Common household items can be used as inexpensive carpet cleaner

A huge part of being frugal is maintaining what you have. I sometimes find myself spending more on cleaning materials than may be strictly necessary. For example, carpet cleaners can be expensive and for most stains and wear aren't really necessary.

To "make" carpet cleaner, you simply put 1 cup distilled white vinegar and 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spray lightly on the spot, then dab it (not scrub it) clean.

Since most people already have vinegar it removes the step of buying an extra ingredient and you can whip it up as soon as you spill or notice dirt, rather than just let it sit there.

There are other homemade options, like using 2 cups of dish soap and 2 cups of water, and some more intense ones that involve nail polish remover. Before attempting any of these, it's best to research your type of carpet and read any instructions (if an area rug with tag), to make sure you're on the right track as different materials respond to cleaners/chemical differently.

It may still be worth renting a carpet cleaner before a move to make sure you'll be getting your deposit back if renting and there may still be intense spills that make paying up worth it.