DIY: Carpet Cleaning

I remember this one particular night when we were awakened by our son crying pretty hard in the next room. He sleeps on the top bunk and he unfortunately had gotten sick all over the edge...down into his brother's bunk below...and all over the floor. Suffice it to say we went out the very next morning and purchased a steam vacuum cleaner. I am not really sure how we did without it until now! It's another one of those investments that mothers of young ones should really consider. It makes what seems to be a constant cleaning up process go a little bit quicker with a little less headache.

Unfortunately the soaps used in steam vacuums are kind of expensive. I have been doing some research and trying some different homemade versions. I think I have finally found one that will work for us! This one is super easy and very inexpensive to make.

Depending on the size of your tank, you will need to make the amount that your manufacturer calls for. For example, my machine requires 5 capfuls per tank of water. Here is what you need:

1 part Dawn dish soap (the blue, original kind)

2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide



If all you need is to do a little spot treating, try this:

Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the stain. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Vacuum it up.

Then mix:

1 Tbsp Dawn dish soap (again, the blue original one)

1 Tbsp Vinegar

2 cups Warm Water

Spread it on the stain and allow it to sit. Use a white cloth to sponge it around and wipe with cold water. Vacuum when dry.

Thanks, Lizzy and Modern Day Moms for the great tips!