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Does Baking Soda Clean Carpet? Find Out How!

If you have ever wondered, Does baking soda clean carpet? This post will help you learn how to make your carpets smell fresh again in just a few simple steps using this simple yet effective ingredient for home carpet cleaning.

Tackling carpet stains, especially those with an oily residue can be a real challenge. The good news is that there is an effective method that doesn’t require harmful chemicals already in your kitchen cabinets.

does baking soda clean carpet?

This post answers the question, how does baking soda clean carpet contains affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. 

So, if cleaning carpets is on your Spring Cleaning Checklist, keep reading to learn how to clean carpets with baking soda.

Homemade Carpet Freshener

Instructions for Using Baking Soda on Stained Areas

This section gives step-by-step instructions for using baking soda carpet cleaner on stained areas. Here you will learn how to prepare a homemade cleaning solution with baking soda and other natural ingredients.

Identify the type of stain you’re dealing with before tackling the problem. Whether it’s non-greasy stains, grease stains, several oily stains, or even a food stain, understanding the nature of the stain will help you choose the best approach.

Does baking soda clean carpet

Total Time Needed :

5

Minutes

Total Cost:

$3

USD

Required Tools:

Spray Bottle
Clean Cloth
Vaccum

Things Needed?

Baking Soda
Water

Steps to Clean Carpet Stains with Baking Soda

Step 1: Vaccum the Area

For best results, the first thing you should do to fresh stains is to vacuum the affected area of your carpet to remove any loose dirt or debris. 

Step 2 Prepare Baking Soda Solution

Prepare a cleaning solution using a generous amount of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and hot water. Mix them together to create a paste-like consistency that packs a ton of cleaning power.

The hot water will help activate the cleaning properties of the little baking soda particles.

Step 3 Apply the Baking Soda Paste

Apply the baking soda paste directly to the stained area of the carpet. Use a white cloth or a clean cloth to gently work the paste into the fibers. Be sure to focus on the stained spot and any underlying residue.

The best way to treat a horrible stain is to let the baking soda mixture sit on the carpet for a significant amount of time. This will allow the bicarbonate soda to penetrate the fibers and break down the stain.
If dealing with pet smells or unpleasant odors, sprinkle some additional baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours or overnight.

Baking soda is great at absorbing and neutralizing odors which will remove a carpet smell.

What are all those vacuum attachments for
Step 4

Remove the baking soda mix from the stained area with a vacuum. Check the stained area to see the results, if the stain is still visible, move on to the section that shares how to use baking soda to treat tough stains on carpet.

How to Use Baking Soda for Tough Stains on Carpet

When dealing with tough stains, for better results prepare a vinegar solution to clean carpets. This works best for hard to clean stains such as juices, coffees, or oil stains on the carpet. If the baking soda and water paste doesn’t do the job, try using the vinegar solution below.

Step 1: Vinegar Baking Soda Solution

The first step is to make the vinegar baking soda solution by using equal parts white vinegar and warm water.

Pour this mixture into a spray bottle.

Spray the vinegar solution onto the stained area, ensuring it covers the entire affected spot.

Vinegar’s acidic nature will react with the baking soda and help lift the stain.

Remove Carpet Stains Fast

Step 2: Blot the Stain

Gently blot the area with a clean towel or white cloth.

This will help absorb the cleaning solution, along with the stain and any remaining baking soda particles.

For tough stains or stubborn residues, you may need to take a different approach. Consider using a small amount of dish soap or a home remedy like nail polish remover.

However, exercise caution and do a real test with them in an inconspicuous area first before using these home remedies on the entire area.

Step 3: Use a Dry Towel

Once the stain has been lifted, use a clean, dry towel to blot the area and remove excess moisture. This step is important to prevent the accumulation of soapy residue.

A paper towel may not work as well for cleaning purposes because it will disintegrate and leave a mess behind. 

Allow the carpet to air dry completely using several different ways to expedite the drying process. Open windows or use fans to promote airflow and speed up the process.

This is especially important for a soft carpet and may not be necessary on hard surfaces. 

Step 4: Vaccum Carpet to Remove Baking Soda

Once dry, vacuum to remove any remaining baking soda particles or dirt that may have loosened during the cleaning process.

For pesky stains that have been lingering for a long time or particularly difficult spots, it’s recommended to use a professional carpet cleaner.

They have the expertise and specialized equipment to handle such situations effectively. This is a good option if you have found regular vacuuming and natural products unable to lift stains.

By following these step-by-step instructions, and using baking soda as a natural and inexpensive solution, you can tackle stains, remove odors, and keep your carpet clean and fresh without the need for harsh chemicals.

Is Baking Soda Safe for Carpet Cleaning?

While it is generally safe for most carpet types, being non-toxic and non-abrasive it isn’t always a good idea to use on everything in your home. Although different types of carpets may react differently, it is always best to test a small inconspicuous area to avoid damage to your entire carpet. 

When baking soda contacts carpet fibers, it absorbs moisture, oils, and odors. Its alkaline nature breaks down stains and dirt, while the gritty texture aids in lifting particles from the surface.

Additionally, it deodorizes by trapping bad smells that can plague your home. These properties make baking soda an effective and versatile ingredient for maintaining clean and fresh carpets.

Dealing with Stubborn Stains and Odors

If these easy ways to remove stains have failed to be an effective means of removing stains, you may want to incorporate other household items to attack stubborn stains.

Exploring the use of white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap for tough carpet stains could be helpful.

A great thing to have in your cleaning arsenal is the use of vinegar. Mixing a vinegar solution with baking soda for enhanced stain removal may be the next step.

If the smell of vinegar is too strong for you, as it is for me, you can mix it with a couple of cups of warm water to dilute the solution. 

Apply the solution using a spray bottle and let it sit for a couple of hours for pesky stains.

Keep in mind the importance of blotting and not rubbing the stain to avoid spreading and damaging the carpet fibers.

Deep Cleaning Carpets with Baking Soda

Some other ways that this homemade cleaning solution can be effective is by using baking soda in combination with a steam cleaner for a deep and thorough clean.

Always ensure that the carpet is properly vacuumed before applying baking soda. This will remove any large debris and hair that may be embedded into the carpet. 

When using baking soda on area rugs and natural carpets, always be sure to test a small inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire area. 

Be sure to allow enough time for the baking soda to work its magic before vacuuming again.

Homemade Carpet Freshener

Enhancing the Cleaning Experience

Incorporating essential oils for a pleasant fragrance and added antibacterial properties is always recommended.

You can pick up some thieves oil, or scented oils to add to the solution to enhance the cleaning impact.

Using scented oils is a great way to combat pet odors and other unpleasant smells that have settled into the carpet. 

You may also want to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture allergens and target problem areas that need a little extra attention.

I hope this post has helped you to learn how baking soda is a natural and effective solution for removing odors in your home and cleaning carpets.

By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can achieve great results without the use of harsh chemicals or expensive professional cleaning services.

So, next time your carpets need a refresh or stain removal, grab a box of baking soda and let it work its magic on your toughest carpet stains.

does baking soda clean carpet

Does Baking Soda Clean Carpet?

Yes! Baking soda is a multi-purpose all-natural cleaning solution that can tackle many household cleaning projects, including carpets and area rugs.

When used in conjunction with vinegar you can easily tackle tough stains and remove odors throughout your home.

These common household ingredients can work wonders on your carpets, leaving them fresh and clean. By combining these two powerful cleaning solutions, you’ll be able to get rid of stubborn stains and bad smells naturally.

How Does Baking Soda Clean Carpet?

Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate, which has key properties that interact effectively with carpet fibers making it a great carpet cleaning solution.

It soaks up moisture, and removes oils, and even odors from carpets. This makes it a powerful stain-removal and odor-neutralization tool. It’s known for its alkalinity since its high pH level breaks down acidic substances and loosens dirt and grime from fibers.

The gritty texture offers a slightly abrasive particle that gently dislodges embedded dirt without causing damage to most surfaces. Baking soda also offers powerful deodorizing action. It absorbs and neutralizes unpleasant smells, leaving carpets fresh.

This guide shares how to tackle common stains such as a grease stain, non-greasy, food stains, and pet urine stains using the power of sodium bicarbonate.

Do You Put Baking Soda on Wet or Dry Carpet?

You can apply baking soda to both wet and dry carpets. On dry surfaces, it functions to absorb odors, while on wet surfaces, it tackles moisture and odors simultaneously. Allow it to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight for excessively wet areas, then vacuum away the powdery residue.

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About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.