The first thing that comes to mind when you want to clean your carpet is that you’ll need special equipment to do it. Of course, that’s a good idea, but it doesn’t work for everyone since it can be pricey.
So, is there something else you can do? Well, luckily, we have a few tips you could use on how to clean carpet without a machine.
Let’s dive in!
In This Guide
Step 1: Remove Dust and Dirt
If you can’t use a typical vacuum cleaner for one reason or another to remove loose dirt, that’s okay. You might still be able to do that efficiently with a stiff-bristled broom and a dustpan nearby.
If you have a low-pile carpet, this step can be over in a matter of a few minutes.
However, if you’re working on a shag carpet or any rugs with a thick texture, it could take you more time and effort. This is because the dirt tends to stick deep within the hairs of the carpet, so you’ll have to be extra patient when cleaning those high-pile rugs.
There’s a mistake-proof way to make quick work of this task. Simply, tie the hairs of your broom with a rubber band so that they’re more rigid. This way, you should be able to clear the toughest dirt spots faster.
Step 2: Disinfect Your Carpet
Fortunately, you can disinfect your carpet without using the help of a steam machine. You’ll only need a homemade solution and a scrub brush for this step.
To create this solution, simply mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a bowl. When you’re done, dip the scrub brush in this solution and scrub the carpet gently with it.
Make sure to brush against the fibers carefully, yet thoroughly not to miss any spots. Also, don’t oversaturate the rug, or it will be harder for you to get rid of this extra dampness.
Always follow up with a dry cloth to prevent any excess moisture from overtaking the carpet fibers.
Step 3: Clean Any Tough Spots
Now, here’s something a bit more tricky, but you can still do it manually all the same. Whether you’ll be cleaning new spots or old stains that have been there for a while, there’s always a way to do it.
Cleaning Fresh Spots
When encountering a fresh spot, which could be wet or sticky, you should quickly tackle it with an absorbent cloth. This cloth works to blot out the stain and absorbs most of the moisture. Not to mention that it helps keep the stain from spreading out.
Here, you can use a roll of paper towels since they’re one of the best absorbent products out there Feeling a bit more eco friendly? Use a microfiber cloth
Then, it’s time to rinse that spot. In this step, you should consider using club soda to loosen the stain particles a little bit. Also, you may want to apply a commercial carpet cleaner in this case, but remember to follow the manufacturer’s directions closely.
When rinsing the spot, don’t scrub the area you’re cleaning, but rather blot it out gently.
Cleaning Old Spots
Getting rid of older stains isn’t as tough as it might seem at first glance. In fact, you’ll have to follow the same guidelines that we’ve mentioned regarding cleaning fresh spots.
However, the only difference here is that you won’t need to use an absorbent cloth because the stain is already dry.
Step 4: Deep-Clean Your Carpet
The previous steps can be useful if you want to clean your carpet quickly. Yet, you may want to get into that seasonal cleaning mode and clean your rugs deeply.
Here’s how you can do it without the help of a steam machine.
1. Put Your Solutions to Use
First off, you’ll need to create a solution of liquid soap and water. Put it inside a spray bottle, and shake it only a little bit.
Then, sprinkle a bit of kosher salt and baking soda all over the area you intend to clean. You don’t have to cover every inch of this spot, but only generally. Next, spray the solution of soap and water over this area lightly and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
2. Start Brushing
Use a carpet brush to massage this area in the same direction. As you do this, you’ll notice hair, pet hair, and debris coming loose. Therefore, it’ll be easier for you to pick them up. If they’re harder to remove, you may want to start rubbing in a perpendicular direction.
3. Dry Out the Area
When you’re done picking anything stuck in the carpet fibers, you’ll need to get rid of the extra moisture. Gently, place as many paper towels as you need on the wet spot.
Make sure that these towels are properly saturated with water before removing them to let the area dry partially.
4. Apply Tap Water and Dry Again
Clear your spray bottle of the soapy water mix. After rinsing it thoroughly, fill it with tap water. Then, spray some water over the area you’re cleaning.
Once again, apply paper towels over the wet spots and let them absorb all the excess moisture. A really cool trick you can use here is to place heavy items over the towels to help them absorb water faster.
Of course, you can use this method on concentrated spots or to clean a whole, room-size carpet. But you’ll definitely need a larger brush or broom in the second case.
The reason why we’ve suggested using soapy water and not detergents to clean a carpet is that it’s safer. It’s less prone to cause allergies, and completely okay to use in the presence of kids and pets.
Even better, soapy water doesn’t produce that overpowering smell that most detergents are known for.
How to Clean a Carpet (Without a Machine)
You’ll only need to use a few household items, brushes, and sprays. Whether you’ll be cleaning a single salsa stain or an entire shag rug, we hope that our tricks will be able to help you out!
Last update on 2022-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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