Tired of shelling out big bucks for carpet cleaning solutions that promise the world but barely deliver? What if you could achieve professional-level carpet cleaning results at home, for just pennies per gallon? It sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong! This revolutionary homemade carpet cleaner solution is not only incredibly effective but also incredibly affordable, costing you as little as $1 per gallon to make. Prepare to ditch those expensive store-bought brands and embrace a DIY carpet cleaning revolution that will leave your carpets spotless and your wallet happy, especially when used with your Rug Doctor Carpet Shampooer.
Bissell Carpet Shampoo Machine with Homemade Carpet Cleaner Solution in a gallon container.
This isn’t just another copycat recipe; this is the original homemade carpet cleaning solution, born from years of testing and perfected for tackling even the toughest stains. Created by a cleaning enthusiast who understands the struggle of maintaining fresh carpets with kids and pets, this formula is designed to be your go-to carpet cleaning solution for years to come, especially when you’re looking to maximize the power of your Rug Doctor.
Is Homemade Carpet Cleaner as Effective as Rug Doctor Solution? Prepare to Be Amazed!
Like many homeowners, you might be skeptical about homemade cleaners. Does a DIY solution really stand a chance against stubborn stains and odors, especially when compared to well-known brands like Rug Doctor? The answer is a resounding YES!
Imagine a household with four energetic kids and a large, lovable dog. Carpets in such homes often bear the brunt of daily life, accumulating spills, tracked-in dirt, and pet messes. The thought of renting a Rug Doctor and then spending a small fortune on their cleaning solutions can be daunting. But what if there was a better way?
This homemade carpet cleaner solution is not just good; it’s shockingly effective. We’re talking about a formula that’s crazy TOUGH on stains – even more so than many of those expensive, brand-name cleaners you find on store shelves, including Rug Doctor’s own solutions! It effortlessly eliminates stains from food, spills, pet accidents, and all those mysterious marks that life throws at your carpets. And yes, it’s a champion at banishing pet odors, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean, rivaling even professional carpet cleaning services. Think of it as a supercharged, budget-friendly alternative to Rug Doctor, designed to work perfectly with your carpet shampooer.
Witness the Stain-Vanishing Power:
Consider a dark, unsightly stain stubbornly embedded in a carpet. A stain that seems impossible to remove.
dirty spot on a carpet – carpet stain
Apply this homemade solution with your Rug Doctor, and watch the magic happen.
carpet cleaner shampooing carpet with stain gone
Gone! The stain vanishes, leaving behind clean, refreshed carpet. The secret weapon? A touch of Downy fabric softener in the recipe, which not only boosts cleaning power but also leaves your carpets unbelievably soft to the touch. You’ll love how your carpets look and feel after using this solution with your Rug Doctor.
Ingredients for a recipe including oxiclean, tide, downy and awesome cleaner plus a pitcher filled with light blue solution
Unbelievable Savings: Homemade Carpet Cleaner vs. Rug Doctor Solution Costs
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: cost. Store-bought carpet cleaning solutions, especially brands like Rug Doctor, can drain your wallet quickly. Spending $20-$30 or more for a small bottle of concentrate is common, and if you’re cleaning multiple rooms or your entire house, those costs multiply rapidly. It’s a significant expense that many homeowners dread.
But here’s the exciting news: this homemade carpet cleaning solution, perfect for use in your Rug Doctor carpet shampooer, costs a mere $1 per gallon to make. Yes, you read that right – $1 per gallon! Compare that to the hefty price tag of around $20 for just half a gallon of Rug Doctor concentrate. The savings are astronomical.
This ultra-concentrated DIY solution uses readily available ingredients: Oxiclean (or a budget-friendly dollar store alternative), liquid Tide laundry detergent, LA’s Totally Awesome cleaner, and Downy fabric softener. These common household items, easily found at your local Dollar Stores, combine to create a cleaning powerhouse that rivals, and often surpasses, the performance of expensive commercial brands, including Rug Doctor.
Price Breakdown: The $1 Gallon Formula
Let’s break down the cost of making a gallon of this incredible carpet shampoo:
- Tide packet (using approximately half): $0.50 (based on a $0.97 packet)
- Downy fabric softener (small amount used): $0.15 (based on a $3.97 bottle)
- Awesome cleaner (small amount used): $0.15 (based on a $1.00 bottle)
- Oxiclean cleaner (small amount used): $0.20 (based on a $1.00 container)
Total cost for one gallon of concentrated carpet cleaning solution: $1.00
Rug Doctor concentrated formula cost for 1/2 gallon: Approximately $19.59
Savings per gallon equivalent: Around $38!
The math speaks for itself. By switching to this DIY carpet shampoo, especially for use with your Rug Doctor, you’ll unlock serious savings without compromising on cleaning power. It’s a smart choice for budget-conscious homeowners who demand exceptional results.
Homemade carpet cleaner for machines recipe for concentrated mix
Concentrated Power: A Little Goes a Long Way with Your Rug Doctor
Just like premium brands such as Bissell and Rug Doctor, this homemade carpet shampoo recipe creates a concentrated mix. This means you only need to use a small amount of the solution for each cleaning session, maximizing its value and longevity. Think of it as the DIY equivalent of those expensive concentrates, but at a fraction of the cost, and perfectly compatible with your Rug Doctor carpet shampooer.
To prepare the solution for your Rug Doctor (or any carpet cleaning machine), simply mix the ingredients together and add them to a gallon of hot water. This creates your concentrated cleaning powerhouse. Even though the amount of each ingredient seems small, their combined power is immense. Always follow the instructions for your specific Rug Doctor model regarding solution usage, but generally, a little of this concentrated mix goes a very long way. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed, always prioritizing your machine’s guidelines. This solution is designed to work effectively with various carpet cleaning machines, including Rug Doctor, Bissell, and more.
More DIY Cleaning Solutions to Explore
Looking for more ways to save money and create a cleaner home? This homemade carpet cleaner is just the tip of the iceberg! Explore other DIY cleaning recipes to keep your entire house sparkling without breaking the bank.
Living room with a Bissell carpet cleaning machine and a solution of carpet cleaner in a gallon jug next to it. Green plant in background.
Your Questions Answered: DIY Carpet Cleaner FAQs
Will This Solution Work in My Rug Doctor Carpet Shampooer and Other Machines?
Absolutely! This recipe has been successfully used in a variety of carpet cleaning machines, including Rug Doctor rental machines, handheld spot cleaners, and upright Bissell carpet cleaners. Users have reported no issues with machine functionality even after years of use. It truly is a versatile carpet cleaning solution for machines of all types, including your Rug Doctor.
However, it’s always prudent to consult your carpet cleaning machine’s instruction manual regarding warranty information. Some manufacturers may stipulate using specific branded cleaners to maintain warranty validity. While this homemade solution is effective and safe for most machines, ensure you’re aware of your warranty terms.
Can I Use This on Upholstery, Rugs, and Car Interiors with My Rug Doctor or Other Machines?
Yes! This solution is not limited to carpets. It’s also effective on upholstery, rugs, and car interiors. It tackles stains effectively on various fabrics, making it a versatile cleaner for your entire home and car. Its powerful stain-removing action is balanced with a gentle formula suitable for fabrics. Use it in your Rug Doctor upholstery attachment or handheld spot cleaner for targeted stain removal.
As with any cleaning product, always test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface. This is crucial to prevent any potential discoloration or damage, especially on delicate fabrics.
Ingredients for homemade carpet cleaner recipe include tide, awesome, downy, oxiclean and water
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Homemade Carpet Shampoo
While the original recipe is formulated for optimal performance, some substitutions are possible if certain ingredients are unavailable. However, keep in mind that altering the recipe may slightly affect its stain-removing power. For the best results, stick to the original ingredient list.
- Liquid Tide Laundry Detergent: Liquid from Tide pods (puncture pod to measure) or other liquid laundry detergents can be substituted.
- LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner: This USA-made cleaner is highly recommended and usually found in dollar stores. Mean Green cleaner might be a possible substitute, although not tested directly for this recipe.
- Oxiclean: Generic dollar store oxygen cleaners can replace name-brand Oxiclean for cost savings.
- Downy Liquid Fabric Softener: Any fabric softener of your preference can be used as a substitute.
For those seeking all-natural, non-toxic, or scent-free carpet cleaning options, a vinegar-based recipe is available as an alternative, although it may not be as potent on tough stains.
Does Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution Expire?
Good news! This homemade carpet cleaning solution has a good shelf life. Leftover solution can be stored in a labeled, airtight container in a cool, dry place for 6 months or longer without losing its effectiveness. This makes it convenient to prepare a larger batch and have it ready for future cleaning sessions with your Rug Doctor.
Will This Solution Remove Pet Urine and Odors?
Yes! This recipe is an excellent carpet cleaning solution for pet owners. It’s proven effective at tackling pet urine stains and odors, even from years of accidents. For heavily soiled areas, multiple cleaning passes with your Rug Doctor might be necessary, but the solution’s powerful cleaning action will work wonders on pet messes.
Pre-Treating Stains for Best Results
For stubborn stains, pre-treating can significantly enhance cleaning results. Create a pre-treat spray by mixing equal parts of the concentrated solution and water in a spray bottle. Apply directly to the stain, or dab it on with a cloth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using your Rug Doctor to shampoo the area. Repeat the pre-treatment if necessary for particularly tough stains.
Bissell Carpet shampoo machine next to a gallon of homemade carpet cleaner solution
To Rinse or Not to Rinse After Shampooing with Your Rug Doctor
A common question is whether to rinse carpets with plain water after using a carpet cleaning solution. Some carpet cleaning purists recommend a water-only rinse to remove any cleaning product residue, which they believe can attract dirt over time. Whether or not to do a final rinse after using this homemade solution with your Rug Doctor is a matter of personal preference.
The Downy fabric softener in this recipe leaves a pleasant scent and soft feel, which many users appreciate and choose to leave in the carpet. The solution is also diluted significantly with water in the carpet cleaning machine, minimizing residue concerns. Personal experience shows no issues with stain recurrence even without a water rinse.
However, if you prefer to take the extra step, a water-only rinse is perfectly fine. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on your comfort level and desired results.
Important Disclaimers
Always consult your carpet cleaning machine’s instruction manual for warranty information. Using unapproved cleaners might void your warranty.
Before cleaning your entire carpet, always test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area to check for colorfastness. This is crucial to avoid any potential color damage, ensuring the solution is safe for your specific carpet type.
Carpet cleaner next to a jug labeled
Homemade Carpet Cleaner Solution Recipe: Get Started Now!
The ultimate concentrated homemade carpet cleaner solution recipe for your machines, including Rug Doctor. Easy to make, incredibly affordable at just $1 per gallon, and powerfully effective against stains.
Rating: 4.51 stars from 245 reviews
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Course: Cleaning
Cuisine: DIY
Keyword: carpet cleaner solution, homemade carpet cleaner, rug doctor carpet shampooer
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 gallon
Author: Karrie
Cost: $1
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp liquid Tide laundry detergent
- 1/4 cup LA’s Totally Awesome cleaner
- 1 scoop Oxiclean (3 Tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon Downy fabric softener (optional, but recommended)
- 1 gallon hot water
Instructions
Making the Solution
- In a small bowl, combine liquid Tide, Awesome cleaner, Oxiclean, and Downy (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Add mixture to a gallon of hot water. Stir gently to dissolve Oxiclean particles without creating excessive bubbles.
- Use immediately in your carpet cleaner or store in a labeled gallon container.
How to Use Solution with Your Rug Doctor (and other machines)
- Thoroughly vacuum carpet before shampooing.
- Test solution in an inconspicuous area and wait 24 hours to check for colorfastness.
- Refer to your carpet cleaning machine’s instructions for solution reservoir capacity and usage guidelines. For typical machines like Rug Doctor, fill the reservoir with hot water and add 1/4 cup of this concentrated solution. (Ratio: approximately 1/4 cup concentrate per gallon of hot water).
- Clean carpets with your machine, paying extra attention to stained areas.
- Allow carpets to dry for at least 24 hours.
Recipe Notes
Storing Leftover Solution: Store leftover concentrate in a labeled gallon container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months or longer.
Pre-treating Stains: Mix equal parts concentrate and water. Apply to stain, let sit for 5 minutes, then shampoo.
Final Rinse: Optional water-only rinse is a personal preference.
Disclaimer: Always check your machine’s warranty and test for colorfastness before full use.
Happy cleaning and happy saving! Enjoy the fresh, clean carpets and the extra money in your pocket thanks to this amazing homemade Rug Doctor carpet shampooer solution!
About the Author
Karrie is passionate about creating a beautiful home without overspending. She loves sharing thrifty tips and DIY solutions, especially in the kitchen and home cleaning. Read more about Karrie…
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