Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Natural Carpet Cleaning (or The Cat's New Digs)

We have a new barn cat. Well, actually we have a new barn cat that used to be our house cat before he took to using my daughter’s room as a litter box. Eww. I won’t embarrass her by saying publicly there’s a reason he chose that particular room. I’ll just say that she’s the creative type. They always say that a messy desk is a sign of a creative mind. Well, she’s VERY creative.  

Anyway, the cat is adapting to the barn now that his food has moved up there, and he’s discovered that there is plenty of supplemental food available with just the slightest effort. The mice that were living large on the spilled chicken feed and barrels of horse feed are feeling a bit under siege. 

Back to the smelly room. Although we cleaned up each accident as soon as it was spotted (so to speak), the smell became unbearable. So this past weekend we borrowed a carpet cleaning machine from a friend (thanks Allison!). After two solid days of unearthing, uh, I mean cleaning, the room, we discovered the carpet and along with that plenty of places where the cat left its mark. 

Not wanting to use the expensive, industrial carpet cleaning solutions I found at the store, and having failed to eliminate the stink with my favorite go-to cleaner vinegar, I sought out a natural carpet cleaner. After spending way too much time reading organic cleaning blogs (who knew there were so many!), I found a recipe that seemed to have the most reliable results. While I’d like to give credit where credit is due, this recipe was on several sites and I couldn’t really determine where it originated. 

It worked like a charm and left the room smelling of lavender. Of course, this morning when I was moving furniture back in to the room, the other cat followed me in and curled up on the freshly laundered carpet. I suppose it remains to be seen (and smelled) if we banished the right kitty!
 

All-Natural Carpet Cleaner (for machines)

 6 cups hot, hot water (but not boiling)

¼ cup 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind in the brown bottle – also excellent for cleaning bathrooms)

1 ½ Tablespoon white vinegar

1 ½ Tablespoons dish detergent

½ teaspoon essential oil (we used lavender and tea tree oil)

 

40 comments:

  1. This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday!

    ReplyDelete
  2. There are many household tips that you can find on internet for cleaning your carpets easily and maintaining the quality of carpet as well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Carpets can really emit bad odors which are very, very hard to remove. I’ve been there except that the bad aroma was caused by a wild storm and the smell is really not that horrible. By simply applying baking soda, I was able to solve my carpet’s odor problem. Anyway, good choice on using white vinegar for your carpet! I believe it is very effective and efficient in removing odor in carpets.

    Jessie Tsui

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great blog!!! I would definitely try this one, for my mother is really been an animal lover and this has been one of my biggest problem "THE SMELL".... Hope this one would work!!!

    Cleaner Richmond


    ReplyDelete
  5. The post is talking about natural carpet cleaning or the cats new place to live. Useful post

    ReplyDelete
  6. The smell of lavender oil is just heavenly! Did you know that it has anti-viral properties against bugs and bacteria? You can also try mixing 2 cups of borax and 25 drops of pure essential oil. Just make sure the oil is evenly distributed throughout the borax.

    Leigh Eagle

    ReplyDelete
  7. Aside from food, animal stains and fur are among the most common elements that ruin your carpet. It would be best to keep an eye on your pet to prevent them from pooping and leaving impressionable marks on your precious rug.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about carpet cleaning in your area. I am glad to stop by your site and know more about carpet cleaning. Keep it up! This is a good read. You have such an interesting and informative page.

    Commercial Carpet Cleaning Gold Coast

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your blogs are totally worth giving time and energy. carpet cleaning Auckland

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's really interesting post....keep it up.!!!!! carpet cleaner

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  12. You completely duplication our mean and the difference of our information.
    professional carpet cleaning auckland

    ReplyDelete
  13. Impressive work....it will useful for any carpet cleaning consumers.!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am very thankful to all or any your group to share specific heartening stuff.
    payday loan online

    ReplyDelete
  15. congratulations guys, quality information you have given!!! Beccles Carpet Cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great,Even I have a cat in my house.She used to make many stains in my carpets.I have tried to clean myself with many solutions which i got from searching net,but end up with lose of many dollars.Then one of my friend recommend me carpet cleaning by professionals.Why should we waste time and money when professionals are available at affordable price.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Carpet Cleaning is an essential part of keeping your home clean. Not only does it prolong the life of your carpets helping them to last longer, but carpet cleaning needs to be carried out in order to contribute towards optimum health for you and your family.

    carpet cleaning ellenbrook

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks very much for this great article;this is the stuff that keeps me going through out these day. carpet cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  19. My apartment was actually much dirtier when I didn't own dogs or have rugs. E is only confessing to me now that he dreaded coming over to my place where things seemed a little extra dusty and the hardwood floor had an extra film. click here

    ReplyDelete
  20. Nice post. I appreciate these carpet cleaners works. There are very less genuine and affordable carpet cleaners in market...Click Here.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am glad that the cleaners have benefited from this new changes. It takes time for such an idea to be accepted across the board.



    Leather Cleaning Brisbane & Flood Restoration Brisbane

    ReplyDelete
  22. These are actually wonderful some ideas in the blog. You have touched good quality points here. In whatever way continue writing.Gess

    ReplyDelete
  23. These are actually wonderful some ideas on the blog for carpet cleaning. You have got touched top quality points here. Spotless Carpet Cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  24. I read that Post and got it fine and informative. Please share more like that...

    carpet cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  25. You have really selected the suitable topic; this is one of my favorite blogs.carpetandfabric

    ReplyDelete
  26. Just saying thanks wouldn’t just be enough, for the fantastic fluency in your writing.bathroom renovations

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is really very interesting and helpful technique, it really work. Professional cleaning services is also very important.

    ReplyDelete
  28. If you have a no money for cleaning, in this situation this technique is very helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi, This is a good post, indeed a great job. You must have done good research for the work, i appreciate your efforts.. Looking for more updates from your side. Thanks
    Hire best green carpet cleaning utah

    ReplyDelete
  30. Amazing work dude! I have been great fan of your site. I love it!!!
    cash advance

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nicest information!!! I'll be enchanted to greatly help due to what I've learnt from here.payday advance

    ReplyDelete
  32. Whenever I have free time I read the blogs but today I got the unique blog page where I learnt many new things thanks guys! auto insurance

    ReplyDelete
  33. Your website is terribly informative and your articles are wonderful.whole life ins

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thanks meant for sharing this type of satisfying opinion, written piece is fastidious, that’s why I’ve read it completely.house cleaners Brisbane

    ReplyDelete
  35. Cool blog site friend I'm about to suggest this to all my listing contacts.Cheats 2015

    ReplyDelete
  36. I continuously continue coming to your website once more simply in case you have posted new contents.Novato CA carpet cleaners

    ReplyDelete
  37. The quality of your articles and contents is great.convertible term

    ReplyDelete