A range of expensive cleaning products can be purchased these days. Some of them are good; others just do a little of its purpose. But there is one thing you can use without spending a single penny – apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is an effective homemade cleaning material which can be used in so many ways. Look around your kitchen, it is right there. It is less expensive, less astringent smell and is more appealing.
So, can you use apple cider vinegar to clean carpet? Definitely yes! Here is how to do it.
How to Clean Carpet Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Carpet Steam Cleaning
To start the cleaning process, there are a few things you’ll need to collect. This includes the following:
- Vacuum
- 1 Gal. hot water
- ¼ Cup apple cider vinegar
- Steam cleaner
Step 1 – Remove Bits of Debris
Get your vacuum ready and use it to remove large and loose bits of debris and any other unwanted small particles. Make sure to vacuum along baseboards for all-out cleanliness.
Step 2 – Mix the Ingredients
Pour a gallon of hot water and the ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar to the steam cleaner. Make sure to place everything well in its cleaning receptacle. For better result, use only the hottest water it provides.
Step 3 – Run the Steam Cleaner
Let the steam cleaner turned on for at least two minutes. This will heat the water even more. Apple cider vinegar is not just great in cleaning but can also be used as a disinfectant. Using it with hot water will double its effectiveness.
Step 4 – Work across the Carpet
This time you need to run the steam cleaner across the carpet. You can do this by squeezing the trigger and then you’ll need to push the thing forward. The process should only be in slow and steady motion to clean the carpet thoroughly without damaging it.
Step 5 – Remove the Moisture
Release the trigger once again and pull the cleaner backward. Run the thing in slow and steady motion to remove the carpet’s moisture. Leaving the moist behind will only give bad smell into the carpet while attracting more dirt.
Step 6 – Dry the Carpet
Can you use apple cider vinegar to clean carpet? Repeat steps 4 and 5, if necessary. Dry the carpet overnight for a good result. For heavily soiled areas where dirt sticks so badly, try to repeat the cleaning process once more. Bear in mind that your room will smell vinegar during the cleaning but it will disappear when everything dries out. There is no need for rinsing with this.
Stain Removal
It is important to test a small portion of the carpet for colour safeness. You can moisten a towel with vinegar and apply it to the carpet. Watch for any color fading or changes after 24-hours.
Removing stains from the carpet is easy if it is still fresh. Make sure to treat the messes as soon as it happens. You’ll find it hard to do the cleaning if it is set into the fibers already.
Use a color-safe towel and remove the liquid stains. The liquid should be fully absorbed before putting a 100% solution of vinegar all around the stained part. Blot up with a clean cloth when done. Repeat the process if the stain is still visible. Dry the carpet right away.
Deodorizing
Can you use apple cider vinegar to clean carpet? Of course! But there is more. One other good thing about this natural ingredient is that it can also be used as a deodorizer.
In deodorising a carpet, all you need to do is to mix the following:
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon baking soda
- 2 Cups warm water
After mixing everything together, pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle. Shake it well to dissolve the particles thoroughly. You can see bubbling after this but you have nothing to worry about because it is normal. Spray the carpet lightly then. There could be strong smell at first but it will eventually be gone.
What Makes the Vinegar a Good Cleaning Agent
Vinegar is commonly used in cooking food but it is also an effective cleaning agent. How is that possible? A few years ago, white distilled vinegar has been used by people for cleaning due to alkaline residue left by soaps. This is how the cleaning agent is born.
The use of vinegar becomes so popular by then. It has no harmful chemical, easy to access and can be purchased at very low prices. One other good thing about apple cider vinegar is that it is safe to both kids and pets. It provides no harmful fumes though it has a strong odour.
Unlike toxic cleaning materials, natural vinegar is not bad for pets and to sensitive kids. It won’t cause any harsh breathing and is very much environment-friendly.
Surfaces Vinegar is Good For
Vinegar is not good for all surfaces. You should be careful when using it to clean your carpet as it is believed to ruin certain surfaces. In fact, it is harmful to stones such as granite, marble, limestone, and travertine. A single drop can create an ugly spot. You better use a safer cleaner as washing detergent if you have a stone floor or something alike around the carpet.
Using straight vinegar can also be harmful to any wax sealed surfaces like sealed wooden furniture. You can use diluted vinegar instead along with plain water solution. Choosing cleaners for certain surfaces should be very careful. Vinegar is high in acidic properties which can destroy your belonging’s beauty.
Things to Remember
While vinegar can be used in so many uses, there are a few mixes you should never do the natural cleaning agent. This includes bleach and hydrogen peroxide. Can you use apple cider vinegar to clean carpet? Yes, it’s a big yes. But there are a few products you need to avoid mixing due to potential hazards and fumes. If you need more ideas how to keep your carpets clean, read our Top 5 tips blog post.
