Carpet Cleaner & Deodoriser

Carpet Cleaner & Deodoriser

🌱 A simple, surface-aware approach to cleaning and freshening carpets

 

Carpet cleaning isn’t a one-product job - and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation.

This page gives you a practical overview of the natural carpet cleaning options I use, and when to use each one. It’s designed as a starting point, not a rulebook.

For carpet types, safety notes, and when to call a professional, read the full guide:
→ Natural Carpet Cleaning & Freshening: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

 

Step 1: Identify the problem

Before reaching for anything, ask one simple question:

Is this a stain, or is it just a smell?

  • Stains need cleaning
  • Smells may only need freshening
  • Old stains and pet accidents often need oxygen cleaning

Using the wrong method can set stains or trap odours.

 

Important notes

  • Never mix soap, acids and oxygen cleaners together
  • Always blot - don’t scrub aggressively
  • Avoid soaking carpets or underlay
  • Patch test every time

If the carpet is wool, expensive, or heavily soiled, professional cleaning is the safest option.

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Recipe & Instructions

Option 1: Soap-based spot cleaning (most spills)

Best for:

  • Food spills
  • Mud
  • Sticky residue

How to use

  1. Dilute a small amount of liquid Castile soap in warm water
  2. Lightly apply to the area (do not soak)
  3. Blot with a clean cloth
  4. Rinse lightly with clean water and blot dry

This lifts dirt so it can be removed, rather than rubbed deeper into fibres.

 

Option 2: Oxygen-based cleaning (stains & odours)

Best for:

  • Organic stains (food, drink, pet accidents)
  • Odours that won’t lift with soap alone

How to use

  • Mix sodium percarbonate or hydrogen peroxide as directed
  • Apply to the affected area only
  • Allow time to work
  • Blot and rinse

Always patch test and avoid over-wetting, especially on installed carpet.

 

Option 3: Deodorising (freshening only)

Best for:

  • General room odours
  • Pet smells between cleans

How to use

  • Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda lightly over dry carpet
  • Leave for 30 minutes or longer
  • Vacuum thoroughly

This absorbs odours but does not clean fibres.

How wet should the carpet get when cleaning?
As little as possible. Carpets clean best when you apply solution sparingly and blot it out. Over-wetting can push dirt deeper into fibres and soak the underlay, which can create lingering smells.

Can I use these methods on all carpet types?
No. These approaches are best for synthetic and sealed carpets. Wool carpets, delicate fibres and expensive rugs need extra care. If you’re unsure of the carpet type, the full guide explains safer options and when to call a professional.

Why did the stain come back after it dried?
This is usually wicking. Moisture draws residue from deeper in the carpet back to the surface as it dries. Blot thoroughly, avoid soaking, and repeat gently if needed rather than applying more liquid.

Do I need to rinse after soap or oxygen cleaning?
Yes, lightly. A small amount of clean water helps remove loosened residue. Blot well afterward to avoid leaving moisture behind.

Can I combine methods to get better results?
Use methods sequentially, not together. Clean first (soap or oxygen), allow the area to dry fully, then deodorise if needed. Mixing products at the same time can reduce effectiveness or cause unwanted reactions.

How long should I wait before walking on the carpet?
Wait until the area is completely dry. Walking on damp carpet can push dirt back into fibres and flatten the pile, especially in high-traffic areas.

Is this enough for old pet stains or strong smells?
Sometimes, but not always. Older stains and pet accidents often reach the underlay. Oxygen cleaning can help, but some situations are better handled by professional carpet cleaners with extraction equipment.

Why does deodorising not replace cleaning?
Bicarbonate absorbs smells but doesn’t remove dirt or residue. It’s a freshening step, not a cleaning one, and works best after the carpet is already clean.
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