by Angela Mccoy

Created on: October 07, 2008

We are a military family with five children and three dogs. Synonomously to frequent moves, white glove tests, and the inevitable events of family life, we have learned well, over the last 16 years, what works and what does not regarding effective, as well as thrifty stain removal. The following tips will cost pennies, if anything, and are very effective in removing even the toughest stains and odors:

1. Mix one part white vinegar to two parts water in a reusable 32 ounce spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle and shake well

2. Adjust the nozzle to a steady stream and squirt the stain until well-saturated on the surface (most often, you will see the stain instantlydissipating right before your eyes)

3. Working quickly to keep the solution from penetrating through to the pad and using a standard, white wash cloth, rub the stain (use some elbow grease, now)

4. Turn the cloth to a clean area as the cloth itself absorbs the stain

5. Use a microfiber cloth (found in the automotive department of most major retail centers), press down on the wet carpet to absorb residual liquid

6. Repeat steps 2 - 5, if necessary

7. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area to increase drying time, then vacuum when dry.

One gallon (128 ounces) of Heinz White vinegar costs, one average, about $3.85. Using 8 oz of vinegar to 16 ounces of water for the 3:1 solution, one is only spending $0.24 per 32 ounces of very effective stain remover. The average cost of commercial stain remover is $4.25 per 12 ounces, and they do not work. For $0.24, one can make 2.5 times more solution - 16 (32 oz) bottles - than the commercial substandard counterpart, reducing the cost to $0.10, in comparison per bottle. Feel free to do the math, but that is a 97.5% savings!

In addition, taking into consideration that this solution actually works in comparison, one's cost for effective stain removal becomes absolutely nothing - zilch, zero, nada!

If you have pets, the white vinegar solution will rid the carpet of any elimination odor that would track the pet back to the same spot if not removed. White vinegar also acts as a flea deterrent and eliminator, build-up remover and coat conditioner. Using the mist setting, spray the solution directly on your pets fur after bathing. Do not rinse. Brush through the coat, and you will have one shiny gleaming, flea-free companion.

If you have a steam cleaner, you can substitute this same solution for the commercial product. For faster drying time, increased cleaning power, and effective flea control, add in 2 ounces of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol plus 3 tablespoons of baking soda per 32 ounces of solution. The alcohol will aid in drying the carpet, and the baking soda kills any fleas, including their eggs.

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