Can I Clean a Carpet with Laundry Detergent?

Just a few days ago, while I was cleaning the carpets in my home, I ran out of the cleaning solution I had bought from the store halfway through the job. I knew that if I had to go to the store to buy more, I would never finish cleaning the carpets. We all know how easy it is to lose motivation when you stop in the middle of a task. So, I decided to look around the house to see if I could find something to use instead. In the end, I used laundry detergent.

Sometimes, professional carpet cleaning products are too expensive, or, like in my case, you simply can’t access them when you need them. So, what should you do in such situations? Can you use laundry detergent to clean carpets? And can you make your own carpet cleaning solution at home?

The short answer is yes—you can use laundry detergent to clean carpets. It works just as well as store-bought cleaning solutions. Plus, it leaves your carpet just as clean and fresh. You can also make your own carpet cleaning solutions. Keep reading to learn more!

Cleaning a Carpet with Laundry Detergent

How to Use Laundry Detergent in a Steam Cleaner

Steam cleaners are powerful cleaning tools. They work similarly to vacuum cleaners but use steam and a cleaning solution to remove stains and dirt that a vacuum alone cannot. So, if you need to clean your carpets and don’t have a store-bought cleaning solution on hand, you can simply use laundry detergent.

Here’s how to use laundry detergent in a steam cleaner:

Step 1

Fill the steam cleaner’s tank with water up to the designated line. You can use a one-liter, one-gallon, or any other container to help you measure the amount of water added.

Step 2

For every liter of water you add to the steam cleaner, mix in one tablespoon of laundry detergent.

Step 3

Turn on the steam cleaner and let it heat up for a few minutes. Then, clean your carpet as usual. While cleaning, check the water tank and refill it with fresh water and detergent as needed.

However, you need to be very careful when using laundry detergent on carpets. The detergent must be thoroughly rinsed out, which may not always be possible with carpet cleaning and could lead to mold growth. So, be mindful of how much detergent you use to prevent excessive foam buildup on your carpet.

Can You Make Your Own Carpet Cleaner?

As mentioned earlier, professional carpet cleaning products can sometimes be a bit pricey. You can make your own cleaning solutions to use with a steam cleaner or any other cleaning tool you have available.

There are two major benefits to making homemade carpet cleaners. First, it saves you money since the ingredients cost less than commercial cleaners. Second, using natural ingredients instead of chemicals helps create a healthier home environment.

Homemade carpet cleaners work well for removing stains and cleaning high-traffic areas. You can try different recipes—if one doesn’t work, move on to the next. Here are some DIY carpet cleaner recipes you can try:

Carpet Cleaner & Softener

Combining a carpet cleaner with a fabric softener works almost as well as commercial cleaners. This solution leaves your carpet fresh, clean, and soft. To make it, simply mix laundry detergent, an all-purpose liquid cleaner, OxiClean, fabric softener, and hot water in a bucket.

Non-Toxic Aromatic Cleaner

If you have kids or pets, non-toxic cleaners might be the best option. To make this, simply mix white vinegar, water, salt, and a few drops of essential oils like pine, lemon, or lavender.

Glass Cleaner Solution

Glass cleaners aren’t just for windows! You can use them to make a carpet cleaner as well. Simply mix equal parts glass cleaner and water.

Ammonia-Based Cleaner

Ammonia-based cleaners are more powerful than regular ones. However, be cautious when using them, as they are corrosive and can be harmful to your eyes, skin, lungs, and some materials. To make this cleaner, mix dish soap, ammonia, vinegar, and water in a bucket.

Lemon & Peroxide Cleaner

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful cleaner, while lemon adds a pleasant scent. Combining the two makes one of the best homemade carpet cleaners. Simply mix hydrogen peroxide, water, and lemon essential oil in a bucket.

Simple Powder Cleaner

Powdered cleaners are mainly used for greasy stains and spills. You can make one at home using baking soda, cornstarch, dried bay leaves, and dried potpourri.

Borax & Baking Soda Cleaner

A mixture of borax powder and baking soda creates a strong and effective cleaner and deodorizer. Simply combine baking soda, borax, dried herbs or flowers, and essential oil in a bowl.

How to Clean a Carpet

Now that you have prepared your homemade cleaning solution or laundry detergent mixture, how should you clean your carpet? You can clean it by hand or use a carpet shampooer.

Cleaning a Carpet by Hand

Step 1

Once your cleaning solution is ready, pour it into a spray bottle or shaker to apply a thin, even layer onto the carpet. Shake the bottle well to ensure the ingredients are properly mixed.

Step 2

Before applying the cleaner all over the carpet, test it on a small, hidden area to ensure it won’t cause damage. Choose an inconspicuous spot, such as an area under furniture. Spray a small amount of the cleaner and wait at least 24 hours. Then, check for discoloration, fading, or any other damage. If no damage occurs, you can proceed with cleaning.

Step 3

If there are stains or marks on your carpet, spray the cleaner directly onto them. If you’re cleaning the entire carpet, divide it into three or four sections and clean one section at a time to ensure thorough coverage. Start from the farthest corner and work your way toward the door to avoid getting trapped.

Step 4

Let the cleaner sit for about 10 minutes. This allows liquid solutions to penetrate stains and powder cleaners to absorb odors and dirt.

Step 5

Now, use a carpet brush to scrub the stains or the entire carpet. Scrubbing helps the cleaner penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, loosening dirt and debris.

After scrubbing, let the carpet sit for at least 30 minutes so the liquid cleaners can dry. Once the solution has dried and absorbed odors and stains, thoroughly vacuum the carpet.

Cleaning a Carpet with a Shampooer

Just like the previous method, start with a spot test to ensure the cleaner won’t damage your carpet.

Fill your carpet shampooer’s tank with laundry detergent, a homemade solution, or any cleaner you’re using. If your shampooer has separate compartments for clean water and cleaning solution, make sure both are filled correctly.
Turn on the shampooer and start cleaning from the farthest corner of the room.
Let the carpet rest for at least 24 hours to allow proper absorption and drying.
Once the carpet is completely dry, vacuum it to remove any remaining residue.

Cleaning a Carpet with Laundry Detergent

What Should You Avoid Using to Clean a Carpet?

Your carpet is a costly investment, so you want to take proper care of it to avoid damage. Earlier, we discussed various alternatives you can use if you don’t have or can’t buy store-bought carpet cleaners. However, there are certain substances you should avoid, as they can harm your carpet.

Here are some of them:

Bleach

Bleach is a great whitening agent for items like dirty socks. However, it should never be used on carpets. While it’s an excellent stain remover, bleach strips the color from fabric. Avoid using bleach on carpet stains unless you no longer care about the carpet’s appearance.

White Wine

White wine is sometimes suggested as a remedy for removing red wine stains. However, it’s not an ideal option for carpet stains. Instead of relying on white wine, use other stain removal methods mentioned earlier, which will be much more effective.

Abrasive Cleaners

Many people believe that scrubbing aggressively leads to a cleaner surface. Unfortunately, when it comes to carpets, harsh methods like abrasive cleaners only cause tearing and wear. Avoid using these products to keep your carpet in good condition.