Carpets are great for keeping things cozy, quiet, and comfortable — but they come with a high maintenance cost regarding cleanliness. Whether it's a spilled glass of milk, a pet accident, or even just a few days' worth of dirty shoes and paws treading over your home's rugs or carpets, they can be tough to clean, even for those who do it regularly. And if these messes aren't cleaned up at lightning speed, those stains can become set in forever.

Even if you vacuum weekly (or more), spills happen, and it's important to know what carpet cleaning solution is appropriate for your carpet. But what carpet cleaning solution is the best for your home? This guide will cover common types, from store-bought to DIY carpet cleaning solutions, so you can learn how to best care for your carpets and rugs.

Store-Bought Carpet Cleaning Products

For a quick fix and easy-to-access cleaning power, store-bought cleaning sprays are a great solution to have at-hand. Whether you need a spot cleaner, carpet odor removal, or general-purpose carpet cleaner, we'll go over a few of the best carpet cleaning solutions you can buy already mixed.

Carpet Cleaning Spray

A spilled glass of wine, a pet accident, or a rogue toddler with markers can instantly ruin your daily routine. Luckily, carpet cleaning sprays are a great solution for recently made messes. You'll find dozens of brands at your local grocery or convenience store, but some are specifically formulated for certain types of stains (like pet urine, wine, and others). Choose the spray that you think will best address your needs, and always spot-test a small, inconspicuous area of carpet to ensure it stays colorfast when the cleaner is applied. Once you know the spray will work with your rug or carpet, follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and clean away.

Carpet Spot Cleaner

If you've ever moved the furniture only to be reminded of that pet stain you tried to hide or discovered that your pet has been sneaking into a closet for a bathroom break, you've probably needed a spot cleaner to take care of it. These products typically come in aerosol cans or sprays and are one of the best carpet cleaner solutions for stains — even for the most stubborn ones. They can target small areas, and many are formulated with special enzymes to break down old bacteria and smells. As with sprays, you'll want to choose the best carpet spot cleaner that addresses your specific issue and then follow the instructions on the bottle or can to remove those stubborn stains.

Carpet Cleaning Powder

The powdered carpet cleaners work best for regular maintenance instead of heavy-duty cleanups. Many of these powders contain ingredients that attach to dirt and hair or absorb stains and odors so that they can be vacuumed up during your standard cleaning routine.

To use a carpet cleaning powder, sprinkle it across your carpet and let it sit for about half an hour (or however long the product's instructions require), and then vacuum as normal to reveal a cleaner, brighter carpet.

DIY Carpet Cleaner Solutions

While store-bought carpet cleaner solutions typically deliver results, when looking for the best carpet cleaning solution, homemade options can work just as well with fewer chemicals. These DIY solutions are also a great option for the environmentally conscious homeowner or those looking for the best carpet cleaning solution for pets' and children's safety.

As with store-bought cleaners, if you use a homemade solution, spot-test an area of the carpet first. Let's go over how these household items can eliminate stains and naturally refresh your carpets.

Related: Cleaning Carpets Before Winter

All-Purpose Carpet Cleaning Mix

First things first: here's a popular recipe that's considered one of the best DIY carpet cleaning solutions and takes just a few minutes to make:

1 gallon hot water
1 ½ cups distilled white vinegar
¼ cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
1 tablespoon dishwashing detergent
5-7 drops of essential oil for a clean scent (optional)

Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle to keep on hand for all-over carpet cleaning that will compete with even the best carpet cleaning sprays from the store.

Club Soda

If you've ever heard an old-school relative ask for club soda to clean up a spill — it turns out this is actually one of the best carpet cleaner solutions in your home! Thanks to its carbonation, it can aerate stubborn stains and remove them more effectively than plain water. Keep in mind that club soda typically only works for fresh, liquid stains. Its bubbles help keep dirt from settling into the carpet, but it can't do the same for stains that have already settled.

White Vinegar

Versatile, affordable, and probably already in your cabinet, vinegar is one of the best carpet cleaning solutions you may not have known about. White vinegar can help remove and deodorize various types of stains. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and allow the vinegar's acidic nature to work, breaking down tough stains. Afterward, blot the stained area with a cloth or sponge, rinse with water and pat dry.

Baking Soda

This household staple is one of the best carpet cleaner solutions for smells. As it's highly absorbent, use baking soda for carpets to remove both stains and odors. Absorb carpet odors by sprinkling baking soda on carpets or rugs. If you're wondering how long to leave the baking soda on carpets, just allow it to sit for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum it up. For tougher stains, you can make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to a set-in stain. Allow the paste to dry, then vacuum it off.

Salt

Red wine stains can quickly turn a celebration into a stressful situation — but did you know simple table salt can work wonders as a cleaner for red wine? It's really one of the best homemade carpet cleaner solutions for stains caused by organic liquids.

Start by pouring a little white wine on the red stain to dilute the color. If you don't have white wine on hand, you can use white vinegar instead. Moisten the area further with water, apply a coating of table salt, and allow it to sit for ten minutes. Once the salt has absorbed the liquid, vacuum it to lift away the stain. You may have to repeat this process a few times to remove severe stains completely.

Cornstarch

Another absorbent substance, baking soda, is one of the best carpet cleaning solutions for grease and oil stains. Sprinkle cornstarch on an oily stain and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before vacuuming it. For more stubborn stains, apply a paste from cornstarch and water to the stain and then vacuum it.

Ice Cubes

Ice cubes can be helpful when removing gum or wax from carpets. Place them in a plastic bag and apply the bag to the gum or wax to harden it. Once hardened, the wax or gum can be scraped off with a spoon or blunt knife — just be cautious not to damage your carpet during this scraping process.

Shaving Cream

You may be surprised to see shaving cream on the list of DIY cleaners, but it's quite effective at removing certain types of stains like makeup and nail polish. Ingredients common in this grooming essential (like moisturizers, surfactants, and enzymes) can loosen or break down stubborn stains and dirt. Its foamy texture works similarly to club soda, oxygenating stains and helping lift them from deeper in carpet fibers.

Simply apply shaving cream directly to a stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently blot it with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse the area with fresh water and pat dry to complete the process.

Reduce Worries with a First American Home Warranty

While carpet stains have plenty of store-bought and DIY solutions, many appliances and systems in your home are not so easy to fix when they break. But with a First American home warranty, you can protect your home's hardest working items and your budget from unexpected repair and replacement costs. Learn more about what our home warranties cover and get a free home warranty quote today.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.