Carpets attract all kinds of dirt. To keep them looking new, it is important to clean them frequently. Mr. Clean is a versatile cleaner found in most homes. Can it be used on carpets? How do you clean carpets with a cleaning machine? This article indicates how to clean carpets using Mr. Clean and other alternatives that can be used.
Can You Use Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaner on Carpets?
Mr. Clean multi-purpose cleaner can get rid of grime, dirt, and grease from carpets while leaving behind a lovely scent. However, repeated use of this cleaner on fabric may damage the fibers.
Carpets gather a lot of dirt, dust, soil, pollen, and pet dander. Carpets should be vacuumed regularly but to deep-clean them and get rid of stubborn stains, a good cleaner is required.
How To Use Mr. Clean on Carpets?
A special carpet cleaner uses powerful brush heads and a good cleaning solution to dissolve the stains and remove the grime and dirt embedded deep inside the carpet.
If You’re NOT USING a Carpet Cleaning Machine
Dilute ¼ cup of Mr. Clean with a gallon of water in a spray bottle and brush gently to remove stains before vacuuming.
If You Are Using a Carpet Cleaning Machine:
Follow These Steps:
STEP 1: Remove furniture and other items from the carpet.
STEP 2: Vacuum the entire area. This will suck up dust, dirt, pollen, and dander.
STEP 3: Pre-treat the stains. This helps to loosen up stubborn stains, which can then be removed entirely when using the cleaner.
STEP 4: Mix ½ a cup of Mr. Clean with two gallons of warm water. Pour this into the carpet cleaning machine reservoir.
STEP 5: Start cleaning the carpet, working your way to the door from the farthest corner of the room. Go backward and forwards 2-3 times to remove all the deep grime and stains.
STEP 6: Switch to rinse* and repeat the process.
* Different machines have different settings so follow instructions as per the manual. While cleaning, make sure no children or pets are around.
STEP 7: Open the windows and wait for about 4-6 hours for the carpet to dry, before putting all your furniture back.
What Can be Cleaned from Carpets?
Carpets receive a lot of foot traffic. If you have young children or pets, there will inevitably be messes and stains on the carpet. The stains can be classified as below:
1- Water-soluble Stains
These are from alcoholic beverages, juice, soda, jelly, and fruit.
Water-based stains can be cleaned up immediately with water. If the stain sets, use a solution of dish soap and water and blot the stain. Use clean water to rinse the soap out.
2- Protein-based Water-soluble Stains
These are from dairy, blood, and meat. (Source)
Mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia in 1 cup of water to clean stains on non-wool carpets. For wool carpets, use 2 tablespoons of dish soap and cold water to remove blood stains.
3- Oil-based Stains
These can occur from petroleum jelly, lipstick, salad dressing, and cooking grease.
These stick onto the carpets and are difficult to clean. If your carpet is treated to remove such stains, use dish soap and water. If the carpet is untreated, use a dry-cleaning solution and blot the area.
You can also make a paste of water and baking soda, leave it on for 15 minutes and then vacuum the area.
4- Gum and Wax
Do not peel gum or wax as the fibers will be damaged. (Source) Cover the area with ice. When the gum or wax freezes, gently peel it out. If there is residue, place an old towel on the spot and iron it with medium heat. The residue will be transferred to the towel.
5- Other Stains
These can be a combination of water-soluble and non-soluble substances, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, mustard, and mayonnaise.
Sprinkle baking soda, leave on for 15 minutes and then vacuum the spot. Apply a solution of water and dish soap and blot the area gently.
Common stains and ways to clean them:
Coffee – Blot the stain immediately. Spray a solution of water, dish soap, and vinegar and let it sit. Blot the area and then sprinkle some baking soda if needed.
Red wine – Make a paste of water and baking soda and apply. Wait for 15-20 minutes and then vacuum the area. If the stain does not come out, spray with water and vinegar solution.
Pet stains – Clean up the mess or soak it up with paper towels. Spray on vinegar and water and blot the area. Sprinkle baking soda to remove the odor.
Mud – Let it dry and then vacuum the area. Mix dish soap and water and blot the area. As you are cleaning, switch to a cleaner cloth and keep blotting the area with the solution.
Identify the type of stain it is, by color, odor, and texture before attempting to remove it. Never scrub harshly as this will damage and loosen the fibers. If a large area is stained, hire a professional carpet cleaner.
Household Options That Can Be Used to Clean Carpets and Rugs!
There are various homemade alternatives to use instead of commercial carpet cleaners. However, it is important to know that carpets are made of natural fibers or synthetic fibers. Both react differently to various cleaning solutions, so test on an inconspicuous area first.
1- Dish Soap
Mix 1 teaspoon of dish soap in 1 cup of water for natural fiber carpets. Blot the area to remove the stain and finally dab the spot with water to remove the solution.
2- Ammonia
Use it on natural fiber and non-wool carpets only. Mix 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of ammonia and spray the solution on the stain. Let it remain for a few minutes and then blot the area. Use for pet accidents and stains caused by ink, gravy, and mayonnaise.
3- Baking Soda
To remove odors, sprinkle generously on the carpet and leave it on for a few hours and ensure nobody steps on it. Then vacuum it up.
4- White Vinegar
Mix water and vinegar in equal parts and spray on the stain for natural fiber carpets. For synthetic carpets, mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 cups water. Dab the area with a clean cloth to remove stains. Vinegar also removes odors.
5- Club Soda
This works well on water-soluble stains if applied on the stain immediately.
Final Thoughts!
Apart from using Mr. Clean Multi surface cleaner on surfaces such as granite and laminate, it can be used on carpets as well. Never scrub vigorously as this damages the fibers.
