How to Clean Carpet

My Sam napping on my clean carpet

I don't consider myself to be an expert on the subject, but with two dogs and a whole lot of carpet, I'm pretty sure I know a thing or two. But most people would just use carpet cleaner in a steam cleaner, but I've learned that can be expensive, and not always as effective.

I read somewhere that adding a 1/2 cup of Tide non-bleach detergent (I use the liquid Febreeze kind) can help eliminate stains and give it a more deep clean. Laundry detergent is designed to clean all different types of fabrics, and let's face it...carpet is made of a fabric. Plus the stain fighting power of Tide can really make it stand out.

But what about pet odor? I have to admit that while I do use Tide with Febreeze, it doesn't always cut the pet odor like I hope it would. So, after cleaning the carpet with the Tide using my Hoover Steamvac, I actually go back over it in rinse mode with a mixture of water and white distilled vinegar (1 part vinegar, 2 parts hot water). Yes, it will smell like vinegar afterward, but after it dissipates, you will only notice a fresh scent.

But what about stains? Before cleaning with the Tide and rinsing with the vinegar, I go around and spray any visible spots with OxyClean stain remover. Again, made for all fabric types, it cuts all kinds of set in stains better than any other stain remover I've tried. And I've tried a lot. Spray spot, then rub spot with dry cloth to work stain remover through the stained fabric (stains are not just on the surface). Afterward, clean and rinse with steam cleaner.

For trouble spots, I highly recommend using the Bissel Spot Bot. I've had one since Sam was a puppy and even bought my brother one for Christmas one year after he moved into a new home. They work great!

So, there...you have my carpet cleaning advice and after using these steps this afternoon, I have nice clean carpets...and a fresh scented home.