Do NOT Use These When Cleaning Your Carpet

1. Bleach

Bleach is great for disinfecting hard surfaces but it is too harsh for cleaning your carpet. If you use bleach on your carpet, it can strip the color. It can leave behind white or yellow stains that are impossible to fix.

Even if your carpet is white, bleach can weaken the fibers, which can cause them to break down over time. Instead, use a mild carpet cleaner designed for stains.

2. Dish Soap

Some people think that dish soap, which cuts grease on plates, will work on carpets too. The problem is that dish soap creates a lot of foam and doesn’t rinse out well. If you leave soap residue on your carpet, it will attract dirt and make the stain worse over time. Instead, use a carpet-specific cleaner or a vinegar and water solution when cleaning your carpet.

3. Ammonia

Ammonia is another powerful cleaner that does not belong on carpets. It has a strong smell that lingers and can cause breathing problems, especially for children and pets. Ammonia can also damage carpet fibers and fade colors. If you need to remove stains, opt for a gentler alternative, like baking soda and water.

4. Too Much Water

Soaking your carpet with water might seem like a good way to remove dirt, but it actually causes more problems. When carpets stay wet for too long, mold and mildew can grow. This can result in unpleasant odors and even health issues. If you need to clean your carpet with water, use a small amount and dry the area quickly with a fan or towel.

5. Vinegar (For Certain Stains)

Vinegar is a popular natural cleaner, but it doesn’t work well on all stains. If you spill something alkaline, like milk or pet urine, vinegar can actually make the stain worse. The acid in vinegar reacts with these substances, making them harder to remove. If unsure, test a small hidden area first or use a cleaner specifically made for carpets.

6. Baking Soda (In Large Amounts)

Baking soda helps neutralize odors, but too much can be a problem. If you sprinkle a thick layer on your carpet, it can sink deep into the fibers and become difficult to remove. Vacuuming may not get it all out, so it could stay in your carpet and cause build-up over time. Use it sparingly and always vacuum thoroughly afterward.

7. Hard-Bristle Brushes

Scrubbing stains on the carpet with a hard-bristle brush might seem like a reasonably good idea. However, doing this can actually ruin your carpet. The rough brush bristles can damage the carpet’s fibers, causing them to fray and look worn out. Instead, blot the stain with a soft cloth or use a carpet brush with gentle bristles.

8. Colored Towels or Rags

When blotting a stain, always use a white or light-colored cloth. Dark-colored rags can transfer dye onto your carpet, making the stain even worse. Stick to clean, white towels or paper towels to absorb spills safely.

9. Laundry Detergent

You might think that if laundry detergent cleans your clothes, it can clean your carpet, too. The problem is that laundry detergents are designed for fabrics that get rinsed thoroughly with water. Carpets don’t rinse the same way, so detergent can leave behind a sticky residue that attracts dirt. Always use a carpet-safe cleaning solution instead.

10. Rubbing Alcohol (On Certain Carpets)

Rubbing alcohol can work on some stains, but it can also damage certain types of carpet fibers. It can cause discoloration and weaken synthetic carpets. If you decide to use rubbing alcohol when cleaning your carpet, test it in a small, hidden area first to make sure it won’t cause damage.