If you’re looking for the best homemade carpet cleaner solution, you’ve come to the right place! The carpet shampoo recipe I’m sharing in this post uses white vinegar to dissolve dirt and eliminate odors, rubbing alcohol for faster drying, and Lysol concentrate for an antibacterial boost. It’s the best carpet cleaner solution for your budget and for keeping carpet and area rugs free of dirt, spills, and stubborn stains.
Whether you plan to use this frugal homemade carpet cleaning solution in a Bissell machine you have at home or in a commercial carpet shampooer, it’s an effective way to clean your entire carpet or a single area of carpet. Plus, you’ll save a fortune when you make a homemade solution compared to the cost of hiring professional carpet cleaning services.
What To Do Before Using This DIY Carpet Cleaner
Before firing up your carpet cleaning machine, there are two things you should do first: vacuum thoroughly with your vacuum cleaner, and pre-treat tough carpet stains. Vacuuming the carpet beforehand will make it easier for both the machine and cleaning solution to do their jobs, while pre-treating stains will make them easier to remove and less likely to leave behind any visible discoloration.
Here are some tips for tackling some of most common carpet stains:
Pet Stains
Vinegar and baking soda are great for spot cleaning pet stains, but the method does take a bit of time. I recommend cleaning the stain from a pet accident a day or two before you plan to use your homemade carpet cleaner recipe. Just saturate the stain with vinegar, cover it with baking soda, let it dry, then vacuum it up!
Candle Wax
Getting wax out of carpet may take a bit of time depending on how bad the spill is, but it isn’t difficult, and all you need is a stack of newspaper and your iron. Just lay a piece of newspaper over the wax, and place your hot iron over it (without steam, obviously!) Continue using fresh newspaper until you’ve pulled up all the wax.
Permanent Marker
I’ve found rubbing alcohol to be an effective carpet solution for removing marker stains. Just pour it onto the stain, then blot with a damp cloth to lift the ink out. (If the stain doesn’t disappear completely, you may be able to use your clothes iron to remove the rest of it!)
Blood
Nosebleeds, accident-prone kids, unnoticed cuts and scrapes — we’ve all dealt with a blood stain on carpeting at some point! Get blood out of carpet quickly and effectively with hydrogen peroxide.
Other Stains
For other stains — from spilled food to mud and beyond — I always keep a spray bottle of my trusty homemade carpet stain remover handy so I can treat new stains as soon as I notice them. This simple combination of water, borax, vinegar, and lemon oil is easy to use and works great — just spray this homemade rug cleaner on the stain, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot (don’t scrub) with a damp cloth.
For much more on this topic, be sure to check out my guide on how to remove carpet stains! It includes a variety of homemade stain remover solutions, as well as straightforward tips for treating stains with dishwashing liquid and other simple household cleaners.
How To Make The Best Homemade Carpet Cleaner Solution
Ingredients:
- Warm water
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 capful Lysol concentrate disinfectant (about 1 teaspoon)
- White vinegar
Directions:
Fill the water reservoir about halfway full with clean, warm water.
Then add the rubbing alcohol and Lysol concentrate.
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Next, pour white vinegar into the tank until the level of the liquid reaches the “max fill” or “fill to here” line on the tank.
To use this DIY carpet cleaner solution, place the tank of cleaning solution into the machine, then clean your carpets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (No need to rinse afterward!) The cleaning solution will eliminate dirt, germs, and odors, leaving your carpet softer and cleaner than you ever knew it could be.
Note: Some carpet cleaning machine manufacturers warn against using anything other than their own special cleaning solution in their machines. Just something to be aware of (but I will say that I’ve personally used homemade cleaning solutions in many different carpet cleaners and spot machines without any problems!)
Why Laundry Detergent Isn’t A Good Choice For Carpet Cleaning Solutions
Some people advocate for using diluted laundry detergent for carpet cleaning purposes, but here’s why I don’t recommend it:
- Laundry detergent is highly concentrated, making it difficult to rinse out of carpet.
- Lingering residues in carpet can attract more dirt and compound the problem.
- Soaking your carpet in an attempt to rinse it clean can lead to mold problems.
That being said, you can use a heavily diluted laundry detergent solution on carpet if that’s your only option. Just remember the same rule that applies to laundry: more detergent isn’t always better! Also, be sure to spot test your detergent solution in an inconspicuous area before using it on a larger area of the carpet.
BONUS: How To Keep Clean Carpet Looking Great
Once your carpet is clean, the best way to keep it that way is by vacuuming it regularly. Vacuuming not only keeps dirt and allergens to a minimum, but it will extend the life of your carpet. Use your homemade carpet cleaner solution every few months where needed, especially areas of heavy traffic.
You can also draw dirt, moisture, and odors out of the fibers of your carpet by making a simple DIY carpet powder with baking soda, borax, and essential oils. Just sprinkle it over your carpet, let it sit for a while, then vacuum it up for cleaner, fresher-smelling carpet!
Have you tried to make homemade carpet cleaners before?
The Best Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution
Equipment
- Carpet cleaning machine
Ingredients
- warm water
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 capful Lysol concentrate disinfectant
- white vinegar
Instructions
- Fill the water reservoir of the cleaner about halfway full with clean, warm water.
- Add the rubbing alcohol and Lysol concentrate.
- Fill the remaining space in the tank with white vinegar. (Stop at the fill mark.)
- Place the tank on the machine and clean your carpets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Hi Jillee,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My hubby & I are pro carpet cleaners & have been cleaning carpets for 23+years. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but please do not use this on your carpet! Vinegar is NOT a cleaner as it can set certain stains (grass, for ex.). It should be a LAST try to get a stain out. Most cleaners are alkaline for that reason.
Rubbing alcohol isn’t something that generally mixes well other cleaners (unless you’re a chemist). And the Lysol, I wouldn’t suggest mixing that with anything either. It will leave a residue-think carpet gets dirtier quicker.
The best way to clean your carpet in between pro-cleanings is get a bug sprayer, dilute a mild alkaline cleaner (I would use Sal’s Suds) with hot water. Spray the stains lightly (you don’t want your carpet wet for 3 days). Then, follow with just hot water in your home machine. Applying a soap but then rinsing will help the carpets last longer.
If you have pet stains or organic stains, hydrogen peroxide is safe for most types of carpets with man-made fibers. You can use it full strength because it’s all ready very diluted. The beauty of using peroxide is that it doesn’t need rinsed. Spray it on, let it dry & see if it’s gone or lightened. If needed, repeat.
The biggest thing to bare in mind is that if it’s an acid, it can set stains. If it’s alkaline, it leaves a residue. If you need more info, let me know.
I’ve used Sal’s Sud in my carpet machines for years….far cheaper than commercial brands, cleans better and as you said, no residue to pick up more dirt so the carpet stays cleaner longer.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I tried the solution at my place, used warm water, and guess what….one of the toughest stains were off just in a second. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was awesome. Thanks for sharing such an informative article.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m so glad, Paul!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.the white vinegar not only freshens, cleans and sanitizes the carpet but it also cuts the foam and helps remove residual soap in the carpet. I’ve been using white vinegar for many, many years in carpet cleaning and elsewhere…………………………..
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can I use a capful of Mr Clean instead of Lysol??
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Also my machine has a different spot for the cleaner and it mixes with the water during the “clean” cycle. Should i just leave the detergent cup empty and mix all these in rinse reservoir?
Yes – the Mr Clean Disinfectant will work wonderfully!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Your mixture is machine specific to that particular water reservoir. Can you provide a ratio/specific formula to make up the solution in, say a two gallon container or any larger volume?.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Equal parts vinegar and water, with 1 capful of Lysol for every gallon of liquid :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Rubbing alcohol is bad to breathe in.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Being quite diluted I say with all respect, it’s no worse than the everyday air we breathe or the off-gases from all the synthetic items in our homes including carpets and rugs. It really is a great cleaner! It also works wonders on upholstery, car seats and other car upholstery (walls and flooring.) Best to clean insides of car in the morning of a hot but breezy day and leave the windows or doors open so there is a cross draft.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Does the Lysol have a scent? I’m allergic to everything scented. If it’s scented like I remember from the 1960’s I’ll have to pass on the Lysol.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It does have strong scent. However, since you use only a capful for a whole carpeted room, it’s quite diluted. The smell didn’t bother me much! You can definitely leave it out, though :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I was wondering does this make a phone at all? My carpet cleaning machine can not use anything that phones. Thank you. Love your ideas and your blog!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.No foam here! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can this be used in a steam cleaner
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee, is this solution good for cleaning the mattresses?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve never tried that – I would be worried about using that much water on my mattress. I do have a post about freshening mattresses, though: https://jillee.co/2MNnxpi
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Lysol is deadly to cats, use something else if you have cats.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can this be used for cleaning upholstered furniture in the green cleaning machine?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t see why not, but I would test it on an inconspicuous area first!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.is this also good for spot cleaning of carpets- I have small areas on carpet where the puppy has previously vomited. If so what are the proportions of water and vinegar?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s pretty close to equal parts water and vinegar. :-) And I actually have a couple posts about spot cleaning, in particular.
For stubborn carpet stains: https://jillee.co/2DU6OHu
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For pet stains: https://jillee.co/2ML7Vme
thank you for this! We will be moving to home with carpet soon–i hate carpet, but at least I now am armed with a good cleaning solution until we can afford to rip it up and put down tile
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love your sight and ideas. I have used several and they have worked well. Will definately try this one. I don’t see how a capful of lysol in a tank of water can be that toxic, I have an inside dog but still will try this.. THANKS
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you need to rinse after you shampoo?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.No, the carpet cleaner washes and rinses, all in one go! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I worked at a kennel. They had their carpets scrubbed in the house with a homemade mix that included Lysol. They had 21 cats in the house, and using just store bought cleaner (even the ones for pet owners) did not help. This one did. They had no health problems with the cats from it. Just don’t do the ‘if a little works triple the amount’ mentality. I understand it could be toxic, but you are not using it every day. Or even once a week. Some of the testing done depicts use on a scale no one does. Remember even ‘Natural’ is toxic when over done.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you! Lysol is deadly to EVERY living thing if it is not used correctly! When I was growing up my mother literally cleaned everything (except dishes) with “brown Lysol”. None of our animals got sick from it. She would wipe down and wash every surface with it 2-3 times a week during cold and flu season. If we did get sick she would even wash sheets and towels with it. Always just a cap full in a gallon (or more) of water. Only a capful, never more than that.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Please be aware that phenol-based disinfectants effectively kill bacteria and viruses, but are toxic to both dogs and cats. These include Lysol and Pine Sol.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.please link me to your original recipe. I can’t find the Lysol
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s just equal parts white vinegar and water!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have used a mixture with Odoban (with disinfectant). It seemed to work. How can I improve it? Would the alcohol help? Should I add vinegar? I have just used water with it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you have a recipe for cleaning laminate flooring? That is what we have. Still have two rooms of carpet, but want laminate flooring in those rooms, too.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here you go Deborah! https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/grease-cutting-floor-cleaner
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much. I’ve been using hot tap water and a small squirt of Castile soap, plus a few drops of lemon essential oil.
So of course now I want to see the original recipe you published a couple of years ago. All searches bring up only this new recipe…help?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It was just equal parts vinegar and water :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks so much…. I love the simplicity!
I read your posts every day, but haven’t taken the BIG step of a subscription. Although I don’t use most of the tips and tricks, I love to read them, filing in my memory that there IS a solution this this or that problem…mostly to do with cleaning. Plus I am learning about products…like Barkeeper’s Friend.
I do not have a carpet machine so I want to make the formula in a pail. Would you suggest 2 cups of the white vinegar?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Donna! 2 cups of vinegar would be just right! However, I don’t know exactly how you’d go about cleaning the carpets with this cleaner in a bucket. You might want to consider renting a carpet cleaning machine from a local grocery store – just for the afternoon. Carpet cleaners work the cleaner in to the carpet. But then they pull it out – they basically rinse the carpet as you go! I can’t think of any way for you to rinse your carpets without the machine, so be very careful! If the carpets have soap left behind, even more dirt will stick to them in the future.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Would you happen to have before and after pics of a carpet using this formula? My carpet is REALLY grungy, and the one that’s pictured doesn’t even look dirty to me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sorry RMR, these are all the photos I have. Although my rug wasn’t super dirty, the water that I dumped afterwards was dark brown – it definitely pulled up a lot of dirt! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thankyou! That means my water will be mud colored many times over, ha, ha!
I recently cleaned my carpets and had to go over them several times to get my water to a “lighter” color.
Hi Jillee,
I seldom have any criticism on your advises, but this time I do.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Why should you want to disinfect your carpet?
There is in general no reason at all to disinfect anything in your house. The only thing I can think of is the toilet in the event that there are persons in the house with severe diarrhea or another spreading disease or very week resistance. The usual cleaning with e.g. an all purpose cleaner will do just fine.
A carpet is bound to be stept on by dirty shoes or feet, so it will not do any good to disinfect.
I can answer the disinfecting one, I live at home and my folks sometimes watch my brothers kids, or they come frequently in the Summer months. The youngest of his kids just turned 2. Most of house has carpet. Anyway, that’s how our carpet in our house might need a disinfectant. From changing messy diapers.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree with Abby. My last Cat could be a little rascal. Mostly with vomiting from hairballs. Most of the time it was fairly easy to clean up. I always kept a can of spot shot spray around for when the mess needed major help. She was actually the best of the cats we’ve had about not having accidents. She was already trained when we got her.
I guess that you don’t have pets… :) They slobber, drool, knock things over, vomit, and have accidents. Sometimes they bring in animals from outside. Sometimes they take their food from the feeding bowl and drop it on the floor as they chew. Humans might do any of these things as well. Gack – why *wouldn’t* one want to disinfect one’s floor? Laundry? Mattress surface? Kitchen counters? This is possibly a personal perception of objectionable filth. I have OCD, so consider the source.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Paula: I agree with you.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One of the most toxic products you can use, and it is advised over and over, is Lysol. You just don’t use Lysol with pets, let alone children.
This is not an opinion, it’s a fact.
Sorry Janice, but that is most definitely an opinion! My mom, grandma, great grandma and probably more, always used Lysol to kill germs, viruses, etc. They usually used it for general cleaning as well. My grandma had 6 kids, 54 grandchildren, over 300 great grandchildren…you get the idea, and more pets between us than I could count! We all survived Lysol being used just fine, people just need to pay attention to the directions. If you use the correct amount, it’s perfectly safe. And just think of all the nasty germy places that feet and shoes have been….school bathrooms, public bathrooms, dog parks, people parks…it makes me shudder and want to disinfect ALL the floors!!
1) vinegar disinfects a lot without toxins. 2) won’t the Lysol make your house smell? My mom once pored some into our storm-flooded basement. The house smelled like bandaids for years.
A little tea tree oil or a blend would be a much wiser choice.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A very small amount of disinfectant is used – it’s diluted in quite a bit of water and vinegar. You can smell it a little bit, but not at all once it is dried.
You can absolutely leave it out, if you prefer! :-)
You can definitely leave out the disinfectant, if you’d like to! I add it because I have a dog in the house – accidents happen! Plus, if I’m going through the effort of cleaning my carpets, I figure that I might as well disinfect them, too :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We do not wear shoes in our house but occasionally guests forget our rule and walk on our carpet in their shoes. This is the reason I would totally want to use the disinfectant. It’s was enough to leave out if you don’t need it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would disinfect my carpets. Grand babies on the floor? Yep. Inside animals? Yep. Allergies? Again, Yep. I know disinfectant won’t help with allergies, but it can’t hurt either. JMHO
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