Vinegar is a safe yet powerful natural cleaning agent that can be used on everything from sinks and showerheads to drains and carpets.
The cheap common household item is considered an excellent “multi-purpose cleaner” because it boasts acetic acid, which is “a colorless organic compound” that is “so powerful” that it can “dissolve mineral deposit, dirt, grease and grime,” as well as “kill bacteria,” according to Healthline.
Vinegar, unlike many popular cleaning products found at the store that contain harsh toxic chemicals that are bad for both the environment and human health, is also safe.
Here is how to use it to clean your carpet.
READ MORE: Vinegar is a ‘great option’ to remove limescale off this
How to clean your carpet with vinegar
Vinegar is “a natural, chemical-free way to remove dirt and grime,” according to Better Home & Garden. It can be used to remove carpet odour, including pet odour, remove dust mite and rinse the fabric.
By making your own mixture cheaply and quickly at home with ingreidents you likely already have, you can reep these benefits.
Experts recommend mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oil with distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and spritzing it lightly to remove odour and dust mite.
To remove pet odour, use the homemade mixture to dampen effected areas before adding a sprinkle of baking soda and working the two togeher into the carpet with a brush. Then let it dry overnight and vacuum.
If you are rising your carpet, experts recommend doing a second round of washnig with 1/2 cup vinegar per gallon of water after shampooing. This will lift dirt-attracting soap residue and help the carpets stay cleaner for longer.
Many popular cleaning products found at convenience stores contain harsh, toxic chemicals that are bad for both the environment and human health.
There are many natural, cheap and effective alternatives that you likely already have at home, including vinegar, baking soda and citrus.
You can also use free, non-toxic shopping apps like Clearya to make sure the products you buy are safe.