fabric to make sure it's safe to use water and other household agents for cleaning.
Clean Your Carpet Without Spending Too Much
It's no secret that carpets are really helpful at keeping our feet warm and giving the home a beautiful appeal. However, it gets dirty quickly, especially if you live with pets or kids. With the right cleaning products, you can easily clean your carpet without a machine.