Thought:
”There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” Unknown
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Do we use the carpet shampooer or don’t we, that was the question a dear friend of ours asked as they helped decorate for Dena’s wedding and reception. While we were working, she asked me to come see the dirty stains on the carpets. She felt it was really noticeable and wondered if I wanted her to go get her high powered spot remover and carpet shampooer. The shampoo would contain harsh chemicals.and I was concerned with those chemicals that would be used in her carpet shampooer. If we used the spot remover on the carpet we could remove the stain using harsh or toxic chemicals that could bring about additional problems.
Our family has health challenges from chemicals in cleaning products, I first thought of the Bride, Groom, Flower Girl and Junior Bridesmaid. Exposure to these harsh and toxic chemicals could bring on migraine headaches, allergic asthma, or sensory overload.
The last thing any of us wanted was to make this stressful event any more so. Our Junior Bridesmaid, Dena’s daughter has Aspergers Syndrome, she is uncomfortable when any attention is placed upon her. Any additional triggers needed to be eliminated. Being sure this could be more than she could handle we needed another solution. White vinegar was a must here to to use as our spot remover.
We didn’t have the time to shampoo and have the entire carpet dry, Thinking quickly, we just dabbed on a little white vinegar into the carpet and just like magic, spot gone, problem solved. We didn’t need to clean the entire room and the spot was gone from the very place they would be standing to exchanging their vows. No need to take the time for the carpet shampooer. A quick inspection of the carpets brought the need for the addition use of our “spot remover.”
Much to the amazement of my friend and her husband, they saw just how quick and easy it was to use white vinegar as a spot remover for the carpet. When I explained that you can just use white vinegar and water in any carpet shampooer, they were astonished that cleaning your carpets could be this easy.
I shared this tip; one of the advantages of using white vinegar over chemicals in carpet shampoos is it will pull out the remaining shampoo residue and clean your carpets at the same time. It might take a few cleanings to remove the residue depending on the amount still left in your carpets. Your carpets will be clean, soft and refreshed. The vinegar smell dissipates as it dries. Also keep in mind that hot water activates soap. Always rinse with cold water and vinegar. You will love your results!
The wedding was a success, no migraines, allergic asthma, or sensory overload and no vinegar smell. Great day!
Recently my friend called to let me know she shampooed her own carpets instead of having them professionally cleaned. She saved over $275.00 by doing it herself and replaced the retail shampoo costing $49.00 by using white vinegar instead of buying the bottled shampoo. Her carpets have never been cleaner she said. She was thrilled! And no vinegar smell!
For more information on homemade cleaners and replacing harsh retail cleaning products, visit Amazon.com to get your copy of Cheaper, Greener, Cleaner: Ceiling to Floor Savings. Paperback or Kindle versions available.
