Trust us, of all our fantasies about what we wanted to grow up to be, a modern day Heloise was not among them. But we’re always looking for ways to save a penny here and a penny there so we can go out and splurge on the really good stuff.

We were gifted this formula by a really nice professional carpet cleaner after he had been over once too often to clean up after the supersized poodle, Mr. Noodle.  Instead of that $99 dollar carpet cleaner’s visit, this solution, dubbed “Mr. Noodle’s Super Cleaner,” costs just pennies and is (almost always)  just as effective.  A big fat disclaimer: test this on a corner of the carpet to make sure it doesn’t wreck the fabric or turn it to some odd neon green color.

First remove whatever the mess is you are trying to clean.  Vacuum the area.  Fill a jar with 2 parts water, 2 parts white vinegar, 1 part alcohol, and 1-2 tablespoons Woolite.  Shake vigorously.

Once the area is cleaned, soak the stain with “Mr. Noodles” formula.  Use a clean white towel, apply pressure and blot up the liquid. Repeat this until you see most of the discoloration come up. (You may need several towels and lots of pressure. ) Then cover the stain with a thick wad of paper towels and place a stack of very heavy books on top.  Check back the next day.

Let us know how it works for you, and send us any other clever (or not so clever) household tips you’d like to share.