How to Clean and Deodorize Carpets with Baking Soda

The carpets and rugs in our homes are often infested by shoes, feet, pets, and spills. Baking soda is an effective ingredient in the fight against oil and grease stains, as well as strange food and drink accidents. While vacuuming regularly is essential and deep cleaning is the ultimate way to keep your carpet looking its best, cleaning your carpet with baking soda can help remove dirt, stains, and odors, and freshen your carpet with very little expense or effort, eliminating the need for commercial carpet shampoos.

Baking soda is a natural mineral form of salt. It is mined as a white crystalline solid and refined into a commonly used fine white powder. The powder is a base that neutralizes acidic stains, making them easier to remove from the fibers, and the powder can be used as an absorbing medium for certain odors. When combined with water, the powder acts as a mild abrasive to loosen surface dirt and stains. 1

Here’s how to use baking soda to clean carpets and rugs and deodorize them.

How Often to Clean Carpets with Baking Soda and Deodorize

Stains that can be effectively removed with baking soda should be treated as soon as possible after they appear. Carpets and rugs can be cleaned and deodorized weekly, monthly, or according to your needs using baking soda. The product is inexpensive and will not fade or damage the carpet fibers. If you find that your carpet looks dull in color or smells stale and you don’t have time for deep steam cleaning, try cleaning it with baking soda to keep your carpet fresh.

What You’ll Need

Equipment/Tools

• 1 Vacuum
• 1 spray bottle
• 1 medium wool nylon brush or mop
• 2 to 4 pieces of microfiber cloth
• 1 small bucket

Material

• 1 box of baking soda
• 1 roll of tissues
• 1 gallon of water
• Vinegar (optional)

How to Clean Carpet with Baking Soda

01. Clear Loose Soil

Remove small items and furniture from carpets. Vacuum thoroughly to remove loose soil and dust from the fibers.

02. Pre-Treat Stains

Pretreat visible stains with baking soda or commercial carpet stain remover. Follow the instructions on the product label or recommendations for specific stains.

03. Apply Baking Soda and Water to the Carpet

• Sprinkle generously with baking soda on the carpet.
• After spraying, spray the area with a spray bottle filled with cold water. The carpet should be very damp, but not soggy.
• To get rid of the odor, spray an aqueous vinegar solution containing baking soda.

04. Scrub the Carpet

• Use a brush to pour baking soda into the carpet fibers. Move in one direction and then at a 90-degree angle to help lift the soil.
• After scrubbing, wipe off loose dirt with an old towel or rag. It’s okay to leave a little baking soda in the fiber.

Tip: You may find it easier to work in a grid and completely clean one area of your carpet before moving on to the next area. Always make an effort to find an exit to your room.

05. Air Drying and Vacuum

• After scrubbing the entire carpet, allow the floor to air dry completely.
• Do not walk on carpet when it is wet. If you must use the room, pave a plastic walkway.
• When the carpet is dry, vacuum the remaining baking soda from the fibers.

How to Deodorize Carpets with Baking Soda

01. Vacuum the Carpet

Vacuum carpets thoroughly to remove loose dirt, pet hair, dander, and dust.

02. Sprinkle with Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous amount of dried baking soda over the carpet.

03. Wait and Vacuum

Baking soda should remain on the carpet for at least 15 minutes. To get rid of unpleasant odors like cigarette smoke or cooking smells, leave baking soda on the carpet overnight.

Vacuum the baking soda. You will see that the baking soda in the vacuum collection box has turned gray because it also attracts some dust and dirt on the carpet fibers.

How to Remove Grease Stains from Carpet with Baking Soda

• Use a spatula or paper towel to remove any solids from the carpet. Don’t rub as this will push the grease deeper into the fiber.
• Use a paper towel to absorb as much grease as possible.
• Sprinkle dry baking soda over the stain to help absorb the oil and allow it to do its job for at least three hours or overnight.
• Vacuum the baking soda.
• If stains persist, use a commercially available stain remover.

How to Remove Food and Drink Stains from Carpet with Baking Soda

• Use a spatula or paper towel to remove solids. Do not rub.
• Blot as much liquid as possible with a paper towel.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area.
• Wet a paper towel or old cloth with water, wring it out so that it doesn’t drip water, and place it on top of baking soda.
• Leave the towel for a few hours or overnight.
• Vacuum the baking soda.
• If the stain persists, use a commercial stain remover to treat the stain.