Want to refresh your carpets without hiring a professional? Whether you’re tidying up before guests arrive, tackling stains from the kids or pets, or just giving your space a lift, cleaning carpets at home is totally doable.
This easy-to-follow guide walks you through affordable DIY methods using common household items and supermarket products. You’ll also learn how to deal with tough stains, high-traffic areas, and keep your carpets looking (and smelling) great between professional cleans.
Step 1: Prep Your Space
Before you begin, a bit of preparation goes a long way:
- Move small furniture off the carpet (if possible)
- Pick up any clutter or objects
- Give the carpet a thorough vacuum to remove loose dirt, crumbs, and pet hair
- Spot-check a hidden area for colourfastness (especially before using any cleaning product)
✅ Tip: Use a vacuum with strong suction and a beater bar or rotating brush for best results on dense or high-pile carpet.
Step 2: Spot Clean Any Stains
Treating stains before doing a general clean can make a big difference.
Here’s how to treat common carpet stains:
| Stain Type | DIY Treatment |
|---|---|
| Red wine | Blot, then apply mix of water + vinegar + detergent |
| Coffee/tea | Blot, then dab with diluted vinegar or lemon juice |
| Pet accidents | Use enzyme-based cleaner or white vinegar + bicarb |
| Grease/oil | Sprinkle with bicarb, let sit, then blot with dishwashing liquid and warm water |
| Mud/dirt | Let dry, scrape off, then vacuum and blot with water |
Never rub a stain. Always blot gently with a cloth or paper towel from the outside in.
Step 3: Choose Your Cleaning Method
Depending on what you’ve got at home, there are two main DIY options:
OPTION A: Bicarb Soda + Vacuum Method (Dry Clean Refresh)
- Sprinkle bicarb soda (baking soda) generously across the carpet
- Let it sit for at least 15–30 minutes (overnight is better)
- Vacuum thoroughly to lift dust, odours and light grime
Ideal for deodorising and freshening up between deeper cleans.
OPTION B: DIY Steam Cleaning (Deep Clean)
If you have a carpet cleaner at home—or can hire one for a day—you can deep clean using hot water extraction:
- Fill the machine with hot water and the recommended carpet shampoo
- Work in sections, moving slowly to allow extraction of dirt and moisture
- Let carpets dry completely (use fans or open windows to speed it up)
Steam cleaning is more time-consuming but delivers a much deeper clean.
No machine? You can also try a bucket method:
- Mix warm water + a few drops of dishwashing liquid
- Lightly dampen a cloth or sponge
- Gently scrub the carpet in small sections
- Blot dry with a clean towel
Step 4: Dry the Carpet Properly
Damp carpets can attract dust and even develop mould if not dried properly. To speed up drying:
- Open windows and doors for airflow
- Use fans or your home’s AC system
- Avoid walking on the carpet until it’s dry
- Place towels on any overly wet spots and press down gently
Bonus Tips for Ongoing Carpet Care
- Vacuum at least once a week to reduce dirt build-up
- Treat spills immediately—don’t wait
- Use mats or rugs in high-traffic zones
- Rotate furniture occasionally to prevent carpet dents
- Consider a professional steam clean every 6–12 months to extend carpet life
Basic Carpet Cleaning Supplies to Keep at Home
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Bicarb soda | Deodorising & light stain lifting |
| White vinegar | Natural cleaner & stain remover |
| Dishwashing liquid | Gentle on fibres, breaks down dirt |
| Spray bottle | For targeted application |
| Enzyme cleaner | Perfect for pet messes |
| Microfibre cloths or old towels | Blotting & scrubbing |
| Carpet brush | Deep brushing of high-pile fibres |
Need a Deeper Clean?
If it’s time for a proper steam clean or you’re dealing with stubborn stains that won’t budge, check out our list of trusted local carpet cleaning professionals in your suburb. Fast, affordable service with no hidden surprises.