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# 7 Best Homemade Carpet Cleaners of 2026 (Safe, Effective & Cheap!)
Are you tired of harsh chemicals in commercial carpet cleaners? Do you want a safe, effective, and affordable way to keep your carpets looking fresh and clean? You’re in luck! In this guide, we’ll unveil the 7 best homemade carpet cleaners of 2026. These DIY recipes use simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, offering a fantastic alternative to store-bought solutions. Get ready to say goodbye to stains and hello to a sparkling clean carpet, naturally!
| **Homemade Carpet Cleaner** | **Best For** |
| :————————— | :————————– |
| Baking Soda & Vinegar | General cleaning, deodorizing |
| Borax, Vinegar & Essential Oil | Tough stain removal, fragrance |
| Dish Soap & Water | Spot cleaning, light stains |
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## 1. Baking Soda & Vinegar Carpet Cleaner
**Best For:** General carpet cleaning and deodorizing.
**Key Features:**
* Simple and readily available ingredients
* Effective deodorizer
* Safe for most carpets
* Environmentally friendly
**Why We Like It:**
This classic combination is a powerhouse for general carpet cleaning. Baking soda helps to lift dirt and absorb odors, while vinegar provides a gentle cleaning action. It’s a great option for regular maintenance and freshening up your carpets.
**Recipe:**
* 1 cup baking soda
* 1 cup white vinegar
* Spray bottle
* Vacuum cleaner
**Instructions:**
1. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the carpet. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight for maximum deodorizing.
2. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle.
3. Lightly mist the carpet with vinegar. Be careful not to oversaturate, as this can damage the carpet backing.
4. Allow the vinegar and baking soda to react (it will fizz). Let it dry completely.
5. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda residue.
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## 2. Borax, Vinegar & Essential Oil Carpet Cleaner
**Best For:** Tough stain removal and adding a pleasant fragrance.
**Key Features:**
* Borax provides extra cleaning power.
* Vinegar helps to dissolve stains.
* Essential oils add a natural scent.
* Effective on a variety of stains.
**Why We Like It:**
This recipe combines the cleaning power of borax with the stain-fighting ability of vinegar and the refreshing scent of essential oils. It’s a great option for tackling stubborn stains and leaving your carpet smelling amazing.
**Recipe:**
* 1/2 cup borax
* 1/4 cup white vinegar
* 2 cups hot water
* 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (lemon, lavender, or tea tree are good choices)
* Spray bottle
* Sponge or cloth
**Instructions:**
1. In a spray bottle, combine borax, white vinegar, hot water, and essential oil. Shake well to mix.
2. Spray the solution onto the stained area of the carpet.
3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the stain.
4. Blot the area with a clean sponge or cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward.
5. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.
6. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.
7. Vacuum the carpet once it is completely dry.
**Important Note:** Borax can be irritating to some people. Wear gloves when handling it and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
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## 3. Dish Soap & Water Carpet Cleaner
**Best For:** Spot cleaning and light stains.
**Key Features:**
* Gentle and effective for light stains.
* Readily available dish soap.
* Easy to mix and use.
* Leaves a fresh scent.
**Why We Like It:**
This simple solution is perfect for quick spot cleaning. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and grime, making it effective at removing everyday spills and stains. Just make sure to use a clear, dye-free dish soap to avoid staining your carpet.
**Recipe:**
* 1 teaspoon clear, dye-free dish soap
* 1 cup warm water
* Spray bottle
* Clean cloth
**Instructions:**
1. Mix dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution onto the stained area.
3. Gently blot the area with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward.
4. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.
5. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.
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## 4. Hydrogen Peroxide Carpet Cleaner
**Best For:** Removing blood, wine, and other tough stains.
**Key Features:**
* Effective stain remover, especially for organic stains
* Bleaching properties
* Readily available
* Relatively inexpensive
**Why We Like It:**
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful stain remover, especially effective on blood, wine, and other organic stains. Its mild bleaching properties help to lift stains and brighten the carpet fibers. However, it’s important to test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor your carpet.
**Recipe:**
* 3% hydrogen peroxide
* Spray bottle
* Clean cloth
**Instructions:**
1. Test the hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
2. If the test is successful, pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution directly onto the stain.
4. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
5. Blot the area with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward.
6. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.
7. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.
**Important Note:** Always test hydrogen peroxide on a hidden area before applying it to the entire stain. It can lighten or discolor some carpets.
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## 5. Club Soda Carpet Cleaner
**Best For:** Fresh spills and stains, especially wine and coffee.
**Key Features:**
* Effective on fresh spills
* Easy to use
* Readily available
* Safe for most carpets
**Why We Like It:**
Club soda is a surprisingly effective carpet cleaner, especially for fresh spills. The carbonation helps to lift the stain from the carpet fibers, making it easier to blot away. It’s a great option for quickly addressing spills before they set in.
**Recipe:**
* Club soda
* Clean cloth
**Instructions:**
1. Pour club soda directly onto the stain.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Blot the area with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward.
4. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.
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## 6. Cornstarch Carpet Cleaner
**Best For:** Grease stains and deodorizing dry carpets.
**Key Features:**
* Absorbs grease and oil
* Effective deodorizer
* Easy to use on dry carpets
* Safe for most carpets
**Why We Like It:**
Cornstarch is a great option for absorbing grease and oil stains from carpets. It’s also an effective deodorizer for dry carpets. Simply sprinkle it on, let it sit, and vacuum it up.
**Recipe:**
* Cornstarch
* Vacuum cleaner
**Instructions:**
1. Sprinkle cornstarch generously over the stained area or the entire carpet for deodorizing.
2. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight.
3. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the cornstarch.
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## 7. Vinegar & Baking Soda Paste
**Best For:** Dried, stubborn stains.
**Key Features:**
* Powerful stain removal
* Effective on dried stains
* Deep cleaning action
* Easy to make
**Why We Like It:**
When baking soda and vinegar are combined into a paste, they create a powerful cleaning agent that can tackle even the most stubborn, dried-in stains. The paste allows the ingredients to penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, loosening the stain for easy removal.
**Recipe:**
* 2 tablespoons baking soda
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* Small bowl
* Spoon
* Clean cloth
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, mix baking soda and white vinegar to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stain.
3. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
4. Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove the paste.
5. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.
6. Vacuum the carpet once it is completely dry.
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## Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Homemade Carpet Cleaner
Choosing the right homemade carpet cleaner depends on several factors, including the type of stain, the type of carpet, and your personal preferences. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:
* **Type of Stain:** Different stains require different cleaning agents. For grease stains, cornstarch or dish soap may be effective. For organic stains like blood or wine, hydrogen peroxide or a vinegar and baking soda paste may be necessary.
* **Type of Carpet:** Some
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