How To Create DIY Homemade Carpet Shampoo for Carpet Cleaners

 

If your carpet has stains, pet smells, or just looks dirty, you don’t always need to buy an expensive store-bought carpet cleaner. In fact, you can make your very own homemade carpet cleaner solution using simple things already in your kitchen. It’s cheaper, safer for pets and kids, and works just as well—or even better!

In this blog, we’ll show you step-by-step how to create your own DIY carpet cleaner solution, especially for machines. Whether you’re cleaning the whole carpet or just trying to remove dog urine stains, these homemade carpet shampoos are perfect for Australian homes. However, for tough or long-standing stains, the best solution is to call professional carpet cleaning experts who can treat them without damaging your carpet.

Why Use a Homemade Carpet Cleaner?

Many people are switching to homemade carpet cleaner options instead of chemical ones you find in stores.

Why? Let’s look at the benefits:

• Safe for pets and kids: No toxic chemicals or strong smells
• Budget-friendly: You already have most of the ingredients at home
• Good for the environment: Less waste and no harsh cleaners
• Customisable: You can make a cleaner that suits your needs, like fighting pet stains or removing bad smells

Using a homemade carpet shampoo for machines is not only smart, but also easy to do with the right recipe. So let’s dive in.

What You’ll Need (Basic Ingredients)

Before we start making the cleaners, let’s go through some key ingredients you’ll see in many recipes:

• White vinegar– Great for removing odours and breaking down stains
• Baking soda– Helps neutralise smells and lift dirt
• Liquid dish soap (bleach-free) – Cuts grease and lifts stains
• Hydrogen peroxide (under 6%) – Lightens stains (good for light-coloured carpets)
• Borax– A natural disinfectant (good in dry powders)
• Cornstarch– absorbs oil and moisture
• Essential oils– For a fresh scent
• Warm or hot water– Helps dissolve and mix the ingredients

Tip: Always test your homemade carpet cleaner on a small corner first to make sure it doesn’t damage the carpet or change its colour.

Recipe 1: All-Purpose Homemade Carpet Shampoo for Machines

This is the best homemade carpet shampoo for machines when you just want to do a regular deep clean.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon (about 3.75 litres) of hot water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap (no bleach)
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 5–10 drops essential oil (optional – lemon or lavender works great)

How to Make and Use:

1. In a large bucket, mix the hot water, vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda.
2. Stir it gently—vinegar and baking soda may fizz a bit.
3. Add the essential oil and mix again.
4. Pour the mixture into your carpet cleaner’s tank.
5. Use the machine just like you would with any store-bought cleaner.

This homemade carpet cleaner for machine use is gentle but powerful. It cleans well and smells great too!

Recipe 2: Concentrated Carpet Shampoo for Tough Stains

If you’ve got heavy stains or a really dirty carpet, this recipe gives extra power using laundry supplies.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon hot water
• 2 tablespoons liquid laundry detergent
• 1/4 cup multi-surface cleaner
• 3 tablespoons oxygen bleach powder
• 1 teaspoon fabric softener (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl before adding them to the water.
2. Slowly add the mix to the gallon of water and stir.
3. Use 1/4 cup of this solution per gallon of water in your carpet cleaner.
4. Follow your machine’s cleaning steps, and allow the carpet to dry fully.

This is one of the strongest carpet cleaning DIY solution methods. It works well in high-traffic areas.

Recipe 3: Homemade Carpet Shampoo for Dog Urine and Pet Stains

Pets are lovely, but their messes? Not so much. This homemade carpet shampoo for dog urine helps remove smells and bacteria without harmful chemicals.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon dish soap
• 1 cup warm water

Directions:

1. Pour everything into a spray bottle and shake gently.
2. Spray the affected area lightly (don’t soak).
3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
4. Blot with a clean cloth or towel.
5. Let it air dry or vacuum once dry.

This is a safe and natural carpet cleaner that keeps your home smelling fresh and clean—even with pets.

Recipe 4: Borax-Based Carpet Powder (No Machine Needed)

Looking for a dry option? This borax-based carpet powder recipe is perfect for freshening up carpets without water.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups borax
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 10 drops essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle it evenly on your carpet.
3. Let it sit for 30–60 minutes.
4. Vacuum thoroughly.

This works well between deep cleans or on area rugs. Just don’t let pets or kids walk on the powder before vacuuming.

How To Use Homemade Carpet Cleaner with a Machine

Using your homemade carpet shampoo for machines the right way makes a big difference.

Here’s what to do:

1. Vacuum first: Always start with a good vacuum to remove loose dirt.
2. Fill machine tank: Pour your DIY mixture into the clean water tank of the machine.
3. Go slow and steady: Move slowly across the carpet to let the cleaner do its job.
4. Rinse (optional): You can go over it again with just water to rinse if needed.
5. Let it dry: Open windows, use fans, or turn on the AC to speed up drying.
6. Vacuum again: Once dry, vacuum to fluff up the carpet and remove any leftover bits.

Bonus: DIY Carpet Freshener Powder

Even after shampooing, carpets can sometimes smell musty. This freshener is a simple homemade rug cleaner trick to keep things smelling great.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 10–15 drops essential oil

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle over the carpet evenly.
3. Let sit for 15–30 minutes.
4. Vacuum well.

Using this once a week helps your home stay clean and fresh.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

• Always test your solution on a small corner before using it everywhere
• Don’t use too much soap—too many suds can leave sticky spots
• Dry the carpet fully to avoid mould and musty smells
• Use gloves if you have sensitive skin
• Label your spray bottles or leftover mix clearly

By using a DIY carpet cleaner solution, you stay in control of what touches your carpet—and your family’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best homemade carpet cleaning solution for machines?

One of the best is a mix of vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, and hot water. It’s gentle, safe, and works well in machines.

Can I use homemade carpet cleaner in all machines?

Yes, you can. Just make sure to follow your machine’s instructions and avoid ingredients that create too many suds.

Is DIY carpet cleaner safe for pets and kids?

Yes! All the recipes shared here use non-toxic ingredients. Still, keep children and pets away during cleaning and while the carpet is drying.

What if stains don’t come out?

For very old or deep stains, you may need to repeat the treatment or call a professional cleaner.

Final Thoughts on DIY Carpet Cleaning

Creating your own homemade carpet shampoo is easier than you think. You don’t need fancy products or harmful chemicals. With just a few basic items from your kitchen or laundry, you can make a powerful homemade carpet cleaner solution that works with your cleaning machine and keeps your home fresh.

These recipes work great for stains, pet messes, and everyday dirt. Whether you need a full-machine clean or a quick spot cleaner solution, there’s a DIY carpet cleaning solution here for you.

So the next time your carpet looks dirty or smells bad, don’t rush to buy something expensive. Just mix your own homemade carpet cleaner for machine, follow the easy steps, and enjoy the results!

Need Professional Help with Carpet Cleaning?

Even though homemade carpet cleaner solutions work well for regular messes, some stains and smells need a professional touch. At Brisbane Commercial Cleaning and Pest Control, we offer expert carpet cleaning that goes deep—removing tough stains, pet odours, and built-up dirt using safe, eco-friendly methods.

Our experienced team knows how to get your carpets fresh, clean, and safe for your family—without the harsh chemicals.

Call us today on 0433-369-592 to book your carpet cleaning or get a free quote. Let us take care of the tough stains so you can enjoy a spotless home!