Home Remedies for Getting Dirt Out of Carpets

Liquid Dishwashing Detergent

• Mix 1/4 tsp. of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 qt. of water. Use a small amount of detergent so you can easily clean the solution from the carpet. Avoid dishwashing liquid that contains bleach or lanolin, as this will change the color and consistency of the carpet. Pour a small amount of the solution on the carpet, and work it gently into the fibers with a sponge or washcloth. Rinse thoroughly until there are no suds, then blot the spot dry with a soft towel.

Cornstarch and Vinegar

• A paste of 1 tbsp. of cornstarch and 1 tbsp. of white distilled vinegar will help to lift dirt stains from the carpet. Apply the paste to the dirt stain with a sponge, and leave the solution on the carpet for up to 48 hours to thoroughly draw out all the dirt. For stains that are very set in, leave the vinegar and cornstarch on the carpet a little longer to ensure that all the dirt is removed. Vacuum over the spot to see if the dirt has been completely lifted; if not, repeat the process until the carpet if free of the dirt stain.

Oil Soap

• Apply oil soap directly to the dirt stain on the carpet, and use a brush or toothbrush with soft bristles to work the soap into the carpet fibers. Give the oil soap 15 to 20 minutes to set, but don't let it dry completely. Rinse the soap from the carpet with cold water, and blot the stain dry with a soft cloth or towel. If you have a steam cleaner, spray water on the soap-treated stain, and vacuum it away.

Ammonia and Water

• Extremely stubborn dirt stains may respond well to ammonia and water. Mix 1 cup ammonia in a bucket of water, and pour some of the solution into a spray bottle. Apply it directly to the dirt stain, and use a soft cloth to gently scrub the stain. Rinse the carpet completely, and let it air-dry before vacuuming.

Additional Tips

• Vacuuming over the dirt stain before applying cleaning solution can remove the loose dirt before it has the chance to set in the carpet. Treat the dirt stain as soon as you can; the longer dirt sets into the carpet, the harder it will be to remove. When wiping the stain, it's best to start from the outside and work into the center, as this will keep the stain from settling deeper into the carpet fibers. Also, never scrub the stain harshly, as this will damage the carpet and make the dirt harder to eliminate.