Reducing the amount of toxic cleaners you use in your home is healthier for you, your family and the environment. One area of cleaning that can be particularly problematic in regards to toxic formulas is carpeting. Instead of using a toxic cleaning solution or spot remover, try these non-toxic remedies to keep carpets looking and smelling fresh.
General Cleaning
Sweep the carpet with a very stiff brush or broom to loosen dirt and raise the nap on the carpet, then vacuum thoroughly. If you feel that isn't enough to clean your carpet, the Utah State University Cooperative Extension suggests combining 2 cups baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, five crumbled bay leaves and 1 tbsp. ground cloves. Sprinkle all over your carpet and let sit for one hour before vacuuming.
Odor Removal
Baking soda sprinkled on a carpet and left for several hours or even overnight is a common non-toxic remedy for clearing odors from carpeting. Despite the fact that borax is considered toxic when swallowed and can also cause skin irritation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service suggests mixing 1 cup of borax with 2 cups of cornmeal and sprinkling the mixture over your carpet, followed by vacuuming. Households with crawling infants or toddlers may want to use caution with this carpet cleaning remedy, since infants and young children are particularly susceptible to borax poisoning.
Stain Removal
Use equal parts vinegar and water for an assortment of stains including grass, urine, food or rust. Spray on and then blot off with a towel to lift the stains. Blotting the rug with hydrogen peroxide can help remove blood stains, although it can also lift color from carpeting, so test an inconspicuous spot on your carpet before using this method for stain removal.
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