This is for cleaning up spots and such. I mix a strong solution of Powerdered OxyClean and water and just use a sponge. Seems to work great for getting up spots.
Joann

OT: I use the telephone...to call the guys to come get my wool area rugs and *wash* them. I'm asthmatic. I can't live with the stuff that accumulates in carpeting or the residue left by cleaning agents.

Here is a page that might be helpful

Here is a link that might be useful: Homemade carpet cleaner

It's not home made, but I use Folex to clean spots in my carpet - my brother tells me the Bellagio in Vegas uses it too. It even takes blood out of white satin without leaving a circle of pink snd my all time favorite is that it took our Sharpie perminent ink out of my week old beige carpet and saved my DGD's life (I was sooo mad at her...) You casn find it at OSH and Wal Mart used to carry it.

I have a steam carpet cleaner. It's a 2X model--which means you use the recommended concentrate, diluted 1/1 with water. I don't do that. I use about 1 part carpet cleaner to about 5-6 parts water. It costs only pennies that way, and does an AMAZING job cleaning the carpets. AND you aren't likely to leave as much residue in the carpet. My living room and dining room rugs must be 30 years old (and they were cheap ones)--when I clean them that way they look like new.

we use the carpet cleaner from sam's club in our steam cleaner...and it's great, not to mention only $7 a gallon!

I really liked Host when I used it years ago. Since it is a powder, I did not have to live with wet carpet for a few days. I have a steam cleaner but I am going to try to find Host.

I use my Granddaughter!

Karen have you checked on-line prices? I just ordered from Waxman's.

there is a spray on product that I have used for years that is awesome called spot shot

Spot Shot� Instant Carpet Stain Remover

I only use the one in the blue can that is an actual spray can. their other versions are not as good.

Thanks everyone!

what store is OSH?

I use Stanley Steemer!!
Kathi

I use whatever I have...Pine sol...shout...fantastic...and a brush...on my hands and knees.

patti

Kat, OSH is Orchard Supply & Hardware.

I think the biggest secret is to use the LEAST amount of cleaner - meaning very, very diluted - and try not to get it too wet. Dry thoroughly!

Steam cleaner. I just use Purex with bleach alternative. And very little. Works great and is cheap. I go over it again with cold water and a little vinegar.

Spot Shot or a homemade combo- equal parts water, hydrogen peroxide and a squeeze of Dawn for dishes. I used to have a Bissell rug shampooer but it broke and wasn't worth fixing.

I use the homemade liquid laundry detergent. I use it undiluted, just squirt it on and scrub with a brush.

I've found bathroom cleaner, Scrubbing Bubbles to be a great carpet spot remover.

I use DH :)

Jodi - Been using Scrubbing Bubbles for stains on laundry for years.

We have nylon carpeting, and I have found that a rag with warm water wipes up a lot of spots. Also, I use Folex and "the phone." When professionally cleaned, we always have it Safeguarded.

Is there no bleach in Scrubbing Bubbles? I would never have thought of using that on clothing and carpet.

I might have to keep the coupon when I see it in our fliers and buy some...

No bleach in Scrubbing Bubbles. I too use it for laundry pre-spotting.

Jodi-

Folex is good,
also color safe bleach works better on stains and
dog spots than the doggie stain remover I bought...

Like Grandma Bonnie and several others, for spot cleaning I use Folex. In the steam cleaner, we use a commercial cleaner and add Odoban to it. It leaves the whole house smelling so fresh and clean.