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Every family has its treasures — some are heirloom dishes passed down for generations, others are recipes scribbled on worn index cards. In my family, one of the best-kept “secrets” isn’t a meal at all… it’s my nana’s carpet cleaner recipe.
Now, I know a cleaning tip doesn’t sound as glamorous as a pie crust recipe, but when you’ve got pets, kids, or just bad luck with spills, this little formula feels like magic. It’s been our go-to for decades, especially for those stubborn pet urine stains that can make even the most well-loved home smell a little less than fresh. And the best part? You can make it for pennies, with things you probably already have in your kitchen.
If you’ve tried every cleaner on the store shelf and still can’t get rid of that stubborn spot or lingering odor, give this a try. I’ve seen it turn a “we might have to replace the carpet” moment into a “wait, it’s like nothing ever happened” miracle.
What You’ll Need
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White vinegar
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Baking soda
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Hydrogen peroxide
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Dish soap (clear works best)
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Water
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Spray bottle (two if possible)
Step-by-Step: Nana’s Method
1. Blot, don’t rub.
As soon as you spot the stain (or smell it), grab a clean cloth and blot up as much liquid as possible. Rubbing just pushes it deeper into the carpet fibers — and trust me, you don’t want that.
2. Sprinkle the baking soda.
Cover the entire area generously. The baking soda starts pulling out moisture and neutralizing odors right away.
3. Vinegar spray magic.
In a spray bottle, mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water. Spray over the baking soda until it starts to fizz — that’s the reaction working to break down the stain and smell.
4. Let it sit.
Give the mixture 5–10 minutes to do its thing. This is where the magic really happens.
5. Blot again.
Gently press a clean cloth into the spot to soak up excess liquid.
6. Peroxide solution.
In a second spray bottle, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of clear dish soap. Spray this over the treated spot.
7. Gentle scrub.
Use a soft-bristle brush to work the solution into the carpet fibers. No need to go wild here — just enough to make sure it reaches down where the stain lives.
8. Let it dry completely.
Open windows, turn on a fan, or just give it time.
9. Final vacuum.
Once everything’s dry, vacuum the area to remove any leftover baking soda residue.
Why It Works So Well
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Baking soda absorbs moisture and odors.
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Vinegar breaks down the urine compounds and helps lift stains.
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Hydrogen peroxide disinfects and lightens discoloration.
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Dish soap cuts through residue so everything rinses clean.
It’s safe, it’s simple, and it’s pet- and kid-friendly — which is probably why my nana loved it so much.
A Little Tip from Nana
She always said: “The sooner you treat it, the better your chances.” This works on older stains, too, but if you can get to it right away, it’s like the mess never happened.