If you’re looking for a cheap and safe method that will help you to effectively get rid of stains on your carpet, you probably would like to know how to clean carpet with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
This and other home remedies are easy to mix and are safe to use on your carpet and around your family and pets. Some are just as efficient as the chemical-based cleaning solution you buy in the store.
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural chemical and a versatile cleaning solution that you can use for various purposes like disinfecting cuts and wounds, cleaning wood, whitening teeth, and cleaning carpets. You can also use peroxide to clean your kitchen, floors, bathroom, and even disinfect cutting boards.
When it comes to cleaning your carpet, you need 3% hydrogen peroxide. A stronger percentage will discolor your carpet because of its bleaching effect. A solution of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dishwashing detergent will make a good, effective homemade carpet cleaning solution.
Clean Carpet With Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide
With any spill, first blot out the liquid as soon as possible. Press paper towels or a clean cloth over the stained area and let it soak up the liquid. Repeat this process until there is no liquid being transferred to the paper towel.
Don’t rub your carpet, as this will set the stain in deeper.
For heavier stains, pour baking soda directly on the stain. An added bonus is that baking soda is very effective in removing odors.
Secondly, mix a cup of 3% peroxide with a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent, then pour the mixture over the baking soda and the stain. Then gently apply the solution on your carpet using a cloth, but again, don’t rub as you will spread the stain.
Apply the solution sparingly and avoid saturating the carpet with water since that can lead to the formation of mold and mildew in your carpet. Remember, press into the stain but don’t rub.
Wait for about 15 minutes to let the solution work, then vacuum it properly. You can quickly dry the area by using a hairdryer to see if the stain is gone. If you aren’t satisfied with the results, repeat the same process.
Post-Cleaning
If the stain is gone, don’t forget to rinse out the soap and dry your carpet. You can do this by spraying some water on the spot or blot using a clean wet cloth. Repeat this process until there is no soap residue left on your carpet. Soap residue attracts dirt and dust which stains and discolors your carpet.
If after some time your carpet still has an odor, pour baking soda on it and let it sit overnight. Baking soda is very good at absorbing smells. In the morning the smell will be gone and you can vacuum your carpet thoroughly.
If the stain is still there, 3% hydrogen peroxide without a mix is a great bleaching agent. First, test it on a small area of your carpet before using it on the stain. Dab some undiluted peroxide on the stain, wait for about 30 minutes then dab with a dry cloth. Repeat the same process until the stain is gone.
Once your carpet has completely dried, you can sprinkle some scented baking soda to give your carpet a fresh smell and remove any lingering odors. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum it in the morning. Be sure to only add the baking soda once the carpet is dry. If you apply the baking soda while your carpet is still wet, it will become a paste that can be hard to remove.
How To Clean Carpet With Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide: Different Types Of Stains
Oil and ink
Don’t clean oil-based stains and ink stains with soapy water. Sponge ink stains with rubbing alcohol then dab it with a paper towel to transfer the stain. Or you can use hydrogen peroxide and ammonia solution.
Urine stains
If you have pets in the house then you know that accidents happen. If your dog or cat has an accident, it’s important to clean the urine from your carpet as soon as possible while it’s still wet. Once the urine dries, the odor will stick to the carpet fibers.
After absorbing most of the urine with paper towels or a dry cloth, mix a cup of water with a cup of vinegar and 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Spray the solution on the stained area and wait for 5-10 minutes. Use a soft cloth to blot out the solution.
Vomit stains
The acid in vomit can quickly stain a surface, so you need to clean it fast. To clean vomit stains from your carpet, first remove the large particles, then use a cloth to blot out the moisture. Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of salt and liquid dish wash detergent, 2 cups warm water, and 1/2 cup vinegar.
Using a sponge or cloth, apply the solution to the stained area and blot lightly. Repeat this a couple of times to make sure you remove the stain. Once the stain is gone, dip a clean cloth in water to remove the solution. Dry using a dry cloth.
Another homemade remedy you can use is a solution of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish wash detergent. First, sprinkle baking soda over the stain, then pour the solution over the baking soda. Use a soft bristle brush or cloth to rub the solution gently on the stain. Leave it for about 10 minutes or more, depending on whether the vomit has dried. Use a cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible, then vacuum. You can repeat the process if the stain is still there.
Conclusion
If buying or renting a carpet cleaning machine is not an option for you, there are safe and effective homemade solutions that you can easily use at home to clean stains off your carpet. With the above tips, you now know how to clean carpet with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to remove tough and stubborn stains at home.
Remember to use 3% hydrogen peroxide, not a stronger percentage. If your carpet has tough stains, repeat the cleaning process a few times until the stain goes away.