Carpet cleaner is one of those things that we never seem to have on hand when we need it, which is why it's so valuable to know how to make a homemade carpet cleaner. After all, the worst time to be running to the store to shell out money for a carpet cleaner is after a wine spill or pet accident, when the mess is actively soaking in and you need to act fast. Having the recipe for a great DIY carpet cleaner for times like those can mean the difference between a 10-minute disruption to your day, or a permanent stain that makes you a little disgruntled every time you look at it. It's also helpful when you're working your way through your spring-cleaning checklist.
Worth noting: not all carpets are the same. That's why we love this homemade carpet cleaner. It's pretty mild and can be made for pennies. (Plus, it spot-cleans upholstered furniture, erases stains from area rugs, and touches up soiled drapes.) But even so, make sure to spot-test it before applying it to a big or visible area of your carpet, just in case it affects the color or fabric of your carpet. After a spot check turns up clear, you're ready to tackle bigger stains. Follow these steps for our carpet stain remover DIY.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano, Mirel Zaman