DIY Moneysaver Idea ($200 minimum)
Here’s an Effective and Cost-Saving Tip for Cleaning Furniture and Carpets:
Ever notice in closed up humid summertime, there are sometimes stale smells in the house? Sometimes just parts of a chair, couch or carpet area need to be cleaned, like the arms of furniture, spills, etc. I’m sharing a technique I’ve used several times with spectacular results on both furniture (like cream-colored brocade silk dining room chairs) and that area of carpets where shoes first step onto it, like our hallway carpeting and the edge of an area rug. (We are a “shoes-on” family, for the most part.)
This little DIY can save you hundreds of dollars and give a very satisfying result, leaving furniture and carpets looking and smelling clean and fresh. I use clear ammonia, but I understand that vinegar is also a good deodorant and gentle on delicate fabrics like silk.
Clear ammonia can be used effectively to clean upholstery and carpeting when mixed with hot water — but it must be done with care, as ammonia has strong fumes and can damage certain fabrics or dyes. Here's how:
Basic Ammonia Cleaning Solution for Upholstery & Carpets
Ingredients:
Gentle Vinegar Cleaning Solution for Upholstery & Carpets
Ingredients:
Here’s an Effective and Cost-Saving Tip for Cleaning Furniture and Carpets:
Ever notice in closed up humid summertime, there are sometimes stale smells in the house? Sometimes just parts of a chair, couch or carpet area need to be cleaned, like the arms of furniture, spills, etc. I’m sharing a technique I’ve used several times with spectacular results on both furniture (like cream-colored brocade silk dining room chairs) and that area of carpets where shoes first step onto it, like our hallway carpeting and the edge of an area rug. (We are a “shoes-on” family, for the most part.)
This little DIY can save you hundreds of dollars and give a very satisfying result, leaving furniture and carpets looking and smelling clean and fresh. I use clear ammonia, but I understand that vinegar is also a good deodorant and gentle on delicate fabrics like silk.
Clear ammonia can be used effectively to clean upholstery and carpeting when mixed with hot water — but it must be done with care, as ammonia has strong fumes and can damage certain fabrics or dyes. Here's how:
Basic Ammonia Cleaning Solution for Upholstery & Carpets
Ingredients:
- 1 cup clear ammonia (non-sudsing)
- 1 gallon hot water (I keep the water hot on my stove and regularly pour some into the bucket as the previous solution gets tossed when it becomes dirty)
- Clean white cloths or microfiber towels
- (Optional) 1 tablespoon of clear dish soap for extra grease-cutting power
- Test First: Before using the solution, test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric or carpet to ensure there's no color fading or damage.
- Ventilate: Open windows and ensure good airflow. Ammonia fumes are strong and irritating.
- Mix: In a bucket, combine:
- 1 cup ammonia
- 1 gallon hot water
(Optional: Add dish soap if the surface is very dirty or greasy.)
- Apply:
- Dip a clean white cloth into the solution and wring it out well — it should be damp, not soaking.
- Blot or lightly rub the stained or dirty area.
- Work from the outside of a stain inward to prevent spreading.
- Rinse:
- Use another clean cloth dampened with plain water to blot and remove any ammonia residue.
- This step helps avoid fabric damage over time and removes any lingering fumes.
- Dry:
- Blot with a dry towel, then let the area air dry completely.
- For carpets, you can place a fan nearby to speed drying.
- Never mix ammonia with bleach — it creates toxic chloramine gas.
- Avoid using on wool, silk, or delicate upholstery — use only on synthetics or colorfast fabrics (Note from a careless housewife: I have used this solution on cream brocade dining room chair seats with wonderful results and no fabric degradation.)
- Use gloves if you have sensitive skin.
Gentle Vinegar Cleaning Solution for Upholstery & Carpets
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups hot water
- (Optional) 1 tablespoon mild clear dish soap
- Clean white cloths or microfiber towels
