If your carpet smells bad from spilled food, pets, or feet that have passed on it for years, baking soda may be the solution. Using harsh chemicals to clean stains and odors is not good for the environment and can irritate your eyes and respiratory system. Baking soda is inexpensive, safe for pets and humans, and easy to use.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning Carpets with Baking Soda
Step 1. Vacuum the carpet first
Mixing baking soda with dust is not the right move. You should start by cleaning the carpet from dust. Vacuum your carpet to remove large dirt particles or loose lint. Your footwear contains oil and dirt, and constant contact with the carpet can erode the surface of the carpet and allow dirt to be buried deep in the fibers.
Step 2. Once your carpet is clean enough, tell family members that you will be cleaning the carpet, and ask them not to walk on it while you clean the carpet with soda
Step 3. If the carpet is in a room where people travel a lot, you may need to clean it part by part
Step 4. Sprinkle baking soda over the area you want to clean the odor
Try to sprinkle on at least one, and maybe two squares of baking soda. You'll need to sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet until it's hard to see the color. Since baking soda is harmless to both humans and pets, you don't need to sprinkle too little.
Step 5. Since baking soda clumps easily, you may want to put it in a large talcum powder bottle before sprinkling it
This bottle will help you spread the baking soda more evenly.
Step 6. Use new baking soda, instead of baking soda that has been stored in an open container in the refrigerator
A fresh, unopened box of baking soda can absorb even more odors.
Step 7. Rub baking soda onto the carpet
Use a scouring brush or sponge to work the baking soda into the carpet fibers so that it reaches the bottom. This is especially important if your carpet fibers are tangled and long; make sure that every part of the carpet is exposed to the soda.
Step 8. If you're worried about ruining the texture of the carpet, use an old sock or t-shirt to spread the baking soda onto your carpet instead of scrubbing it
Step 9. At this point, it's best if no one walks on the carpet until it's finished cleaning
Step 10. Leave the baking soda for a few hours or overnight
If you can leave it for 24 hours, that's even better. The longer the baking soda is left on the carpet, the better results you will get. Baking soda can naturally neutralize and absorb odors, rather than just masking them.
Step 11. During this time, try to stay away from the carpet, so the baking soda doesn't spread all over your house
Step 12. If you see any areas of the carpet that have not been covered with baking soda, sprinkle baking soda over it
This method will not work unless the baking soda can touch the smelly part of the carpet.
Step 13. Sip on the baking soda
Sip slowly, as that much baking soda takes a long time to suck up. You will need to vacuum each area of the carpet several times until it is clean. As long as your carpet isn't wet, the baking soda should be sucked in right away.
Method 2 of 2: Dealing with Stronger Odors
Step 1. Smell your carpet after cleaning it with baking soda for the first time
Has the bad smell been removed? One cleaning should be enough to neutralize most unpleasant odors. However, if your carpet smells strong, you may need to clean it again. Remember the longer you leave the baking soda on the carpet, the better it will neutralize odors.
Step 2. Consider washing the carpet with shampoo before using the baking soda
If your carpet is quite dirty, baking soda alone may not get rid of the smell. You will need to go deeper and use a shampoo to clean your carpet before using the baking soda. This will increase the chances of successful carpet cleaning.
Step 3. Instead of regular carpet shampoo, try using a mixture of half white vinegar and half water
Step 4. If you are washing your carpet, wait until it is completely dry before sprinkling the baking soda
Step 5. Consider scenting baking soda to help cover the stain
For very smelly carpets, you may need to add a fresh scent to disguise the old smell. To give the baking soda a flavor, pour the baking soda into a large bowl. Add five to ten drops of essential oil. Use a stirrer to mix the aroma and mix it with the baking soda. Spoon baking soda into a shaker bottle, then sprinkle baking soda over the carpet as directed. The following scents can be used to combat odors:
- Lemon or lemongrass
- lavender
- Eucalyptus
- fir
Step 6. NOTE:
If you have pets at home, make sure in advance the safety of the scent you choose for your cat or dog.
Step 7. Repeat this method once every few weeks
If you don't clean the carpet for a long time, the bad smell will reappear. Clean your carpet with baking soda every few weeks or at least once a month before it starts to smell bad. Baking soda is more likely to get rid of bad odors if it hasn't been there for months or even years.
