Carpet Cleaning Compounds

• Several carpet cleaning compounds are designed to be sprinkled over the carpeted area. These can come in powder or granule form, and work their way down into the base of the carpet, killing germs and bacteria along the way. These items can be found in hardware and home improvement stores, and some grocery stores as well. Check your store's inventory to choose the compound that works best for your carpet type and price range. These compounds work well as a basic cleaning agent that can be used a few times per year to keep the carpet looking its best, without requiring a steam cleaning or shampoo treatment.
  
  

Foam Cleaners

• Foam cleaners are designed to clean and remove stains. These items are also available at any home improvement, hardware, or grocery store. They typically come in an aerosol spray bottle, foaming on contact with the carpet. This is perfect for stains or carpets with pet odor. Spray on the foam, then work into the carpet with a brush or cloth. This is a perfect way to clean carpeting without incorporating steam cleaning or water into the equation.
  
  

Homemade Solutions

• Sometimes commercial cleaning products can be costly, forcing us to search for inexpensive homemade solutions that get the job done. Distilled white vinegar works perfectly as a disinfectant, and can be sprayed onto the carpet directly. Mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle, and spray carpeting with a mist of this homemade spray. This will kill bacteria that is on the surface while also cleaning.
  
  Baking soda works as a deodorizing agent, perfect for dry cleaning carpet that holds an odor. Sprinkle the carpet with a dusting of baking soda, and let sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, vacuum up the excess baking soda, and carpets will be clean and odor-free.