CJL CLEANING SERVICE

​The short answer is yes, you can, but test in an inconspicuous area and always dilute the vinegar at least one part water to one part vinegar! If you have wool, silk or any other natural fibres in your carpets. I would avoid this or be extremely rigorous with pre-testing as vinegar can actually stain, chemically burn or bleach your natural fibre carpet. 

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Baking soda and vinegar. They’ve saved us from funky odours, and clogged drains, and even made science fair volcanoes. But when it comes to carpets, let’s explore their roles:

1. Baking Soda (Bicarbonate):

   • The Good: Baking soda is like a gentle hug for your carpets. It’s a natural deodorizer, moisture absorber, and stain fighter.

   • The Caution: However, too much of a good thing can be… well, too much. Here’s why:

     • Residue Risk: If you sprinkle heaps of baking soda and leave it for ages, it might leave behind a powdery residue. And guess what? Residue attracts dirt like a magnet. Not ideal.

     • Harder to Vacuum: That residue? It clings to carpet fibres, making your vacuum’s job tougher. Imagine your vacuum grumbling, “Why, oh why, did they over-bake the soda?”

     • Colour Fading: Baking soda won’t bleach your carpet like a vengeful sunbeam, but prolonged use might subtly fade colours over time. Think of it as carpet sunbathing—gradual, but noticeable.

2. Vinegar (The Acidic Sidekick):

   • The Good: Vinegar is the multitasker of the cleaning world. It’s acidic, which means it dissolves gunk, neutralizes odours, and even moonlights as a salad dressing.

   • The Caution: But wait, there’s a twist:

     • Dilution Dance: Vinegar should never waltz solo onto your carpet. Dilute it with water (preferably distilled) to avoid carpet bleaching or vinegar stains.

     • Natural Fibers Beware: Wool and silk carpets raise their delicate fibres in protest. Undiluted vinegar can be harsh on them. Imagine a tiny carpet sigh: “Why so acidic, human?”

     • Odour Linger: Vinegar’s scent isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you go overboard, your carpet might smell like a pickle factory.

3. The Perfect Pairing:

   • Stain Removal Tango: Here’s where the magic happens. Mix baking soda and vinegar for spot cleaning:

     • Step 1: Blot the stain (gently, like comforting a carpet that had a bad day).

     • Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain.

     • Step 3: Drizzle diluted vinegar (1 part vinegar, 2 parts water) over the baking soda. It’ll fizz like a science experiment.

     • Step 4: Blot again, rinse with water, and pat dry. Ta-da! Stain vanquished.

4. Golden Rules:

   • Moderation: Use both sparingly. A pinch of baking soda, a dash of diluted vinegar!

   • Ventilation: Open windows during and after cleaning. Let those odours escape like carpet ghosts.

Remember, your carpets appreciate the effort—even if they can’t say it out loud. So, sprinkle wisely, dilute appropriately, and keep your carpets happy! 🌟