How To Clean Carpet With Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda

Carpets are a wonderful addition to any home. They add warmth and comfort to our living spaces and can create a cozy atmosphere in our bedrooms. However, over time, carpets can become stained and dirty, and can even emit unpleasant odors. This is where cleaning carpets becomes a necessity.

While there are many commercial products available in the market for carpet cleaning, they can contain harsh chemicals that may be harmful to our health and the environment. Therefore, a lot of people prefer using natural cleaning products to get the job done. One such effective and safe method is using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. In this article, we will discuss how to clean a carpet using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, step-by-step.

Cleaning Your Carpets With Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda

I live in a house with toddlers and a dog so I am no stranger to stubborn stains that pop up on my carpets. Because my children roll, crawl, and play on the carpets I wanted to find the best way to get out a tough stain without having to resort to using a carpet-cleaning machine.

To be honest I also really appreciate how cost effective this diy carpet cleaner is. Using products I already have in my home and not going out to buy a commercial product or even worse hire a professional carpet cleaner is a big bonus for my budget.

As with any cleaner I recommend that you spot test this on a hidden area of your carpet first. It is important to do a quick test and be certain that your carpet will stand up okay to the cleaning solution. While I don’t imagine any damage being done I think it’s better safe than sorry.

First Things First: Vacuum the Carpet

Before you start deep cleaning your carpet, the first thing you need to do is vacuum it. This will remove any loose dirt, debris, and pet hair from the carpet fibers. Make sure to go over the entire carpet, paying special attention to high-traffic areas and areas that are stained. Once you have vacuumed the carpet thoroughly, you can move on to the next step.

Step 1: Prepare the DIY Cleaning Solution

To make the cleaning solution, you will need a few simple ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry or at the grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup of hydrogen peroxide
1/2 cup of baking soda
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon of dish soap

Mix these ingredients together in a bowl until you get a thick paste-like consistency. Be sure to wear gloves and use a spoon or whisk to mix the solution thoroughly.

Step 2: Apply the Cleaning Solution

Using a clean cloth or sponge, apply the cleaning solution to the affected area. Make sure to apply it generously and work it into the carpet fibers. If you are cleaning a large area, you may want to use a spray bottle to apply the solution evenly. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes. This will give the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda enough time to penetrate the stain and break it down.

Step 3: Blot the Stained Area

After 10-15 minutes have passed, use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot the stained area. Be sure to remove as much of the excess liquid as possible. If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 2 and 3 until the stain is gone.

Step 4: Rinse the Area

Once you have removed the stain, rinse the affected area with cold water. This will help remove any excess cleaning solution and prevent it from leaving behind a residue. Be sure to use cold water, as hot water can cause the stain to set permanently.

Step 5: Remove Excess Water

After rinsing the area with cold water, use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove any excess water. Blot the area gently until it is completely dry.

Do not cut corners on this step. It is very important that you do not let excess water sit in your carpet. The carpet could mildew or mold if the water is left to sit. You also run the risk of the liquid sinking into the carpet pad beneath and that is a very expensive problem that you do not want to have.

The Best Part: Admire Your Clean Carpet!

And that’s it! With these easy steps, you can effectively remove stubborn carpet stains and restore your carpet to its former glory. Not only is this DIY carpet stain remover effective, but it also uses natural ingredients, making it a great choice for those who are concerned about harsh chemicals.

Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Stains

Different types of stains require different types of treatment. Here are some tips for cleaning different types of stains using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda:

Oil Stains: To remove oil stains from carpets, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, apply a bit of hydrogen peroxide to the area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. After that, blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel and rinse with cold water.
Urine Stains: To remove urine stains, first blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Then, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and cold water in a spray bottle and spray the affected area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Food Stains: To remove food stains, mix 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Apply the mixture to the stained area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before blotting with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Red Wine Stains: To remove red wine spills, sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts cold water and apply to the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before blotting with a clean cloth or paper towel.