Carpet Cleaner

The cost of professional carpet cleaning is steep. However, it is worth the investment if you can afford it. In between cleaning or in place of a cleaning, try the do-it-yourself method.

First, sweep the floor with a stiff broom to loosen the pile and the dirt. Then, mix two parts Borax with one part cornmeal to make a powder. After generously sprinkling this mixture on the carpet, let it sit for an hour before vacuuming. This will not only deodorize the carpet but prevent mold growth deep within the fibers. If the carpet carries a heavy odor, sprinkle baking soda on it before a second vacuuming.

Remaining stains can be treated with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Following that, a carpet cleaner should be used with the hottest water available. If you prefer a liquid carpet cleaner, try using a natural laundry detergent instead of the chemically laden cleaners sold for $10 a bottle. Follow any detergent cleaning with a hot water only wash.