Keeping your carpets fresh and clean can be a breeze with simple, homemade solutions.
This list brings together some of the best DIY recipes and tips to tackle dirt, odors, and stains, using common ingredients you likely already have.
Get ready to refresh your carpets and your home with these easy and effective ideas!.
1. DIY Carpet Shampoo with Vinegar and Baking Soda
This simple DIY carpet shampoo uses the power of white vinegar and baking soda to lift dirt and neutralize odors, making it a fantastic option for freshening up your carpets.
It's an easy-to-make solution that works wonders in your carpet cleaning machine, leaving your floors looking and smelling revitalized..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Hot Water
- Melaleuca Essential Oil (Tea Tree Oil)
Benefits:
- Natural Cleaning
- Odor Neutralizing
- Disinfecting
Pro Tip: Always vacuum your carpets thoroughly before using any cleaning solution to remove loose dirt and debris.
Get the Recipe: DIY Carpet Shampoo with Vinegar and Baking Soda
2. Refreshing Carpet Freshener with Baking Soda and Essential Oils
Banish stale smells and refresh your carpets with this delightful DIY carpet freshener.
Made with simple baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oils, this powder absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors, leaving your home smelling wonderfully clean and inviting.
It’s a super simple way to keep your carpets smelling great..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils (Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Rosemary)
Benefits:
- Odor Absorption
- Fresh Scent
- Natural Deodorizing
Pro Tip: For deeply embedded odors, leave the baking soda mixture on overnight before vacuuming.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Carpet Freshener with Baking Soda and Essential Oils
3. Gentle Carpet Cleaner with Vinegar and Water
This basic yet effective carpet cleaner uses a simple blend of white vinegar and warm water.
It's perfect for light surface dirt and mild odors, offering a gentle way to keep your carpets refreshed without harsh chemicals.
It’s an incredibly easy mixture to whip up for routine freshening..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Warm Water
Benefits:
- Gentle Cleaning
- Odor Neutralizing
- Budget-Friendly
Pro Tip: Test this solution on an inconspicuous area of your carpet first to ensure colorfastness.
Get the Recipe: Gentle Carpet Cleaner with Vinegar and Water
4. Antibacterial Carpet Freshener with Borax and Peppermint
This antibacterial carpet freshener is a wonderful choice for homes with little ones and is especially great for combating congestion-related germs.
Combining Borax and baking soda with refreshing peppermint essential oil, it not only cleans but also leaves your carpets smelling amazing and your airways feeling clearer..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Baking Soda
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Cinnamon (optional)
Benefits:
- Antibacterial
- Freshening
- Aromatherapy benefits
Pro Tip: If you don't have Borax, you can use an extra half cup of baking soda. For scent alternatives, cinnamon can be used, but be cautious of staining on light carpets.
Get the Recipe: Antibacterial Carpet Freshener with Borax and Peppermint
5. Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, and White Vinegar Carpet Cleaner
This powerful homemade carpet cleaner uses a trifecta of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and white vinegar to cut through tough stains and lift dirt.
It's an effective way to refresh your carpets and tackle stubborn messes without relying on harsh chemicals.
Enjoy cleaner, brighter carpets with this simple, DIY solution..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- White Vinegar
- Hot Water
Benefits:
- Tackles tough stains
- Lifts dirt effectively
- Refreshes carpet appearance
Pro Tip: Always shake the tank gently after adding ingredients to ensure they are thoroughly mixed before use.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, and White Vinegar Carpet Cleaner
6. Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Solution with Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
This eco-friendly carpet cleaning solution is a budget-friendly alternative to commercial cleaners.
It combines hydrogen peroxide and a touch of dish soap with water to create a gentle yet effective formula.
It's perfect for refreshing carpets and ensuring a clean, non-toxic environment for your family and pets..
Key Ingredients:
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- White Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- Hot Water
Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: Gently shift the jug to mix the solution rather than shaking it, to avoid creating too many bubbles.
Get the Recipe: Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Solution with Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
7. Budget-Friendly Carpet Shampoo with Tide, Awesome Cleaner, and Downy
This DIY carpet shampoo is a fantastic money-saver, costing just about $1 per gallon to make! It's designed to be tough on stains from food, accidents, and pets, leaving carpets soft and smelling amazing.
This concentrated formula is a smart alternative to expensive commercial cleaners..
Key Ingredients:
- Liquid Tide laundry detergent
- LA's Totally Awesome cleaner
- Oxiclean
- Downy fabric softener
Benefits:
- Cost-effective ($1/gallon)
- Tough on stains
- Softens carpets
Pro Tip: For pre-treating stains, use a 50-50 mix of the concentrated solution and water. Dab it onto the stain, let sit for 5 minutes, then shampoo over it.
Get the Recipe: Budget-Friendly Carpet Shampoo with Tide, Awesome Cleaner, and Downy
8. Vinegar and Lemon Juice Carpet Shampoo
This highly effective carpet shampoo is based on vinegar and astringents, making it capable of removing most stains.
By adding baking soda beforehand, you can boost its odor-removing power.
It's a great option for a clean, refreshed carpet without relying on detergents that can leave residue..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Lemon Juice
- Witch Hazel
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Effective stain removal
- Odor neutralization
- Detergent-free formula
Pro Tip: Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet before shampooing to help remove tough odors and enhance the cleaning power of the vinegar-based mixture.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Lemon Juice Carpet Shampoo
9. Disinfecting Carpet Cleaner with Vinegar, Alcohol, and Lysol Concentrate
This homemade carpet cleaner solution is designed to clean, disinfect, and deodorize your carpets.
By using white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and a touch of Lysol concentrate, it tackles dirt, germs, and odors effectively.
It helps keep your carpets softer and cleaner, offering a cost-effective alternative to professional cleaning..
Key Ingredients:
- Warm water
- Rubbing alcohol
- Lysol concentrate disinfectant
- White vinegar
Benefits:
- Disinfects carpets
- Eliminates odors
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: No need to rinse afterward; the solution works to eliminate dirt, germs, and odors, leaving carpets softer and cleaner.
Get the Recipe: Disinfecting Carpet Cleaner with Vinegar, Alcohol, and Lysol Concentrate
10. Baking Soda & Vinegar Carpet Cleaner
This classic duo is a powerful yet gentle way to refresh your carpets.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, while vinegar helps lift stains and break down grime.
Together, they create a fizzing action that works wonders on everyday messes, leaving your carpets looking and smelling fresh without any harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar
- Lemon Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Deodorizes
- Lifts Stains
- Natural & Frugal
Pro Tip: For an extra boost of freshness, mix a few drops of lemon essential oil with the baking soda before sprinkling it on the stain.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda & Vinegar Carpet Cleaner
11. Vinegar, Dish Soap & Essential Oil Carpet Solution
Perfect for use in your carpet cleaning machine, this simple solution combines the cleaning power of white vinegar with a touch of dish soap and your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent.
It’s an effective way to deep clean your carpets, tackling dirt and odors without the cost of commercial cleaners..
Key Ingredients:
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Liquid Dish Soap
- Warm Water
- Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Deep Cleaning
- Cost-Effective
- Pleasant Scent
Pro Tip: Always vacuum your carpets thoroughly before using any cleaning solution to remove loose debris.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Dish Soap & Essential Oil Carpet Solution
12. Baking Soda & Essential Oil Dry Carpet Cleaner
This ingenious dry carpet cleaning powder is fantastic for deodorizing and absorbing unpleasant odors.
Baking soda works its magic, and when combined with bright-smelling essential oils like lemon or tea tree, it leaves your carpets smelling wonderfully clean and refreshed.
It’s a super simple way to keep your carpets smelling fresh between deep cleans..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils (Lemon, Tea Tree)
Benefits:
- Deodorizes
- Absorbs Odors
- Easy to Use
Pro Tip: Test the mixture on a small, hidden area of your carpet first to ensure it doesn't affect the color.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda & Essential Oil Dry Carpet Cleaner
13. Vinegar, Salt & Lavender Carpet Spray
This simple spray uses common household ingredients to help refresh your carpets.
Distilled white vinegar is a fantastic natural cleaner, while salt can help absorb moisture and odors.
Adding lavender essential oil leaves a calming, pleasant scent.
It’s a quick and easy way to give your carpets a little pick-me-up..
Key Ingredients:
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Water
- Salt
- Lavender Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Freshens Carpets
- Natural Ingredients
- Calming Scent
Pro Tip: Allow the carpet to dry completely before vacuuming to help lift any remaining residue.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Salt & Lavender Carpet Spray
14. Vinegar, Castile Soap & Water Carpet Spot Cleaner
For those unexpected spills and messes, this gentle yet effective spot cleaner is a lifesaver.
Combining vinegar, castile soap, and water creates a solution that helps lift stains and odors from carpets and upholstery.
It's an easy, affordable, and natural alternative to harsh chemical spot removers, making it a must-have for busy homes..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Castile Soap
- Water
Benefits:
- Effective Spot Cleaning
- Gentle on Fabrics
- Saves Money
Pro Tip: Always spot-test this cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your carpet first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Castile Soap & Water Carpet Spot Cleaner
15. Vinegar, Baking Soda & Warm Water Carpet Shampoo
This powerful combination tackles tough stains and odors with ease.
The reaction between vinegar and baking soda helps to lift dirt and grime from deep within carpet fibers, while warm water aids in the cleaning process.
It’s a fantastic recipe for refreshing your entire carpet or targeting stubborn spots, leaving your floors looking revitalized..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Warm Water
Benefits:
- Tackles Tough Stains
- Neutralizes Odors
- Revitalizes Carpets
Pro Tip: Avoid over-wetting the carpet when using this solution to prevent potential damage to the fibers.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Baking Soda & Warm Water Carpet Shampoo
16. Vinegar and Dish Soap Carpet Cleaner
This simple and effective carpet cleaner uses white vinegar and dish soap to lift dirt and freshen your carpets.
It's a budget-friendly way to combat common household stains and odors, leaving your carpets looking revived.
The vinegar helps to break down grime, while the dish soap cuts through grease, making it a great all-around cleaner..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- Warm Water
Benefits:
- Frugal
- Natural Ingredients
- Effective on Basic Stains
Pro Tip: Always do a spot test on an inconspicuous area of your carpet first to ensure colorfastness.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Dish Soap Carpet Cleaner
17. Baking Soda and Vinegar Carpet Cleaner
A classic combination for a reason, baking soda and vinegar create a powerful, fizzy reaction that helps lift stains and neutralize odors from your carpets.
This method is fantastic for spot cleaning and general freshening, leaving your home smelling clean and your carpets looking better.
It's a gentle yet effective approach to carpet care..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Water
Benefits:
- Deodorizes
- Lifts Stains
- Cost-Effective
Pro Tip: After applying the mixture, let it bubble and sit for about 30 minutes before blotting up. For older stains, you might need to let it soak longer.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and Vinegar Carpet Cleaner
18. Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Hydrogen Peroxide Carpet Cleaner
For those stubborn stains that need a little extra boost, this three-ingredient solution is a lifesaver.
The power of baking soda and vinegar is amplified by hydrogen peroxide, an effective oxidizer that helps lift tough discoloration.
It's a budget-friendly and safe option for keeping your carpets looking their best..
Key Ingredients:
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Benefits:
- Tackles Tough Stains
- Safe for Kids and Pets
- Deodorizes
Pro Tip: For very deep or old stains, you may need to repeat this treatment a couple of times to see complete results.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Hydrogen Peroxide Carpet Cleaner
19. Baking Soda and Essential Oil Carpet Powder
This super simple carpet powder is a lifesaver for eliminating everyday odors.
Just mix baking soda with your favorite essential oil, sprinkle it on your carpets, let it sit, and vacuum it up! It’s a fantastic way to naturally refresh your rugs and leave your home smelling amazing without any harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Odor Neutralization
- Fresh Scent
- Easy to Make
Pro Tip: For extra odor-busting power, you can add a few tablespoons of borax to the mix, especially if you have pets.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and Essential Oil Carpet Powder
20. Vinegar, Dish Soap, and Warm Water Carpet Spray
For everyday cleaning needs, this simple spray offers a quick and effective solution.
Just mix warm water with white vinegar and a touch of dish soap, and you've got a powerful cleaner ready to go.
It’s perfect for light cleaning and refreshing your carpets, leaving them subtly clean and renewed..
Key Ingredients:
- Warm Water
- White Vinegar
- Dish Soap
Benefits:
- General Cleaning
- Refreshing
- Cost-Effective
Pro Tip: This spray is great for regular maintenance. For tougher stains, you might want to try a more concentrated mixture or a different method from the list.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Dish Soap, and Warm Water Carpet Spray