Tips&TricksSkip the pricey cleaners: Easy home methods to refresh your carpet and fill it with holiday aroma

Skip the pricey cleaners: Easy home methods to refresh your carpet and fill it with holiday aroma

The man is vacuuming the carpet.
The man is vacuuming the carpet.
Images source: © Getty Images | athima tongloom

9:54 AM EST, December 18, 2023

Often, many people assume that regular vacuuming is sufficient to maintain their carpets. However, this is a major misconception as carpets need a regular refresh. Simply taking the carpet outside for beating or exposing it to frost will not restore its original appearance. Using professional laundry services can be costly and may not be worth the price. The same results can be achieved using a home-based method.

Cleaning a carpet at home

A carpet tends to collect dust, crumbs, and dirt, especially if it has dense and thick fur. Unattractive stains can settle in, which a vacuum cleaner cannot remove effectively. Dishwashing liquid can help dislodge these stains. Apply it to the stains and then gently rub the dirt off with a sponge. If this method fails, a mixture of vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio can be just as effective.

Apply this mixture to the dirt and rub in with circular movements to ensure it reaches all corners of the carpet. This method not only removes stains, but also effectively disinfects the carpet. Baking soda is another great substitute for chemical cleaning products.

Baking soda effectively absorbs odors and cleans the most stubborn stains. Sprinkle a generous amount on the carpet and leave it for a few hours, or prepare a mixture of baking soda and water. Both methods yield equal results. In the end, simply vacuum the carpet, and it will look much better.

How to make your carpet smell good

The Christmas scent usually reminds us of cinnamon, citrus, cloves, nutmeg, and pine. A simple method can bring these scents into your home without the need for expensive diffusers or candles. All you need to know is what to sprinkle on your carpet.

Once the carpet is cleaned, it's time to improve its smell. A stale-smelling carpet could negatively impact its condition. Thus, it's beneficial to create an ultra-aroma mixture that will last up to Three Kings Day. To create this mixture, you'll need baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, preferably ground, and a little bit of lemon juice. This method is better suited for darker carpets, as light-colored ones may get discolored.

Simply spread the scented mixture over the carpet and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This not only provides a pleasant aroma but also helps get rid of harmful mites. Finish off by vacuuming the carpet one more time and your carpet is clean and ready for the holiday season.

A clean and fragrant carpet for pennies
A clean and fragrant carpet for pennies© Freepik
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