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If your carpets have seen better days, don’t worry! A whole bunch of DIY carpet cleaners can bring them back to life without breaking the bank. From simple ingredients you likely already have at home to easy-to-follow recipes, this list covers 27 effective options to tackle stains and odors like a pro. Get ready to refresh your space with these handy homemade solutions!
Contents
- Cornstarch for Grease Stains
- Baking Soda and Vinegar Carpet Cleaner
- Hydrogen Peroxide Spot Treatment
- Salt and Water Paste
- Dish Soap and Water Solution
- Essential Oils for Freshening
- Rubbing Alcohol for Ink Stains
- White Vinegar for Odor Removal
- Club Soda for Pet Messes
- Ammonia Carpet Cleaner
- Foam Shaving Cream Cleaner
- Lemon Juice Stain Remover
- Baby Shampoo as a Cleaner
- Castile Soap Carpet Cleaner
- Oxygen Bleach for Stains
- Vinegar and Baking Soda Combo
- Tea Tree Oil for Mould Removal
- Coconut Oil for Stains
- Felt Pad Rubbing for Friction Cleaning
- Soda for Stain Lifting
- Vinegar and Dish Soap Mix
- Baking Soda and Essential Oil Freshener
- Potato Starch for Cleaning
- Baking Soda and Cornstarch Carpet Cleaner
- Citrus Peel Infusion Cleaner
- Scented Oil Infused Carpet Cleaner
- Lemon and Vinegar for Sparkle Cleaning
Cornstarch for Grease Stains
![Cornstarch sprinkled on a carpet where a grease stain is being treated.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-56.jpeg)
Got a grease stain on your carpet? Grab some cornstarch! Simply sprinkle it on the stain, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up for a cleaner and fresher look.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Carpet Cleaner
![A bottle of vinegar and a box of baking soda on a carpet with a cleaning sponge.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-48.jpeg)
If you’re looking for a simple solution to freshen up your carpets, baking soda and vinegar do wonders. Just sprinkle baking soda on the stain, spray with vinegar, and let it bubble for a bit. Once it dries, vacuum it up, and you’ll be amazed at how clean and fresh your carpet feels!
Hydrogen Peroxide Spot Treatment
![A hand using a cloth to clean a stain on carpet with hydrogen peroxide bottle nearby.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-53.jpeg)
Hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic way to tackle those tough carpet stains. Just apply it to the spot and gently blot with a clean cloth. With a little patience, you’ll see that stain fade away!
Salt and Water Paste
![A mixture of salt and water being applied to a carpet stain with a small spatula.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-47.jpeg)
Using a salt and water paste is a simple way to tackle carpet stains. Just mix salt with a bit of water to create a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for a while. Rinse it off, and watch the stain fade away!
Dish Soap and Water Solution
![A bowl of soapy water with a brush, placed on a carpet with some stains.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-55.jpeg)
If you’re looking for an easy carpet cleaner, try mixing dish soap with water. Just combine a few drops of soap in a bowl of warm water, and you’re set! This solution works wonders for lifting stains and keeping your carpets fresh.
Essential Oils for Freshening
![A diffuser with essential oils and bottles of oils on a soft carpet.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-50.jpeg)
Essential oils can give your carpets a delightful scent while also helping to freshen them up. A few drops of lavender or lemon oil mixed with water can create a natural carpet refresher. Simply spray this mixture lightly on your carpet for a quick pick-me-up!
Rubbing Alcohol for Ink Stains
![A hand using a cotton pad to apply rubbing alcohol on an ink stain on a carpet.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-51.jpeg)
If you have an ink stain on your carpet, rubbing alcohol can be your best friend. Just dab a little onto a cotton ball and gently press it on the stain. This simple method lifts the ink without ruining your carpet’s texture.
White Vinegar for Odor Removal
![A bowl of white vinegar next to a carpet, with fresh air circulating around.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-49.jpeg)
White vinegar is a simple and effective solution for tackling odors in your carpet. Just mix it with water and spray it onto the affected area, letting it sit for a while before blotting it up. It’s a great way to freshen things up without harsh chemicals!
Club Soda for Pet Messes
![A bottle of club soda spilling on a carpet, illustrating a DIY cleaning tip for pet messes.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-57.jpeg)
Club soda can be a lifesaver when dealing with pet messes on your carpet. Just pour it on the stain, let it bubble up, and then blot it with a clean cloth. It’s a simple and effective way to keep your carpet looking fresh and clean!
Ammonia Carpet Cleaner
![A bowl of ammonia solution with a cloth, resting on a soft carpet.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-72.jpeg)
Ammonia is a powerful cleaner that can make your carpets look fresh again. Just mix a bit of ammonia with water and get ready to tackle those stains. It’s an easy, effective way to bring life back to your carpets!
Foam Shaving Cream Cleaner
![A dollop of foam shaving cream on a carpet with a cleaning cloth nearby.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-73.jpg)
Foam shaving cream is a surprising hero for carpet cleaning. Just apply it to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. You’ll be amazed at how well it lifts dirt and grime!
Lemon Juice Stain Remover
![A bottle of lemon juice surrounded by fresh lemons on a carpet.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-65.jpeg)
Lemon juice is a fantastic solution for tackling pesky carpet stains. Its natural acidity helps break down tough marks, leaving your carpet looking fresh. Just mix it with water, apply to the stain, and watch it work wonders!
Baby Shampoo as a Cleaner
![A bottle of baby shampoo with a sponge on a carpet being cleaned.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-54.jpeg)
Baby shampoo is a great option for cleaning carpets. It’s gentle yet effective at lifting dirt and stains without harming the fibers. Just mix it with some water, and you’re ready to tackle those pesky spots!
Castile Soap Carpet Cleaner
![A bottle of Castile soap on a soft blanket with greenery.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-67.jpeg)
Castile soap is a fantastic option for carpet cleaning. It’s gentle yet effective, making it perfect for tough stains without harming your carpets. Mix it with water, and you’re ready to tackle dirt and grime in no time!
Oxygen Bleach for Stains
![A container of oxygen bleach next to a carpet stain treatment area.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-60.jpeg)
If you’re dealing with tough stains, oxygen bleach can be a lifesaver. Just mix it with water and apply it to the stained area, letting it sit for a bit before rinsing. You’ll be amazed at how well it lifts stains without damaging your carpet!
Vinegar and Baking Soda Combo
![A bowl of baking soda with scattered baking soda around it on a carpet.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-64.jpeg)
Cleaning carpets can be a breeze with the vinegar and baking soda combo. Just sprinkle baking soda on the stain, spray some vinegar, and let it fizz. After a few minutes, scrub it away and enjoy your fresh, clean carpet!
Tea Tree Oil for Mould Removal
![A bottle of tea tree oil with a cloth on a carpet with mold spots.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-59.jpeg)
Tea tree oil is a powerful ally for getting rid of mould in your carpet. Just mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a while before blotting it up for a fresh, clean carpet!
Coconut Oil for Stains
![A jar of coconut oil next to a carpet with stains.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-66.jpeg)
Coconut oil is a surprising hero for tackling stains on your carpets. Just apply a bit to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot it away with a clean cloth. You’ll love how effective and simple this method is for keeping your carpets looking fresh!
Felt Pad Rubbing for Friction Cleaning
![A felt pad being used to clean a carpet surface.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-71.jpeg)
Felt pad rubbing is a handy trick for keeping carpets looking fresh. Just grab a felt pad and rub it over the stained area with a bit of pressure. This simple motion helps lift dirt and stains without the need for harsh chemicals.
Soda for Stain Lifting
![A glass of soda being poured onto a carpet stain with a cloth nearby.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-68.jpeg)
Soda isn’t just for sipping; it can help lift tough stains from your carpet! Pour a bit on the stain, let it fizz, and then blot it with a cloth. You’ll be amazed at how well it works to refresh your carpets.
Vinegar and Dish Soap Mix
![A hand holding a spray bottle with a cleaning solution, aimed at a light-colored carpet.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-63.jpeg)
The vinegar and dish soap mix is a simple yet effective carpet cleaner. Just combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray it on stains, let it sit for a bit, and then blot with a clean cloth for a fresh and clean carpet.
Baking Soda and Essential Oil Freshener
![A mound of baking soda on a carpet with a bottle of essential oil.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-69.jpeg)
Baking soda is a fantastic way to freshen up your carpets. Just mix it with a few drops of your favorite essential oil and sprinkle it on your carpet. Let it sit for a bit before vacuuming, and enjoy the fresh scent!
Potato Starch for Cleaning
![A bowl of potato starch with some being sprinkled from a brush.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-61.jpeg)
Potato starch is a fun and effective way to tackle your carpet cleaning challenges. Just sprinkle it on the stains, let it sit for a bit, and then vacuum it up. You’ll be amazed at how well it absorbs dirt and odors!
Baking Soda and Cornstarch Carpet Cleaner
![A mixture of baking soda and cornstarch being applied onto a carpet.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-62.jpeg)
Combine baking soda and cornstarch for a simple and effective carpet cleaner. Just sprinkle the mixture on the carpet, let it sit for a bit, and then vacuum it up. Your carpets will smell fresh and look cleaner with minimal effort!
Citrus Peel Infusion Cleaner
![Sliced lemon and orange peels on a carpet, soaking in water.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-58.jpeg)
Using citrus peels for cleaning is not only smart but fun! Just soak the peels in water and let them infuse for a bit. This natural cleaner will leave your carpets smelling fresh and looking great.
Scented Oil Infused Carpet Cleaner
![A small bottle of essential oil next to a carpet.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-52.jpeg)
If you’re looking to freshen up your carpets, a scented oil infused carpet cleaner is the way to go. Just mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with a simple cleaning solution for a delightful aroma while you clean. It’s an easy and budget-friendly way to keep your home smelling great!
Lemon and Vinegar for Sparkle Cleaning
![A bottle of vinegar next to fresh lemon slices on a carpet.](https://cleanerwiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-70.jpeg)
Lemon and vinegar make a fantastic team for cleaning your carpets. Their natural properties cut through grime and leave a fresh scent behind. Try mixing equal parts of both for a quick, effective cleaner that really shines.