Owning rugs and carpets is a huge responsibility. If you want to keep your antique rugs, Persian antique rugs, or any other types of carpets and rugs you have at home, it is important to have it cleaned regularly. Not only regular cleaning and maintenance can make your rugs and carpets look like new every time but also get rid of allergens that can be allergy sufferers’ worst nightmare.
On one hand, there are a lot of carpet cleaning products available in the market today. Regardless of the brand, they have one common promise: to clean your carpets and rugs like they’re always brand-new. However, these products can not only harm you but also the environment.
An eco-friendly way of cleaning your carpets and rugs
That is why there are greener cleaning alternatives that you can use if you do not want to use commercial cleaning products. In fact, there are some carpet cleaning products you can find at home.
Not only green cleaning products can be a cheaper alternative but also an eco-friendly and less risky way to clean your carpets and handmade rugs without compromising your health and the environment. Unlike commercial carpet and rug cleaning products, these eco-friendly carpet and rug cleaners do not contain harmful chemicals.
Commercial cleaning products usually contain a chemical called perchloroethylene that can cause nausea, dizziness, and fatigue when inhaled or ingested. Plus, most of these natural carpet and area oriental rugs cleaners can be found easily and more affordable and practical. It can also reduce the presence of indoor air pollution.
Eco-friendly carpet and rug cleaning alternatives
There are actually different types of eco-friendly carpet and rug cleaners you can use instead of commercial ones. There are some that come in liquid or powder forms. There are also steam-based cleaners to get rid of mold growth, lessen the disturbing smell of dirty carpets, and make it like new again.
Vinegar and water combo
Try mixing one part water and one part white vinegar put it in a spray bottle and spritz it on the stained area. You can also pour the mixture directly onto the stain, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then rinse with clean water. This natural cleaner can also disinfect and deodorize your carpets and rugs.
Homemade carpet shampoo
You can also use soap and water mixture to make an eco-friendly carpet shampoo. Simply combine one cup of lukewarm water and a half teaspoon of veggie-oil based soap. Mix well and rub it on the carpet or rug using a clean brush, then rinse with clean water.
Baking soda, plant-based soap, and water mix
Combine baking soda, plant-based soap, and water and then pour on hard-to-remove stains like red wine, oil, or pet urine. After using these homemade cleaners, make sure to have proper ventilation to avoid mold growth.
Baking soda and cornstarch mixture
Combine 2 cups baking soda and half a cup of cornstarch or cornmeal. Sprinkle the concoction onto the carpet or antique rugs, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and them vacuum the carpet well. For stinky stains, combine a tablespoon of ground cloves, crumbled bay leaves, and a couple of drops of essential oil to the baking soda. Do the same procedure as above.
Cleaning using steam cleaners
Mix plain water and white vinegar and pour it into the cleaner’s liquid reservoir. Then use the steam cleaner as per manufacturer’s instructions. Also, ensure that there is enough ventilation to prevent mold growth.
Other eco-friendly carpet-cleaning alternatives and tips
By now, you have an idea of what eco-friendly cleaning alternatives you can use for your carpets and rugs. But before that, here are some other tips before trying out these homemade cleaners.
- Don’t forget to have a spot test before applying the homemade cleaner in a large area. This is to determine whether the mixture can cause bleeding or discoloration.
- Avoid touching your eyes after coming into contact with the cleaner. You can also use gloves while cleaning the carpet.
- Double-check your steam cleaner’s manual to make sure that a homemade carpet cleaner won’t do any damage to the machine.
- Maximize the use of these cleaners. Aside from tribal rugs, you can also use these natural cleaners on furniture and your car interiors.
The importance of regular carpet and rug care
For one thing, regular care and maintenance can help in keeping them looking like new every time. It can also lessen the occurrence of allergens and remove smelly stains. If you are looking for quality carpets, visit rug stores in Alexandria today!
