This recipe makes enough for a 10′ x 13′ room. If you can’t find soap flakes, you can use 1/4 cup borax instead, but test the outcome of this substitution on a small area first.

* 2 cups baking soda
* 1/2 cups soap flakes
* 20 drops lavender essential oil
* 8 drops rosemary essential oil
* 1/2 cup vinegar
* 2 cups warm water

1. Sweep carpet to be cleaned with a broom or carpet sweeper to loosen dirt, then vacuum the entire area.

2. Combine the baking soda and soap flakes in a plastic bowl. Add the essential oils and mix well, breaking up any clumps with a fork. Sprinkle the mixture on the carpet.

3. Add the vinegar to the warm water in a bucket or pail. Dip a clean sponge mop into the bucket and squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can. Gently go over carpet with the sponge mop, working in sections. Wait at least an hour and then vacuum again.

Excerpted from The Naturally Clean Home