Don’t have a carpet cleaner? No problem. Learning how to clean a carpet by hand is easy, budget-friendly, and surprisingly effective. Whether you’re tackling a stubborn stain or freshening up the whole room, this guide has you covered, without needing any machines.
What You’ll Need
Grab these essentials before you start:
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Bucket of warm water
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Mild detergent or white vinegar
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Soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloth
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Baking soda (for odours)
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Clean towels or sponges
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Vacuum cleaner (for before and after)
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Carpet by Hand
1. Vacuum the Carpet
Use the vacuum to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. This makes cleaning easier and more effective.
2. Pre-Treat Any Stains
For any existing stains, it is important to treat these so the stain clears up more during hand washing. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray on stains, and blot gently with a clean towel.
3. Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Now it's time to create the cleaning solution for the carpet. In a bucket, combine:
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2 cups warm water
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A few drops of dish soap
(Or swap for a 1:1 vinegar and water mix)
4. Gently Scrub the Carpet
Dip your brush or cloth into the solution. We recommend scrubbing in circles, working in small sections. Make sure not to overwet the carpet as excess water takes longer to dry and could damage the carpet.
5. Rinse & Blot
As you clean the carpet, rinse your cloth in clean water and blot the carpet to lift away detergent. It may be beneficial to use 2 tubs, one with clean water and one to squeeze out the used dirty water.
6. Dry the Carpet
It is important to dry the carpet after cleaning so excess water does not damage the carpet and it dries faster. Use dry towels to absorb moisture. You can speed up drying with:
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Open windows
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Fans
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A dehumidifier
Deodorising Your Carpet Naturally
Have any lingering scents from pets, spills, ect? There is a natural option to help deodorise comment scents from carpets. Just sprinkle baking soda after cleaning:
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Lightly cover the carpet.
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Let sit for a few hours (or overnight).
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Vacuum up the baking soda once finished for a bright fresh smelling carpet.
Extra Carpet Cleaning Tips for Success
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Test Your Cleaning Solution: Always test your cleaner on a hidden spot first.
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Be Gentle: Scrub gently, no need to go hard on the fibres.
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Rinse and Repeat: For heavy stains repeat washing, rather than over-scrubbing.
Now that you know exactly how to clean a carpet by hand, you can tackle spills, smells, and everyday dirt without special equipment. Simple, effective, and done with stuff you already have at home.
For more flooring care tips or advice on choosing easy-to-maintain carpets, come visit us at Direct Carpet Centre.