Keeping your carpets looking their best requires regular cleaning to remove embedded dirt, stains, allergens, and odors. When it comes to carpet cleaning, you have two options.

First, you can hire a professional carpet cleaning service that guarantees the best possible results. However, professional cleaning services are quite expensive, given the high cost of commercial-grade equipment and industrial-strength cleaning solutions. The second option is to clean the carpet yourself. 

Here are several tips and tricks that lead to near-professional results without the high price tag of removing old carpets or having professional carpet cleaning services.



1. Slow It Down

Use a slow pace and pull the vacuum cleaner forward and backward across the entire carpet area. This causes the appliance to vibrate and loosen any dirt from the carpet fibers. 

Make multiple passes over the carpet, changing direction each time. Pay close attention to high-traffic areas and areas around furniture legs, as these tend to collect more dirt. This process can also help remove fleas, eggs, and larvae from carpets.


2. Blot Out Stains

Professional carpet cleaning services have access to specialized carpet cleaning machines and industrial-strength cleaners. Still, you can get excellent results without them if you follow these pro tips:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray liberally over the stain. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the solution to break down the stain. Then, use a dry cloth or paper towels to blot and lift the solution and stain from the carpet. Repeat as needed until you fully remove the stain.

Blot with a mix of two tablespoons dish soap and 1 cup warm water. Let sit briefly, then blot to lift.

Blot with undiluted dish detergent and let it penetrate for several minutes before blotting. The detergent will dissolve the oily grime.

Apply a few ice cubes to harden the gum, then gently scrape away with a spoon or dull knife. Follow up by blotting the area with vinegar solution to remove any sticky residue.


3. DIY Carpet Cleaning Solutions

Two other hacks I recommend are blotting a stain or using shaving cream.

Rubbing or scrubbing a stain will push it farther into the carpet fibers and can cause permanent damage. Instead, blot stain remover onto the stain by gently pressing a clean cloth or sponge straight down. Work from the edges of the stain inward. If you start from the middle and blot outward, you risk spreading the stain over a larger area.

Shaving cream can also break down stubborn stains. Apply a thick layer directly on the stain and let sit for 30 minutes before blotting away. The cream dissolves and absorbs discoloration.

See our guide on cheap flooring options like DIY carpet cleaning for more tips.


4. Deep Clean with a Carpet Steamer

Cleaning solutions can leave a sticky residue on the carpet. This residue attracts dirt, causing carpets to get dirty faster.

To avoid this, use a steam cleaner to deep clean carpets. Hot steam sanitizes carpets by killing bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens. It also flushes out and liquefies sticky residue to easily remove it.

Look for a steam cleaner that heats water to at least 248°F and has removable, washable microfiber pads. Steaming with microfiber lifts dirt and stains without soaking the carpet backing or padding.

To deep-clean carpet:

  1. Vacuum thoroughly to lift surface debris.
  2. Fill the steamer’s reservoir with distilled water and white vinegar or steam cleaner solution.
  3. Glide the steamer slowly over the carpet, making multiple passes.
  4. Replace the microfiber pad as needed until water runs clear.
  5. Allow the carpet to fully dry before walking on it.
Today’s Homeowner Tips

For maintenance, steam clean high-traffic areas every two to three months. Deep clean entire carpets every six months. 


Final Thoughts

These DIY tips work well for mild to moderate carpet cleaning. Some people may opt to dye carpets in order to counter difficult stains. But it’s best to call in a professional carpet cleaner for heavily soiled or stained carpets. They have industrial-strength equipment, cleaning solutions, and techniques to restore dingy carpets to a like-new condition.

Regular carpet maintenance is key. Vacuum twice weekly and immediately treat any spills or stains. Deep-clean carpets every six months to prevent permanent damage from dirt, grime, and heavy staining. With proper care, your carpets can look great for years.

Related: How to Choose the Best Carpet Cleaner


FAQs About DIY Carpet Cleaning

Can I rent a carpet cleaner and do it myself?

You can rent commercial-grade carpet cleaners from hardware stores, supercenters, and rental companies. They provide much stronger cleaning power than typical home carpet cleaners if you carefully follow all directions.


How can I get rid of carpet odors naturally?

Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the carpet and let it sit overnight before vacuuming. Other options for deodorizing include borax and white vinegar. I recommend using enzyme cleaners to break down odor compounds for pet odors.


What is the best way to dry the carpet after cleaning?

Opening windows and using fans to circulate air over the damp carpet can help speed up drying. You can also place towels over the carpet and weigh them down as they absorb moisture. Lastly, avoid walking on the ‌damp carpet so it can fully dry.


How often should I get my carpets professionally cleaned?

I recommend deep cleaning carpets every 12 to 18 months, but you should clean high-traffic areas more frequently — every 6 to 12 months. More frequent professional cleaning extends carpet life and keeps it looking great.


Editorial Contributors
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Jonathon Jachura

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Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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Amy DeYoung

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Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

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