Alternative To Chemical Carpet Cleaners

We were having some friends over the other night and my carpets were in some serious need of cleaning. With 2 dogs, 2 kids and one husband who wears his filthy work boots all throughout the house, the carpets needed a good cleaning. I got out my trusty Hoover carpet cleaner and went to the pantry to get the carpet cleaning solution. I looked high and low but there was none to be found. Oh No!!! I just knew my friends would walk in my house and immediately smell...dog...stinky feet...or worse! Never fear, I had baking soda...and tea tree oil! I got a little experimenty because I just couldn't bear my carpets any longer. I dissolved a heaping tablespoon of baking soda in some hot water and added about 1/8 teaspoon of tea tree oil. I figured that baking soda is a natural deodorizer and tea tree oil has wonderful antibacterial properties so this could actually work. I wasn't too worried about hurting my carpets because I wasn't using any chemicals so I poured my concoction into the cleaner holder and went to cleaning. Dirty, disgusting water being sucked up into the machine was a good sign. The tea tree oil scent was rather refreshing. I finished cleaning those disgusting carpets and noticed that the house smelled clean and fresh. Once the carpets were dry, I noticed that they were VERY soft! Of course, I had to get down there and sniff them. No stinkies!!!! SUCCESS!!!! This is just one more product I can cross off my list of buying at the store.