Will Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach Carpet
Will hydrogen peroxide bleach carpet floors? This is actually a common question whenever people want to find out how to lighten and remove stains in carpeting. Although it states that hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaner online, does putting peroxide in carpet actually remove stains?
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach Carpet — Carpet Cleaning Myths
Just like you want to know ways to clean tile floors, it’s important to know how to clean carpeting efficiently. This article will explain you the truth behind the cleaning stains with peroxide story and other myths that need to be busted on the spot. We will explain why the myth persists and what will actually work!
Can you Clean with Peroxide?
Most household hydrogen peroxides are diluted to a 3% grade, with over 6% being a secure bleach. However, depending on the dye, even the lowest grades could bleach your carpet. You can attempt to test some peroxide on a small portion of your carpet to check if it bleaches it, but even if it didn’t, we don’t fully recommend to rely solely on peroxide to clean your carpets.
Other Carpet Cleaning Myths
Aside of peroxide bleach, these are some of the other most commonly cited carpet cleansing chemicals that we don’t fully recommend either:
- Vinegar: Although a DIY darling for most cleansing tasks, the Journal of Environmental Health determined that vinegar is the least effective weapon against dirt and soil. Also, a mix of vinegar and peroxide could create a peracetic acid that could prove to be toxic.
- Ammonia: As a high alkaline solution, it could cause permanent damage to wool carpets and rugs. It can also be toxic for pets and children.
- Water: Although water seems like a harmless and simple solution, it’s not a potent cleaner.
- Dish Soap: Dish soaps are extremely effective at removing dirt, but only if the soap is rinsed entirely from the surface afterwards. Unless you can rinse your carpet, the soap will remain and attract more dirt in consequence.
Effective Method to Clean Your Carpets
Instead of relying on chemicals alone, we recommend you to follow this:
- Brush the carpet with a stiff brush and remove the dirt that vacuums can’t suck out.
- Vacuum and remove the remaining debris from the carpet.
- Scrub with carpet shampoo and then let it dry for a while (overnight, if possible).
- Finally, vacuum your carpet one last time and remove any particles left.
What Happens if You Bleach Carpet?
Bleach can damage the carpet’s bottom. Even if it has chemical-tolerant fibers, bleach can migrate down to their very roots and eliminate the colors along the way.
Does Baking Soda Kill Mold in Carpet?
Yes. If you find carpet mold, you can sprinkle baking soda onto it and leave it overnight. The powder will absorb the moisture and make it easier for you to vacuum up later. Here, vinegar can come in handy: you can scrub some onto to kill what remains of the mold.
In Conclusion
So, will hydrogen peroxide bleach carpet? Sadly, it can be the case. Cleaning stains with peroxide brings the risk of bleaching the fibers, so even if you thought that putting peroxide in carpet cleaner chemicals could reduce the dilution grade, it’s better to not take the risk. It’s better to use carpet cleaning professionals and not experiment with unproven homemade remedies.