4. Sprinkle on a carpet refresher
This homemade carpet deodorizer is safe for both pets and children. All you need to do is fill a shaker with baking soda, 1-2 tablespoons of borax, and your favorite essential oils. Sprinkle it over the carpet, and vacuum it up. Your entire house will smell great!
5. Mix up your own carpet cleaning solution (h/t One Hundred Dollars a Month)
If you own a carpet cleaner or are able to rent one for the day, you don’t have to purchase a commercial cleaning solution to get your carpet sparkling. You can mix up your own carpet cleaner solution with a few items you may already have. One Hundred Dollars a Month creates her carpet cleaner solution by combining Fabuloso cleaner, OxiClean, Snuggle, Dawn dish soap, and hot water.
6. Concentrate on high-traffic areas
High-traffic areas around your front door, down hallways, and on stairs show wear and tear much faster than the rest of your carpeting. There are many ways to help prevent the carpet from becoming dingy and worn in these places. While most carpet needs cleaning only once a year, high traffic areas can benefit from being cleaned every six months. Vacuuming regularly and in different directions can help keep the area from becoming matted. Throw rugs can also protect high-traffic areas.