When you have kids, you might want to steer clear from using conventional carpet stain and odor removers on your carpets. Many kids are sensitive to ingredients in these products and may react poorly if they rub against them or accidentally ingest them when playing on the rug. A safer way to approach carpet cleaning and deodorizing when you have an active little one is with the following methods.

Stain Removal: The Vinegar and Dish Soap Solution

When you have a stain on the carpet, whether it be from some barbecue sauce or your child's watercolor paints, a simple mixture of dish soap and vinegar is all you need to clean it up. If your child accidentally licks the carpet after it's been treated with this mixture, he or she will get a nasty taste – but no harm will be done.

Start by soaking up as much of the spilled material as possible. Place a thick towel on top of it, and press down firmly. Repeat with new towels until no additional moisture is being soaked up.

Next, prepare a mixture of 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, and a few drops of dish soap. The dish soap is excellent for removing any stains with greasy residues. Shake this mixture up in a spray bottle. Then, spray it onto the stain, starting around the edge of the stain and working your way in.

Place a new towel on the stained area, and press down to soak up the vinegar mixture. The staining material should come up with it. Depending on the stubbornness of the stain, you may have to repeat the spraying and blotting process several times before it's gone completely.

Odor Removal: The Baking Soda and Tea Leaf Solution

When your carpet starts smelling a little stinky, you can deodorize the entire thing with a mixture of baking soda and green tea leaves. Pour 2 cups of baking soda into a big bowl. Rip open about 10 tea bags, and sprinkle their contents into the bowl. Stir the baking soda and tea leaves together, and then put them into a shaker container.

Shake the baking soda and tea over the entire carpet. Let it sit for at least 2 hours. The baking soda will absorb nasty odors, and the tea will leave an herbal, fresh scent. Once 2 hours have passed, vacuum up the mixture. Smelly particles and pet dander should come up along with it. If a little residue is left behind, you can rest assured it won't harm your child.

For assistance, talk to a professional like Spotless Carpet Cleaners & Janitorial Services Inc.