Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Clean Carpet?
The short answer: yes! Apple Cider Vinegar is an amazing and effective cleaning solution. Not only does it remove stains, it can rid your carpet of bad odor, and disinfect because of its antimicrobial properties. Who knew homemade carpet cleaners could be just as effective as a professional carpet cleaning?!
There are some common household items that can be helpful in cleaning the carpet. Some of these are just suggestions, and not required. A few of these include:
baking soda
apple cider vinegar
paper towel(s)
hot or warm water
salt
How to Clean Carpet With Apple Cider Vinegar Without a Steam Cleaner:
It is always a good idea to start with vacuuming. Vacuum the entire area of carpet you want to clean, making sure to rid the area of debris and dirt before you add anything that would further spread the dirt and debris around.
Start by making an apple cider vinegar solution by using equal parts vinegar and water. You will see a better result by using hot water. Then add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the water mixture and apply it to the carpet stain.
Scrub the affected area, careful to avoid damaging the carpet fibers by not staying in the same place for too long. You can use a carpet brush, or a clean, white cloth. White cloths are preferred to avoid getting dye from the rag on your carpet.
Stubborn stains may take a little more effort and require you to go over it more than once.
If you are cleaning more than just one spot, focus on one small area at a time so you don't miss anything.
If there are any spots with musty odors that need to be deodorized, you can sprinkle some baking soda on it and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, all night would be even better. Then use a vacuum cleaner to get it all cleaned up.
Allow the carpet to air dry. If you feel an area is overly wet use a dry cloth to soak up some of the excess.
Depending on the kind of stain, you may need to go over some tough carpet stains again. Repeat the process the following day.
How to Clean Carpet With Apple Cider Vinegar With a Steam Cleaner:
The best way to start is always to run the vacuum cleaner over the entire area of carpet you want to clean, making sure to rid the area of debris and dirt before you add anything that would further spread the dirt.
Next fill your carpet steamer with hot water, then add apple cider vinegar. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar should do the trick. For best results use really hot, or boiling water.
Turn the steam cleaner on and allow it to continue heating up.
Scrub the affected area, careful to avoid damaging the carpet fibers by not staying in the same place for too long.
Stubborn stains may take a little more effort and require you to go over it more than once.
If you are cleaning more than just one spot, focus on one small area at a time so you don't miss anything.
If there are any spots with musty odors that need to be deodorized, you can sprinkle some baking soda on it and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, all night would be even better. Then use a vacuum cleaner to get it all cleaned up.
Allow the carpet to air dry. If you feel an area is overly wet use a dry cloth to soak up some of the excess.
Depending on the kind of stain, you may need to go over some tough carpet stains again. Repeat the process the following day.
Other ways to use apple cider vinegar in your home:
Get rid of old dish stains by adding 3 tablespoons to your next dishwashing cycle and watch the old stains from your dishes disappear.
Streak free windows are attainable with apple cider vinegar, who knew? Make a mixture of equal parts water and part apple cider vinegar, then add it to a spray bottle. Clean your windows with a clean white cloth, or paper towels. Thank me later!
Clear a clogged drain by pouring down half a cup of baking soda, followed by a full cup of apple cider vinegar. Then add a cup of water (warm to hot in temperature) and let it all sit for about 15-20 minutes. After your time is up pour some boiling water down the drain and watch it drain free and easy.
Clean the washing machine by adding two cups of apple cider vinegar in place of detergent and running a regular cycle without clothes. It's not often we take the time to clean our washing machine, but this method is so simple, anyone can do it!
A bathroom refresh has never been easier. Make a mixture of one cup of water and one cup of vinegar and add it to a spray bottle. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to make it smell good. My favorites are lavender and lemon.
The garden can also benefit from apple cider vinegar. Use undiluted vinegar to take care of pesky weeds, or mix one gallon of water to one ounce of apple cider vinegar as a soil fertilizer in your garden.
Kitchen appliances have never looked better thanks to our apple cider vinegar mixture we already made and added to a spray bottle. It is your new all purpose cleaner when it comes to cleaning your microwave, fridge, or oven. It leaves your appliances streak-free, and looking good as new.
Cutting boards see it all, from raw or cooked meat, to vegetables, and so much more. Sometimes dish soap doesn't cut it, and it needs a good clean. Next time, apply a little bit of apple cider vinegar directly to your cutting board to sanitize it!
Sparkling toilet bowls are in. Spray apple cider vinegar around your toilet bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before giving it a good scrub and rinse.
Top Two Takeaways
Apple Cider Vinegar is extremely diverse and should probably be a requirement to be kept on hand at all times. It can be used and swapped for so many household cleaners.
It doesn't require expensive products, or professional carpet cleaners to remove stains. It is definitely doable on your own. For more carpet cleaning ideas check out our post "How to Clean Syrup Off Carpet".
Have you tried any of these methods? We would love to hear from you. Share your experience with us by sending an email to gathrehome@gmail.com or find us on Instagram @gathre.home for more cleaning tips + tricks, recipe reviews, and other fun content!
