Cottage Carpet Care - Upholstery and carpet cleaning

Commercial cleaning products are expensive and contain dangerous toxins. These recipes for homemade carpet cleaners are safer, inexpensive, and reduce home pollutants. Before applying any of these recipes, please test in small hidden areas! Vinegar for instance may bleach some dark, sensitive colors. 

General stains
Mix white vinegar and baking soda together to form a paste. Then, work the paste into the carpet/rug/upholstery stain with an old toothbrush, or something similar. Allow the paste to dry; then vacuum up the baking soda, and the stain should be gone. Note: Some stains may need to be treated more than once.

Greasy stains
Greasy soil and odors can be removed by sprinkling then generously with a mixture of two parts cornmeal and one part borax. Leave for an hour, then vacuum thoroughly.

Soot stains
Sprinkle the area generously with salt. Allow the salt to settle for at least 15 minutes and then vacuum.

Odor
Vinegar will kill the odor of urine and prevent staining if you can get to the spot right away. First absorb as much moisture as you can with dry paper towels. Next rinse the area with warm water and apply a vinegar and soap solution into the stain using a clean cloth or paper towel and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with a towel dampened in clean water and blot dry.

Spills
Clean up spills quickly. Scrape or blot up as much of the spill as possible, working from the outside toward the center. Sponge the area with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Let sit for several minutes, then sponge with clean water, and pat dry.

Carpet cleaning machine formula
Put 1 cup of vinegar in the cleaner reservoir and fill with warm water. This mixture will help eliminate pet urine and stains and leave your carpet smelling fresh. Add a few drops of essential oil for scent if desired! Test on an inconspicuous area first, and remember to run some fresh, clean water through machine before storing.

OK, one more for your hardwood floors:

Heavy duty floor polish
•  1 tbps carnauba wax
•  2 cups mineral oil
Heat in a double boiler, cool, then apply with a soft rag. Carnauba wax can be bought at auto-supply stores or hobby shops.