Cleaning car carpets regularly is necessary to maintain their beauty, extend their durability and functionality. This way, they can continue to serve their purpose: dampen the sound from the exterior, regulate the interior temperature and absorb excess moisture to prevent premature rusting of the car’s flooring. Of course, you can always take your vehicle to your favorite detailer to do the job for you. But sometimes, you wish you knew how to create a DIY car carpet cleaner so you can perform the task at home.

If a DIY car carpet cleaner how-to is what you need, then, you came to the right place. We’ve created this post especially for people like you.

DIY Car Carpet Cleaner Recipes 

The type of cleaner you’ll need will depend upon the condition of your vehicle’s carpet.

1. Homemade Carpet Cleaner and Conditioner

If it’s for regular cleaning, a homemade carpet cleaning and conditioner will be your best option. This solution can remove dirt and also condition all types of car carpets. Here, you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons of all-purpose cleaner
• 1 scoop of stain remover
• 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent (liquid)
• 1 teaspoon of fabric softener

Procedure:

1. Combine all the materials in a bucket.
2. Mix thoroughly.
3. Transfer to a spray bottle.

2. Vinegar Solution

NOTE: Only use this solution for white or light-colored carpets as vinegar might fade a dark-colored one.

Procedure:

1. In a bucket, put a cup of vinegar.
2. Dilute this with three cups of water.
3. Transfer to a sprayer.

3. Dish Washing and Bleach Solution

This DIY carpet cleaner not only removes dirt and grime. It also gives your car a pleasant smell.

Procedure:

1. Put a teaspoon of dish washing liquid into a container.
2. Add a cup of warm water.
3. Put four drops of bleach.
4. Stir thoroughly.
5. Transfer to a sprayer.

Spot Removal Recipes

When cleaning your car carpets, you may come across some hard-to-remove stains or spots. These will need a different solution to get rid of. Here we have also included some recipes for spot removal. As for their proper use, refer to the steps on spot removal as described in the How to Use section further down.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide and Lemon Solution

By itself, hydrogen peroxide is already a powerful cleaner. Lemon oil, on the other hand, is an excellent degreaser that smells good, too. Together, they make a cleaner that can remove most carpet stains.

Procedure:

1. Put 1-1/2 cups of water in a bucket.
2. Add ¾ cup of hydrogen peroxide and 4 drops of lemon essential oil.
3. Mix thoroughly.

2. Homemade Degreaser for Car

A homemade degreaser for car is what you’ll need for oily stains. It’s easy to make and requires ingredients you can find in your kitchen. Take note, however, that this solution is only for light-colored carpets.

Procedure:

1. In a container, combine the following: 1/2 cup each of white vinegar, dish washing soap, and club soda, in that order.
2. Transfer into a spray bottle.
3. Shake to mix ingredients.

3. Detergent Solution

You can remove coffee stains on upholstery or carpet with this simple solution.

Procedure:

1. Just put a teaspoon of dish washing liquid in a container.
2. Add a cup of warm water.
3. Mix thoroughly.
4. Transfer to a spray bottle.
5. Shake to mix.

DIY Car Carpet Cleaner Recipes: How to Use

Before using any of the carpet cleaners given above, we recommend the use of this step-by-step guide to ensure you get the best results. We also suggest trying out the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the carpet. If there’s no discoloration, you can proceed. Otherwise, refrain from using that specific solution.

1. Inspect

Inspect the vehicle and car carpet’s condition to determine what needs to be done. Does it need a regular maintenance car carpet cleaning, a deeper cleaning, or deep cleaning with spot/stain removal? Your findings will help you decide as to what type of carpet cleaner recipe to use.

2. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution

Find suitable recipes for DIY car carpet cleaner solutions. You will need to consider your car carpet’s color when selecting a recipe. If you have white or light-colored carpets, for example, a vinegar-based cleaner recipe may be a good option for you. If you have dark-colored carpets, then a detergent solution might be your best bet.

3. Select the Recipe You Like Best

Do you prefer a recipe with fewer ingredients? Or do you want something made out of the products already available in your home, so you don’t have to rush to the supermarket to buy that missing ingredient? Or are you the type who chooses based on reviews and recommendations?

4. Supply the Ingredients

Check the availability of household products to fulfill the recipe, then make a list of what needs to be bought. When buying the ingredients, try to choose eco-friendly ones. Green products are safe for you, your vehicle, and the environment. They do not contain harsh chemicals that can affect your health and safety or generate chemical runoff that can damage the environment.

5. Need Protective Clothing?

If necessary, put on protective clothing before mixing the ingredients and take it off only when car carpet cleaning is complete. A pair of gloves will protect your hands, goggles will protect your eyes, and a face mask will protect your nose and respiratory system.

6. Mix!

Follow the recipe instructions and create your DIY car carpet cleaner.

7. Set the Scene

Get the car carpet ready. Remove the mats. These should be cleaned separately. Here’s how to clean rubber car mats. Then vacuum your car the right way to remove all contaminants.

8. Apply Spot/Stain Removal Substance If Necessary

1. Isolate the area you want to perform spot cleaning on with masking tape.
2. Get a clean rag. Dip this in the solution you prefer. Apply on the carpet stains.
3. Leave for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse by rubbing the area with a clean, white towel dipped in warm water.
5. Dry thoroughly.
6. Repeat the process if necessary.

9. Apply DIY Car Carpet Cleaner and Let Dry

1. Apply the suggested DIY car carpet cleaner.
2. Let stand for a few minutes to allow the solution to work.
3. Use a shop vac to scrub and suction all the dirty liquid away. Dry the carpets thoroughly.

10. Finalize

Put mats back and finalize by spraying some homemade air freshener.

The next time you need to make a DIY car carpet cleaner, consider the recipes above. They can help you clean your carpets effectively without hurting your wallet since most of the ingredients you’ll need might already be in your kitchen or bathroom.

If the stains prove difficult to remove with any of the DIY car carpet cleaner recipes above, you might want to consider car carpet recoloring. Or maybe schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts to have your car professionally detailed. Car carpet cleaning is included in any interior cleaning service we offer.

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