Cleaning your carpet can be a slow and painful process, especially when it comes to using bulky machines and vacuums. And while our ancestors would marvel at the technological advances we use now, this does not mean that everyone prefers using a machine to clean their home.
Fortunately, we have also seen advancements in more practical cleaning products, which means we can now clean our carpets without the need for loud and expensive machines. So if you want to know how you can clean your carpets with some elbow grease, then you have to come to the right place.
In the following article, we are going to teach you how to clean your carpets without a machine, while also showcasing the various methods that can be used. We have also outlined some natural carpet cleaners and how they can be implemented to clean your homes.
So if you want clean carpets, this article has everything you need to get started…
Natural & Commercial Cleaning Products
Before we can teach you how to clean your carpets without a machine, you must first understand the natural and commercial products you can use:
Carpet Shampoos
These days, there are countless carpet shampoos on the market, which can be used to clean your carpets without a machine.
Of course, carpet shampoos do require a certain amount of skill and labour, especially if you intend to clean the carpet by hand.
For the best results, it is recommended that you use the shampoo with a soft brush, as this will help when scrubbing the product into the carpet.
The only downside is that carpet shampoos cannot be used on high-piled carpets, which means the product is better suited to short-piled homes.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is particularly effective when removing stains and spillages, as the substance is capable of absorbing moisture from the carpet.
Because of this, it is possible to use baking soda to clean the entire carpet, although you will need to use a vacuum cleaner to remove the powder and achieve the best results.
One of our favourite things about baking soda is that it leaves your sparkling clean, which helps to give it a new and refreshing smell.
Vinegar
While the notion of pouring vinegar on your carpet may seem strange, the product’s acidic qualities can yield some amazing results.
For example, you can make your own cleaning solution by mixing vinegar with water, which can be used to tackle small stains and spillages.
However, this does not mean that vinegar does not come with its setbacks, as the solution cannot be used when cleaning large-scale carpets.
Steam
When it comes to removing grease and debris, there is no better solution than steam, as the heat and moisture are capable of killing the bacteria growing on your carpet.
Unfortunately, not all carpets can stand being steamed, which means you will need to read the manufacturer’s guidelines before using this approach.
Basic Rules Of Carpet Cleaning Without A Machine
In the following sections, we have outlined two methods for cleaning carpets without a machine.
But before you can learn these methods, you will need to understand the basic rules of carpet cleaning:
- Cleaning products and soaps should always be used sparingly, as large quantities could damage the carpet.
- During the cleaning process, make sure to rinse away any residual solution left on the carpet.
- Always make sure that the carpet has been properly dried, as trapped moisture could lead to mildew or damaged subfloor.
Now that you know the basic rules of carpet cleaning, let’s take a look at how you can clean your carpets without a machine…
How To Spot Clean Carpet Without A Machine?
If you are trying to remove a small stain, then you can make your own homemade cleaning solution using products found in your kitchen.
In the steps below, we have outlined how to make this solution and what you will need to get the job done:
What You Will Need
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Clean towel
Method
- Combine ¼ cup of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle before adding a tablespoon of dish soap.
- Put the lid on the bottle and shake vigorously until the ingredients have been combined into a clear solution.
- When the solution is ready, spray a generous amount on the area you want to clean before blotting it with a towel until the stain has been removed.
- Alternatively, it is possible to let the solution rest on the stain for 20 – 30 minutes before blotting it with the towel.
- When the stain has been removed, be sure to rinse the treated area with clean water to remove any residual soap or solution, before following this up with a thorough drying.
Tips
- If you intend to use a homemade solution or commercial cleaning product, you must make sure that it is suitable for use.
This can be done by testing the solution on an inconspicuous part of the carpet and letting it dry before continuing the cleaning process.
If there is no immediate reaction, then it can be assumed that the cleaning solution is safe to use.
- When cleaning the affected area, you may be tempted to use some elbow grease to speed up the process.
However, you must not do this, as vigorous scrubbing could make the stain spread or absorb further into the carpet.
For the best results, it is recommended that you blot the stain lightly with a clean towel until it has been removed.
How To Clean Whole Carpet Without A Machine?
It is important to remember that cleaning your carpet without a machine can be a long and time-intensive process, so you will need plenty of time to finish the task.
In the following instructions, we will show you how to clean a whole carpet without a machine, which can be done using simple household products:
What You Will Need
- Baking soda
- Carpet Shampoo
- Carpet brush
- Clean towels
- Spray bottle
- Warm water
- Grooming brush
- Vacuum cleaner
Method
- To begin the cleaning process, you will need to pour the baking soda over the carpet and vacuum it to release any loose debris.
- Once this has been done, add two drops of carpet shampoo to a spray bottle filled with clean warm water.
- Spray the cleaning solution over the carpet, while making sure not to saturate the fibres.
- Take the carpet brush and brush over the carpet to remove any trapped dirt or unwanted debris.
- Blot the affected area with dry towels to remove as much moisture as possible before moving on to the next step.
- Fill a clean spray bottle with fresh water and spray down the same area until it is moist.
- Take another set of clean towels and use them to blot the carpet and absorb the remaining moisture.
- To finish the cleaning process, go over the carpet with a grooming brush until the carpet is clean.
Tips
- To speed up the drying process, you can open the windows in your house to create air circulation.
- Before you can start cleaning your carpet, you must remove any furniture from the room.
- For the best results, start in the far corner of the room and work your way backwards until you meet the main doorway.
- If you want to ensure an even finish, you can complete the process in small sections to make things more efficient.
- When you have finished cleaning your carpet, make sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove any residual products.
