June 5, 2014
Removing Common Carpet Stains- The Green Way
As individuals who have adopted a green lifestyle, we know that everyday cleaning products have a negative effect on both our health and our planet. As responsible consumers, we can’t in good conscious pick up anything off a store shelf and use it in our home because of this, and so we have to consider more natural alternatives when cleaning our homes.
One of the most difficult things to clean in a home without the help of these heavy duty, yet toxic cleaning products, are carpet stains. But, while they may be difficult to remove, that doesn’t mean we have to resort to chemicals to get rid of them. There are plenty of natural solutions that can be used to remove carpet stains- the green way.
Green Solutions for Removing Carpet Stains
Before you begin tackling any kind of stain, you’ll need to to mix together a few solutions that will help you with the mess. The first is a detergent solution, which included ¼ teaspoon of a mild natural dishwashing detergent and one cup of warm water. The second solution is a vinegar solutions, which is a mixture of two cups of water and one cup of white vinegar.
Synthetic Fiber Rugs- Did you happen to spill tomato sauce, hardy candy, juice, Kool-Aid, Gatorade, chocolate, ketchup, coffee, tea, beer, milk, or wine on your synthetic fiber rug? If so, there are a couple of green home cleaning steps to take:
- Remove as much of the food or drink as possible from the carpet.
- Use a clean white cloth and dip into the detergent solution. Dab the area repeatedly, the press the cloth down onto the stain for a couple of seconds. Let this sit for 15 minutes to allow the solution to break down the stain. Soak up any excess liquid with a new dry cloth.
- Dip a new white cloth into the vinegar solution and dab the stained area repeatedly. Then, press the cloth into the stain for a few seconds. Let the vinegar solution sit for at least 15 minutes. This will remove any residues left by the detergent.
- Rinse the area with a cloth soaked in warm water. Let the carpet dry completely, then check to see if the stain is still present. If it is still visible, but has lightened, repeat the process again until it is completely gone.
Natural Fiber Rugs- Cleaning a natural fiber rug is a little different than cleaning a synthetic one, but it still isn’t difficult to do. You’ll need to place the detergent solution, vinegar solution, and warm water in three separate spray bottles first, though, and gather together at least four clean and dry white cloths.
- Spray the area with your solution of detergent. Blot several times.
- Spray with your vinegar solution. Blot several times.
- Spray with the detergent solution. Blot the area again several times.
- Spray with the warm water, then blot.
These steps should be repeated until the stain is completely gone.
You don’t have to give in to those toxic chemical solutions just to get rid of carpet stains. You can do so naturally with the help of products you probably already have in your kitchen! Need more help with your home cleaning solutions? Greenapple House Cleaning not only has a ideas that will make home cleaning easier, but we can actually come to your home and take care of your regular house cleaning for you! Call us today for more information.
