Your bedroom is most likely the room you spend the most time in, so, naturally, you've built it into something of a sanctuary. But between kids and their grimy hands, pets and their muddy paws, and general foot traffic, built-up dirt and stains can leave the floor of your sanctuary looking a little dingy.

Appearances aside, allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and even mold from wet feet can also build up in your carpet and contribute to respiratory problems. The easiest way to prevent both dirt and allergen build-up is a regular cleaning schedule.

Baking soda is widely believed to be the best way to clean carpet, but its small particles can cause permanent damage to both your carpet and your vacuum cleaner. Since the powder is so fine, remnants of it can sink through your carpet fibers and padding and stay sitting on top of the hard floor underneath. The fine particles can also clog the pores of your vacuum's bag or HEPA filter, drastically reducing suction power. As if that weren't enough, baking soda dust can potentially seep through a vacuum's filtration system and get sucked into the motor.

Dish soap and detergent solutions are also sometimes used to clean carpet stains. If liquid soap of any kind is not entirely extracted from carpeted surfaces, it will leave behind a residue. This residue will then attract surrounding dirt in the carpet and will attract dirt easier in the future.

Choosing a carpet cleaning product that's both safe and effective is essential. Whether dirt, dust, pet stains, odors, or spilled food & drinks, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner can work as a stain remover or a machine to deep clean your carpet. Plus, the formula is biodegradable* - the safer choice for your home & family.

On top of spot cleaning and deep cleaning, you should be vacuuming carpet once or twice a week.

Directions for Cleaning Carpet:

If you're unsure how Simple Green will affect a surface, be sure to spot test before cleaning.

Spot Cleaning

1. Blot. Remove the mess and blot up any liquid from the carpet with a white cloth or a handful of paper towels. Always blot from the outside of the stain inward, so you don't spread it.
2. Wet the stain. Dampen the stain with clean, cold water. Avoid using warm water or hot water, as heat can further set stains.
3. Apply solution. Mix 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Apply it to the stained area.
4. Soak. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak.
5. Blot. Gently rub and blot with a clean damp towel or absorbent cloth.
6. Dry. Allow the carpet to dry completely.

Carpet Cleaning Machine

1. Prepare your machine. Mix 4 oz. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner per ½ gallon of water into your carpet cleaning machine.
2. Apply solution. Apply the solution onto the carpet in sections.
3. Scrub. Agitate by gently brushing or scrubbing the area (a soft nylon brush works best).
4. Extract. Extract with the carpet cleaner and clean water. If necessary, add a small amount of white vinegar to reduce foaming in the recovery tank.
5. Dry. Allow the carpet to dry completely.

You may need to repeat this process, depending on the mess. Do not allow your Simple Green solution to dry onto the carpet or upholstered surfaces.