Things You'll Need
Vacuum
Bucket
Spoon
Sponges
Small container
Table salt
Spray bottle (2)
Cloths
Tip
Test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the carpet. If discoloration or damage occurs, discontinue use.
Stains and dirt can turn a once-pristine carpet into a dingy mess that makes the whole room appear dull and dirty. Various commercial carpeting cleaning and spot remover products are available to purchase. However, these items do not always work as well as they claim and can be quite expensive. Fortunately, ammonia and vinegar -- two common and inexpensive household items -- can remove a variety of stains and restore the appearance of your carpet.
Ammonia
Step 1
Vacuum the carpet to remove surface dirt, dust and other debris.
Step 2
Fill a bucket with 1/2 gallon warm water and add 1 cup ammonia. Mix the contents together with a spoon.
Step 3
Dampen a sponge in the mixture and wring the excess liquid out of the sponge.
Step 4
Blot the stains with the sponge. Start at the edge of the stain and blot it, slowly moving inward toward the center.
Step 5
Let the carpet dry. Repeat if the stains are still visible.
Vinegar
Step 1
Vacuum the carpet to remove surface dirt, dust and other debris.
Step 2
Fill a small container with 1/2 cup white vinegar. Add 2 tbsp. table salt and mix thoroughly.
Step 3
Dampen a sponge in the mixture and gently rub the stains with the sponge. Let the carpet dry completely.
Step 4
Vacuum the salt residue off the carpet and repeat if needed.
Ammonia and Vinegar
Step 1
Vacuum the carpet to remove surface dirt, dust and other debris.
Step 2
Pour 1 part vinegar and 5 parts warm water into a spray bottle. Fill a second, clean spray bottle with 5 parts warm water and 1 part ammonia.
Step 3
Dampen the carpet stain with the vinegar mixture and let it soak for 3 to 4 minutes. Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove the excess liquid.
Step 4
Dampen the carpet stain with the ammonia mixture and blot with a clean cloth to remove the excess liquid.
Step 5
Repeat until the carpet stains are no longer visible.
Amanda Flanigan
Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. Flanigan completed two writing courses at Pierpont Community and Technical College.