Vinegar is a liquid composed of acetic acid and water. With a pH of about 2.4, the acetic acid inside makes it a versatile household cleaner, ideal for killing germs, removing stains, eliminating odors and softening fabrics. Furthermore, vinegar is also an ecological and safe alternative to use even in the presence of children. The vinegar makes the carpets clean and shiny, leaves no residue and in this way leaves the carpets clean for longer. Follow these tips for cleaning carpets with vinegar.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Rub the carpets with a vinegar solution
Step 1. Vacuum the carpet
Carefully wipe both sides of the carpet to remove residual dirt.
Step 2. Make a vinegar solution
Combine warm water, a mild dish detergent, and 3 to 4 cups of vinegar in a bucket.
Step 3. Scrub the carpet
- Dip a soft cloth, soft brush, or lint-free sponge into the vinegar solution.
- Rub the rug gently, using linear movements that follow the direction of the fabric.
- Clean the carpet fringes properly. If the carpet has fringes along the edges, gently scrub it using a laundry brush and the vinegar solution.
Step 4. Rinse the carpet
Rinse it with running water or wipe it with a cloth soaked in water.
Step 5. Remove excess water
Squeeze the carpet to release excess water
If the carpet is too large, use a window cleaner to remove excess water and pull it towards the fabric until you have removed most of the water
Step 6. Dry the carpet
Let the carpet dry in the sun. When the fabric seems dry, turn the rug on the other side to let it dry.
You can also dry it with a fan if the weather outside doesn't allow it
Method 2 of 3: Steam Cleaning the Carpets with Vinegar
Step 1. Replace the steam cleaning solution with vinegar
Steam cleaning can be expensive and generally involves the use of chemicals.
- Fill the steam machine tank with vinegar. If the machine has a tank dedicated to cleaning solution, fill it with vinegar instead of using the products on the market.
- Use vinegar instead of the cleaning solution. If the detergent is combined with hot water in a single tank in the steam machine, use vinegar instead of the detergent. Whatever the recommended amount of cleaner, put the same amount of vinegar on. If the manual indicates 1 liter of detergent, use 1 liter of vinegar.
Step 2. Clean the carpet with the steam machine
Use the machine as directed. The carpet (and the room) may smell like vinegar when cleaning. Once the carpet is dry, the smell will go away.
Method 3 of 3:
Step 1. Create a stain removal solution
Combine 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle.
Step 2. Remove the stains from the carpets
- Spray the product on the stains.
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Do not rub the stain on the carpet.
- Reapply the vinegar solution and blot until the car is gone. Some stains need to be treated several times before they disappear.
Step 3. Use a stain remover paste for stubborn stains
- Combine baking soda and white vinegar to form a paste.
- Put the paste on the stain using a soft brush or an old toothbrush.
- Let it dry and then vacuum the stain.
Advice
- If the carpet can be machine washed, add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.
- After scrubbing the carpet with the vinegar solution, the fabric may feel stiff. If so, vacuum clean.
- Treat stains right away, before they stick to carpet fibers. Over time, stains can bond to carpet fibers, and old stains are more difficult to remove.
- When using the sprayer to remove stains, always use a new bottle. Do not recycle a used one as it may contain chemicals from the previous product.
Warnings
- Before cleaning with vinegar, do a test in a hidden spot. Use a wet rag, apply the solution, let it soak the carpet for a few minutes, and then pat it dry. After 24 hours, examine the spot to see if there are any changes in color or fabric. Stop using the solution if you notice any damage.
- When using vinegar-based products, avoid prolonged contact with the skin and avoid contact with the eyes at all costs.
- Use only white vinegar. Other types may contain dyes that can ruin the carpet
