CHOICE proves you don't need to buy carpet stain remover - this DIY option is a better choice!

Carpet stains are a pain to deal with, especially if it's something stubborn like red wine or pasta sauce. You can apply water and soap and scrub your hands raw, but those unwanted spots can be very tricky to remove.

However, there might be a solution that doesn’t involve buying expensive, store-bought carpet cleaners. In fact, your cupboards might already have everything you need to make a DIY stain remover at a fraction of the cost!



Consumer advocate CHOICE recently put the DIY solution to the test against store-bought options and we were surprised to find that it outperformed more expensive supermarket alternatives.

‘It topped our test, outperforming 24 other stain remover products, including one that cost as much as $23.95 – no small feat for a homemade concoction!’ CHOICE said.


stain2.jpg
Stubborn stains can be hard to remove. Credit: Shutterstock

The homemade carpet stain remover has been given an 80 per cent rating according to survey results, an amazing achievement considering the best store-bought option comes in at a 75 per cent rating but also sells at a higher price point.

The CHOICE survey also gave the Vanish Preen Powerpowder Clean and Fresh Large Area Carpet Cleaner a low rating of 25 per cent and called it ‘less effective than plain water’. Ouch!



According to CHOICE, you can make your own DIY carpet stain cleaner using:
  • 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid
  • 3 tablespoons of white vinegar
  • ¼ cup of water
They mentioned that the mixture should be ‘worked into the stain’ not poured. ‘Be careful not to over-wet the carpet. Blot the area clean with a towel,’ they said.


stain1.jpg
CHOICE said to work the solution into the stain. Credit: Shutterstock

The consumer advocate said that they tested the stain removers by using it on four different types of stains: red wine, coffee, sauce, and dirt/oil.

Next, they applied the stain remover following the manufacturer’s instructions and then used a special device to measure what percentage of the stain has been removed.

‘We repeat each type of stain four times (that's 16 tests for each product!) so you can be confident that the stain remover you buy really works,’ they said.



However, if the stain has a strong odour like pet urine, harsher chemical-based cleaners can sometimes make the stain worse. To remove them, first you have to blot the area with a cloth to absorb as much wetness as possible. Next, rinse the area with cool water and then blot up all the water with a clean towel.

Next, you need to remove the odour. Spread bicarb of soda thinly and evenly across the damp spot; about ¼ cup or less is enough to tackle most stains. Let the baking soda sit overnight, and then vacuum it up thoroughly the next day. Repeat the process until the smell goes away.

Alternatively, you can also use a solution made from 1 cup of distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of water and 2 teaspoons of bicarb of soda. Pour the solution into a clean spray bottle, and shake it all up to mix the ingredients before spraying it on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting the remaining mixture with towels until the area is clean.
Key Takeaways
  • A DIY carpet stain remover is said to work better than store bought alternatives.
  • The CHOICE recommended recipe is a combination of dishwashing liquid, white vinegar, and water.
  • The Vanish Preen Powerpowder Clean And Fresh Large Area Carpet Cleaner scored a rating of 25% and is not recommended by CHOICE.
Do you have a tried and tested recipe for carpet stains? Let us know in the comments below to help other fellow members remove those pesky marks! Also, you can browse through our forum here if you need more cleaning tips and tricks!
 

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