Forget Steam Cleaner! Here's How To Clean Carpets With Surf, Scotch-Brite, Lizol, Vim; Check Flipkart List

There's something undeniably comforting about a clean carpet. It's where kids sprawl with toys, where pets find their napping spot, and where feet sink after a long day. But over time, all that love shows its effects and it may not be pleasant. Crumbs, coffee spills, dust and a faint ‘lived-in' scent that no air freshener can mask. And it is worse in areas where humidity is high. For many, the idea of deep-cleaning carpets without hiring a professional or splashing out on a fancy machine sounds impossible. But here's the good news: you don't really need a steam cleaner. It can be done with little more than what's already sitting under the kitchen sink. A bottle of floor cleaner, some mild detergent, and a bit of elbow grease can work wonders. Also, check our Flipkart list of top products including Surf Excel, Scotch-Brite Wipe, Lizol Disinfectant, Vim Floor Cleaner, Wheel Active and more at the end of this article.

Our guide offers a step-by-step method for transforming tired, trodden-on carpets using everyday household products. It's simple, effective, and oddly satisfying. Let's get started.

Here's How To Deep-Clean Carpets Using Just Detergent And Floor Cleaner. Check The Flipkart List Below Including Surf Excel, Scotch-Brite Wipe, Lizol Disinfectant, Vim Floor Cleaner, Wheel Active And More; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Start With A Thorough Vacuum, Yes, It Still Matters

Before diving into any wet cleaning, there's a golden rule that can't be skipped: vacuum like you mean it. The goal here isn't just to lift the visible bits, it's to get deep into the fibres and remove the hidden debris that loves to cling on for dear life.

One sweep won't cut it. Go over the area slowly, and take your time with high-traffic zones, think living room centres, hallway paths, and in front of the sofa. Use the hose to tackle edges and corners, where fluff and dust balls throw secret parties.

This step might feel basic, but it lays the groundwork for everything that follows. Detergent and floor cleaner can only do their job properly if they're not mixing with bits of popcorn or mystery fluff.

Pro tip: If the vacuum has a brush mode, use it. It fluffs up the fibres, making the carpet easier to clean deeply. Think of this as prepping the canvas before painting, a bit of effort now saves time (and effort) later.

2. Mix The Magic Potion: Your DIY Carpet Solution

Here's where things get a bit more interesting, no need for complex chemical cocktails or overpriced miracle cleaners. A bucket, some lukewarm water, detergent, and floor cleaner are all that's required.

Start with about two litres of warm water. Add a tablespoon of mild laundry detergent, liquid works best as it dissolves quickly. Then pour in a capful of standard floor cleaner used for mopping tiles or hardwood. If it's got a fresh scent like lemon or pine, even better.

Give the mix a good stir. The goal is a slightly soapy solution, not a bubble bath. Avoid going overboard with the detergent, it can be tricky to rinse out if too much is used, and no one wants sticky carpet fibres attracting more dirt later on.

This simple concoction is surprisingly effective. It cuts through grease, lifts stains, and leaves behind a crisp scent that beats the usual musty aftermath. Who knew household staples could moonlight as carpet wizards?

3. Spot-Treat Stains Before The Full Clean

Every carpet has its war wounds, wine spills, muddy paw prints, or the dreaded chewing gum incident from three Christmases ago. These stubborn marks need a little extra attention before the full cleaning begins.

Dip a cloth or sponge into the DIY solution and dab it directly onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, this gives the detergent time to loosen up whatever has latched onto the fibres. Gently blot the area, avoiding harsh scrubbing, which can spread the stain or damage the carpet.

For older, set-in stains, a pinch of bicarbonate of soda sprinkled beforehand can make a big difference. It acts like a mini exfoliator for carpets, loosening grime and neutralising odours. Add a splash of vinegar if you're feeling adventurous, just test it on a hidden patch first to avoid surprises.

This is the part where patience pays off. Some stains won't disappear immediately, but a couple of careful rounds usually do the trick. The satisfaction of seeing a blotchy patch slowly vanish? Utterly underrated.

Here's How To Deep-Clean Carpets Using Just Detergent And Floor Cleaner. Check The Flipkart List Below Including Surf Excel, Scotch-Brite Wipe, Lizol Disinfectant, Vim Floor Cleaner, Wheel Active And More; Photo Credit: Pexels

4. Scrub Gently With A Soft Brush Or Cloth

Armed with the cleaning solution and a sense of purpose, it's time to tackle the carpet section by section. Using a soft-bristled brush or an old towel, dip into the solution and gently scrub the fibres in circular motions.

The key here is not to soak the carpet. A damp cloth is enough, too much water and the underlay could suffer, leading to mould or that unpleasant ‘wet dog' smell. Think of it more like giving the carpet a refreshing facial, not a dunk in the bath.

Work your way around the room slowly. Take small sections and give each one attention. You'll start to notice the water in your bucket getting murkier, and that's a very good sign; it means the dirt is lifting.

This stage is strangely therapeutic. There's something about watching grime lift away with each stroke that brings a quiet joy. Put on a playlist, make a brew, and get into the zone.

5. Rinse Without Over-Wetting

Once the scrubbing's done, it's time to rinse. This step is crucial, any leftover detergent can attract more dirt later, undoing all that hard work.

Take a clean bucket of warm water and a fresh cloth. Dip, wring out until just damp, then go over the carpet in the same sections as before. This helps to remove soap residue and gives the carpet a cleaner, fresher finish.

If the cloth starts to feel sticky or heavily soapy, switch it out or rinse thoroughly before continuing. It's all about keeping things clean as the job progresses.

Avoid the temptation to drench the area. Excess water takes ages to dry and can make the carpet smell musty. Stick to damp, not dripping.

And don't forget: proper rinsing gives that satisfying ‘freshly cleaned' texture underfoot, rather than the slightly crunchy feel that soap can leave behind.

6. Dry Properly: Don't Rush This Bit

Drying might not feel like a cleaning step, but it's arguably the most important. A damp carpet left too long can harbour bacteria and start to smell, not the fresh result anyone's aiming for.

First, open all the windows and let in as much airflow as possible. If there's a fan or two in the house, even better, set them up to circulate air over the carpet. Sunshine is your best friend here. If it's a bright day, pull back the curtains and let the rays in.

For thick carpets, try placing dry towels over the freshly cleaned sections. Walk gently over them to help absorb the moisture. Replace as they become damp.

Resist the urge to pile furniture back too soon. Leave everything off the carpet for at least 6–8 hours, or ideally overnight. The wait might test your patience, but the payoff is worth it: a clean, dry, and fabulously fresh carpet underfoot.

7. Fluff Up The Fibres For A Like-New Feel

After a thorough cleaning, some carpets can look a little flat or matted. Don't worry, it's perfectly normal. Luckily, it's easy to fix with a quick fluff-up session.

Grab a clean, dry brush, something with soft bristles, and gently comb the carpet fibres upwards. Use short, brisk strokes to bring bounce back to areas that look worn or compacted.

A vacuum in brush mode can also help at this stage, especially for thicker piles. Go over the carpet gently, focusing on the flattened bits. The fibres will lift, giving the whole space a fresher, cosier appearance.

This simple step is like icing on the cake. It restores that plush, inviting texture that makes walking barefoot feel like a treat. The kind of finish that quietly whispers, yes, this was worth the effort.

8. Maintain The Cleanliness With A Light Weekly Routine

So the carpet looks and feels amazing, but how to keep it that way without going through this deep clean every month?

The secret lies in little, consistent habits. A quick vacuum twice a week helps stop grit from embedding into the fibres. Spills? Dab them immediately with a damp cloth and a hint of detergent. Shoes off at the door is another small rule with big rewards.

For households with pets or kids, consider sprinkling bicarbonate of soda over the carpet once a week before vacuuming. It keeps odours in check and gives that ‘just-cleaned' freshness without the actual cleaning.

Deep cleans don't need to be frequent. Every six months or so should do unless there's a major spill or muddy disaster. The key is to stay on top of the little things so the big jobs stay manageable.

Here's How To Deep-Clean Carpets Using Just Detergent And Floor Cleaner. Check The List Below Including Surf Excel, Scotch-Brite Wipe, Lizol Disinfectant, Vim Floor Cleaner, Wheel Active And More; Photo Credit: Pexels

Products Related To This Article

1. Rin Detergent Bar

2. Wheel Active 2 in 1 Blue Detergent Powder

3. Lizol Disinfectant Surface and Floor Cleaner Citrus

4. Scotch-Brite Reusable, Biodegradable, Multi-color Sponge Wipe

5. Surf Excel Easy Wash Detergent Powder

6. Scotch-Brite Bathroom Scrubber Brush

7. Smart Wash by Flipkart 3 IN 1 Action Fresh Liquid Detergent

8. Surf excel Easy Wash Detergent Powder

9. Flipkart Supermart Disinfectant Surface Cleaner Neem

10. Vim Floor Cleaner Ultra Pro Lavender

Deep-cleaning a carpet doesn't need fancy tools or a professional touch. This Flipkart list of cleaning products including Surf Excel, Scotch-Brite Wipe, Lizol Disinfectant, Vim Floor Cleaner and Wheel Active will be more than enough for the job. With a bit of patience, a simple mix of detergent and floor cleaner, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease, even the most tired-looking carpet can bounce back to life. 

There's a certain pride that comes with doing it yourself, especially when the results speak for themselves. The room smells fresher, feels cleaner, and somehow just looks brighter. It's proof that a sparkling home isn't always about the gadgets, it's about knowing what to do with what's already in hand. So next time the carpet starts looking a little dull, remember: the magic's already in the cupboard.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purposes only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.