- If you need to clean your carpets often, purchasing a steam cleaner is likely the most frugal thing to do. (Cheaper option? Borrow your parents' machine or a friend's!) Just fill the water tank with the hottest possible tap water and a cup of white vinegar. This is the BEST way to get carpets really clean, without leaving sticky residue in carpet fibers that will actually attract more dirt. (Which, of course, was certainly not your purpose in the first place!!) After a while, the vinegar scent will naturally dissipate, and because vinegar is a terrific natural odor neutralizer, your floors will smell fresh on top of looking so fabulously clean!
I'd love to hear your tips on which carpet cleaners work the best. If you own a carpet steamer, please email me at christina@happyslob.com to tell me how you like yours...