The One Simple DIY That Will Save You From Carpet Stains

I’ve been writing about household cleaning for nearly 10 years at this point, the majority of the homemade cleaning solutions I’ve shared can be categorized in one of two ways. They’re usually either recipes, such as a cleaning spray you mix up ahead of time and use whenever you need it, or they are more of a method, where ingredients are measured and applied in a certain order as part of a specific treatment.

I’ve shared plenty of both types of cleaning solutions over the years. However, it recently occurred to me that when it comes to treating carpets stains in particular, most of the solutions I’ve shared in the past (including removing pet stains and stubborn stains from carpet) qualify as methods, not recipes.

Related: How to Make Blood Stains Disappear

That feels like a bit of an oversight to me, so today I’ll be sharing a brand new recipe for a carpet stain remover spray! Mix up a batch for yourself and keep it handy for any carpet stains that may befall you in the future. :-)

What’s In It?

Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk a little bit about what goes into this carpet stain remover spray. Here’s a quick look at the four powerhouse cleaning ingredients in this recipe, and a bit about how they can help eliminate carpet stains:

• Borax – Cleans and deodorizes while boosting the performance of other cleaning ingredients
• White Vinegar – Extremely effective at neutralizing odors, and its acidity helps to dissolve acidic components in stains
• Distilled Water – Water alone can dissolve all sorts of stains, and distilled (or boiled) water is typically preferred for use in DIY cleaners
• Lemon Essential Oil – Brightens and whitens fabrics, eliminates germs, and leaves behind a fresh, clean scent

How To Make Your Own Carpet Stain Remover Spray

Ingredients:

2 tsp borax
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup distilled water
10 drops lemon essential oil

Directions:

Add the borax to a 16-ounce spray bottle, then pour in the vinegar and water. Add the lemon oil, then replace the spray top and shake to combine.

Keep in mind that you should always give this spray a good shake before using it to remix the ingredients. (Borax can be stubborn about dissolving and mixing with other ingredients, but it’s nothing a good shake won’t fix!)

How To Use Your Homemade Carpet Stain Remover Spray

Step 1 – Pre-Clean

The first step you should take when treating any stain is to remove as much of the spilled substance as possible before applying your cleaner. You can do this by picking up any solids with your hands, or pressing on it with a wet cloth to absorb excess liquid.

Step 2 – Spray

Once you’ve done that, spray the cleaner onto the carpet stain, using enough to dampen the area without soaking it. Let the cleaner work its magic on the stain for 5-10 minutes before proceeding.

Step 3 – Blot

Next, place a clean cloth on the area and press down on it absorb the stain. Continue blotting the stain (blot, don’t rub!), rotating the cloth to a clean section as needed, until the stain is gone.

Step 4 – Rinse & Dry

Finish by blotting the area with a clean, damp cloth to rinse out the remainder of the stain remover spray. Blot with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture, then allow the area to air dry.

How do you clean up carpet stains at home?