The best DIY carpet cleaning solution for machines – and why experts prefer this natural approach

Keeping carpets clean can be a challenge, especially with daily wear and tear from foot traffic, pets, and spills. Sometimes, the sticky residue from carpet shampoos can make the problem worse.

I spoke to carpet cleaning experts for their DIY solutions, which are not only easy to make and use, but also cheap and non-toxic.

Next time you're deep cleaning carpets, give their DIY solutions a whirl for brilliant results.

The best DIY carpet cleaning solution for machines

As with so many other DIY cleaning solutions, the best DIY carpet cleaner for machines relies on cleaning with vinegar. It also works to clean an area rug.

What you'll need

• Warm water
• Distilled white vinegar, available at Walmart
• Baking soda, such as Arm & Hammer baking soda at Walmart
• A gentle soap, such as Dawn Dish Soap, also at Walmart
• Measuring pitcher, available at Walmart
• Your carpet cleaning machine

How to make a vinegar carpet cleaner for machines

Josh Miller, CEO of Clean Carpets says, ‘I use a mixture of one cup white vinegar with a tablespoon each of baking soda and dish soap – preferably non-toxic and fragrance-free.

'Start by adding vinegar to warm water, then gradually mix in the baking soda and dish soap while avoiding excessive bubbling. Doing this in a measuring pitcher will make it easier to fill your carpet cleaning machine's reservoir with the solution, ensuring it is well-mixed.’

All prices correct at time of publication.

Josh continues, ‘Vinegar dissolves grime and odor efficiently because of its acidity, cleaning with baking soda lifts the stains and neutralizes odors, while dish soap breaks the surface tension so that it is easier to clean dirt and oils.

‘This alternative solution works because you are not using a laundry list of chemicals in commercial shampoos, such as sulfates or artificial fragrances. It also is more environmentally friendly and could be just as effective as commercial options without risking long-term chemical build-up in your carpet fibers.

‘It is always good to rinse your carpet afterward with simple water to remove any soap residue.’

It's important not to leave carpet soaking wet after cleaning it as the moisture can sink down into the layers beneath and lead to another headache – cleaning mold from carpets.

Alessandro Gazzo, cleaning expert at Emily’s Maids of Dallas agrees with this method, adding, ‘Commercial shampoos might be too abrasive and foamy sometimes because they’re formulated for deep cleaning where you will need to rinse many times to remove all the foam it generates.

'If you want a homemade solution, try using hot water and see how that works. Hot water is a powerful cleaner on its own, and you can add one cup of vinegar to your water reservoir when it’s time to rinse to sanitize and deodorize your floors as the last step.’

This homemade cleaning solution with vinegar is extraordinarily effective at getting rid of black mold.

If you have stains or strong odors on your carpet, you can try cleaning your carpet with baking soda before using a carpet cleaning machine.

Start by vacuuming with the best vacuum cleaner to remove debris, before sprinkling the affected area with an even layer of baking soda. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours before brushing away the access and vacuuming any last dust. This should help to eliminate odors before deep cleaning with a carpet cleaner.

A similar mixture can be used to help clean carpets without a machine, but a carpet cleaner is the best way to ensure all of the moisture is sucked out of the floor covering alongside the dirt, leaving your rugs and carpets cleaner than ever. Allowing moisture to sit for too long is a common rug cleaning mistake that can lead to musty odors or mold growth.