Home Remedy to Clean Car Carpet
by Melynda Sorrels
Since most people don't take off their shoes when getting into a car, the carpet can get dirty very quickly. With all that dirt getting trapped in the fibers of your car's carpet and it being in an enclosed space, it can not only be unsightly, but unsanitary. You'll pay quite a bit of money to have someone clean your car, but there's no need to do that if you have time to do it yourself.
Getting Ready
Remove trash, floor mats and anything else that may hinder the cleaning process. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and debris. Be sure to clean under the seats.
Mix a cleaning solution of one gallon of warm water and a scoop of bleach free detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar to the solution to help eliminate carpet odors. Make sure that you have rubber gloves, a clean cloth or sponge, and clean dry towels.
Removing Stains
Mix a solution of white vinegar and water in equal parts in a spray bottle and add a couple of tablespoons of dish soap. This is one of the best and cheapest ways to eliminate stains. Spray the solution on an area and scrub it into the carpet with a clean cloth or sponge. Leave it for at least a half hour. Be sure to leave the windows down to help the carpet dry faster. Blot the area dry with a clean cloth to remove any residual cleaning solution.
For grease stains, sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch on the stain and leave it for two to three hours before vacuuming it. Clean the area with warm soapy water if there is any residual stain. A grease cutting dish soap mixed with hot water will render the best results.
Cleaning the Carpet
Scrub the carpet with a medium bristle brush or a clean cloth or sponge, being careful not to saturate it. Use the brush on particularly difficult areas and don't forget to clean under the seats. "Rinse" the carpet with a clean cloth or sponge and use clean water to remove any residual soap. Press dry towels to the carpet and lift them to help absorb excess moisture. To avoid mold, leave the windows down to help the carpets dry and avoid setting anything, such as floor mats, on the carpet until it is completely dry.
References
Writer Bio
Melynda Sorrels spent 10 years in the military working in different capacities of the medical field, including dental assisting, health services administration, decontamination and urgent medical care. Awarded the National Guardsman’s Medal for Lifesaving efforts in 2002, Sorrels was also a nominee for a Red Cross Award and a certified EMT-B for four years.
