by Ann Marie Dwyer

Created on: November 03, 2007   Last Updated: July 14, 2011

Being compulsive about shampooing my carpet in light of pets and toddlers, I sat forlornly observing stains that I had been unable to lift. It was then that the epiphany came! Carpet is made of the fiber that is akin to (or recycled from) clothing!

In the laundry room sink, I concocted the substance that has rid my carpet of stains over a year old. The recipe is very simple:

• 1 scoop oxygen action granules
• 1/2 capful color safe bleach
• 1/2 capful ultra fabric softener (for fragrance)
• 1 gallon hot water

I mixed this miracle formula in, hold on to your hat, a watering can. I used it to "water" the carpet. Letting the mixture sit for about 10 minutes allowed it to lift dirt and other substances from the carpet fibers. I shampooed with clear water.

The resultant debris was as disgusting as it was amazing. Knowing that I shampoo no less than 4 times per week, the amount of filth raised by this liquid was astonishing. Two year old nicotine in the carpet fiber, backing and padding from the prior resident was evident in the discarded liquid.

The smell was one of my favorite, clean clothes. The fragrance lasted longer than the fragrance of commercial shampoos. Plus, the carpet has a soft feel, rather than the crunchiness that can be left behind commercial shampoos.

Color safe bleach let me know that the bacteria had not survived and that the carpet was safe for little toddling falls.

Oxygen action cleaners will bubble and turn white on the surface of your carpet when it encounters biological materials. I found an accident I had not known occurred. It was very effective at getting a milk spill out of the carpet. This pronounced smelly stain is particularly difficult to remove. Biological material such as milk and blood are liberated by this liquid.

If this liquid happens to dry on your carpet before you vacuum, make sure that your shampooer has very hot water to extract the mixture.

Do not use this on leather, leatherette, suede, rayon or finished silk. This is not recommended for fabrics that are not color safe, especially rayon or silk satins. Poly-synthetic fabrics should be rinsed completely after using this liquid. Raw silk can be cleaned with this solution.

Tweed couches suffer no ill effects from this cleaning solution. Chair fabrics release stains using this mixture, as well. I use it to spot clean draperies and other fabrics that encounter Popsicle accidents. Dab on the liquid and allow 5 minutes (or less) to penetrate. Place a wet cloth beneath the stain and blot with a dry cloth until stain disappears.

None of these materials is harmful to your children, pets or carpet. This can cut the amount of time you spend shampooing and laundering! These ingredients are safe for septic systems as well. I love a happy ending!

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