Whether you’re deep cleaning an area rug or all the carpet in your home, there are a few simple steps to follow.

Step One: Vacuum the area

Before using a DIY carpet cleaner, vacuum thoroughly. This will clear away dust and prevent debris from being worked further into the carpet. “You may need to do it multiple times. Whatever the case, the carpet needs to be free of dust and other particles,” says Rinea Blanchard, owner of Superior Contract Cleaning.

Step Two: Do a spot test

You never know how your specific carpet fibers will react to a carpet cleaner you haven’t used before. Apply your DIY cleaner to a small, hidden area with a spray bottle, and check for colorfastness before applying it to your entire carpet.

Step Three: Spot-clean tough stains

Stubborn stains, such as pet urine and oils, benefit from concentrated treatment before you use your carpet cleaning machine. Pour your DIY carpet cleaning solution into a spray bottle and apply it to areas with visibly hard stains. Make sure not to overspray or soak the intended work area, and allow the solution several minutes to work. Blot—don’t scrub!—the area with a fresh microfiber cloth until it dries. (A clean rag or paper towels also work.)

Step Four: Fill your machine

Load your carpet cleaner’s reservoir tank with your homemade carpet cleaner solution. For most machines, you’ll detach the tank and fill it about three quarters of the way full or until the solution reaches the level indicator. However, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step Five: Clean the carpet

Clean your carpet according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine. Generally, you’ll pull the trigger to spray water onto the carpet while pushing the cleaner forward and back, focusing on one manageable area at a time. Release the trigger to suction up dirt and water with dry passes over the same area. Alternate wet and dry passes until no more water is pulled up as you work across the carpet. For heavily soiled areas, repeat the process for a deeper clean.

Step Six: Air dry

Wait until the carpet dries completely. Also, tell guests and others who live in the home where carpets have been freshly cleaned so they can stay off of the area or walk extra carefully.

How to store homemade carpet cleaner

Homemade cleaners typically last about five to seven days when stored properly, according to Sheppard. Use an airtight glass or plastic container and keep it in a cool place. Label the container with the ingredients and the date for easy reference.

Some mixtures, especially those containing peroxide, lose their effectiveness after 48 hours. Similarly, vinegar and dish soap solutions gradually weaken over time. To prevent waste, prepare only what you need for the task at hand.

What can’t be mixed to make a homemade carpet cleaner

Never assume that just because ingredients are available over the counter, they’re safe to mix. Certain combinations can quickly turn your homemade carpet cleaning solution into a chemistry experiment gone wrong. Always avoid the following combinations: