DIY Baking Soda Carpet Cleaner (Freshen Up Your Home!)

• What is baking soda, anyway?
• Benefits of using baking soda for carpets
• How to use baking soda for cleaning carpet
• Bonus: How to get rid of nasty odours with baking soda
• How to use baking soda carpet cleaner

Keeping your carpets looking fresh can be a real challenge. Let's face it—there are plenty of ways you can ruin fresh carpeting. Whether it's spilling a glass of wine on the floor, walking in mud from the so-called "great outdoors", or a pet making a mess, it can be a nightmare.

If you're looking for a quick fix (that's also natural!), you've come to the right place. One of the best homemade carpet cleaners is baking soda or bicarbonate of soda. By learning how to make this natural cleaning product, you can save yourself time and energy in the long run.

In the following guide, we'll be looking at how to use baking soda to tackle carpet stains, get rid of any nasty odours, and generally clean the material. Here's everything you need to know.

What is baking soda, anyway?

Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is an alkaline substance common in the UK and elsewhere. It has many uses, including as an efficient cleaner. It can soak up grease, remove stains, and deal with horrid smells.

Chances are, you already have some baking soda in the cupboard at home. This means you can use this product to save money when you need to quickly clean up something.

Benefits of using baking soda for carpets

One of the main ways that you may want to use baking soda is on your carpets. This product can be used as a natural carpet cleaner. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

• Get rid of smells. Baking soda has the power to neutralise nasty odours. While other products, such as air fresheners, mask these smells, the powder can get rid of the odour completely.

• Deal with stains naturally. Are you tired of using commercial cleaners? Research shows that baking soda solutions have similar cleaning powers to commercial products when used on polyester. The same may well be true for carpets.

• No harsh chemicals. One of the biggest benefits of using baking soda as a carpet cleaner is that it contains no harsh chemicals. That means it may be better for the environment and easier on your skin and other materials.

How to use baking soda for cleaning carpet

Ready to give it a go? If you want to make your own baking soda carpet cleaner, we've got the answers you need. Simply follow the steps below:

You'll need the following:

Before you do anything else, you'll need to gather the right supplies. Here are the main things that you need to make this cleaning product.

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Warm water
• A spray bottle
• Vacuum cleaner
• Brush or sponge

Add some essential oils if you want your carpet to smell extra fresh. Lavender and mint work particularly well, but the choice is yours!

Step 2: Prepare your carpet

Next, you'll want to start clearing the area. Begin by vacuuming your carpet thoroughly. This approach removes dirt, dust, and pet hair. That means you can use the baking soda on the area without it getting all mixed up in this stuff.

Step 3: Deal with stains

Now that the general area is clear, you can deal with the nasty stains. You have two options you can use when it comes to carpet stains. See below:

1. Use a baking soda paste

If you're dealing with stains from food, drinks, or pets, you should try this. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with warm water.

Apply the paste to the stained area, rubbing it in gently with a brush or sponge. Leave it for 15–30 minutes before blotting it away with a cloth. That should do the trick.

1. Use baking soda and vinegar

On the other hand, if you're dealing with tougher stains, you might need something harsh. Add baking soda directly onto the stain and spray white vinegar over the area.

Don't panic. The mixture will fizz as it reacts, helping to lift dirt and stains from the carpet fibres. You can then use a brush or sponge to deal with the area. Use a clean cloth to dry.

Bonus: How to get rid of nasty odours with baking soda

Is your carpet stinky? Odours like pet smells or musty scents can linger in carpets for years. You might not even notice them now. Luckily, baking soda works wonders as a carpet deodoriser.

Start by adding a generous layer of baking soda all over your carpet. You can also mix in some essential oils like lavender or mint here. Let the mixture sit there for 30 minutes. If you're dealing with a strong smell, you might even want to leave it overnight.

Once the baking soda has done its job, vacuum it up thoroughly. Go slowly to ensure you capture all the powder. This is especially important if you have used essential oils.

Common carpet cleaning problems solved

Now that we've covered the basic tutorial, let's look at some of the most common carpet problems. Here are the ways you can use baking soda to solve each of them.

Pet stains

Pet stains are notoriously stubborn. Whether you're dealing with little "accidents" or muddy paws, it can be stressful. Luckily, using some baking soda can help. Here's how:

• Start by blotting the area with a cloth. This will get rid of the excess moisture — this is important if your pet has had an accident.
• Add some baking soda over the area. Make sure you cover it as much as you can.
• Lightly spray the area with white vinegar and use a sponge to rub it in.
• Allow the area to dry completely. Finally, vacuum away any of the powder.

Tough smells

Baking soda can be a real lifesaver when dealing with tough smells. For strong odours like cigarette smoke or pet smells, you can use a mix of baking soda and essential oils. Once again, allow the mixture to sink in overnight for the best results. Finally, clean thoroughly.

Deep cleaning

Has it been a while since you cleaned your carpets? If so, it's time for a deep clean. Pour baking soda all over your carpet and spray it lightly with a vinegar-water solution. Allow the solution to fizz for a few moments, then dry it thoroughly before vacuuming.

How to use baking soda carpet cleaner

While we've covered some of the main ways to use baking soda carpet cleaner, there are some extra tips you might not already know. Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind when using this natural carpet cleaner at home.

Get the quantities right

In this guide, we've discussed combining water and baking soda to make a paste. However, this paste should not be too runny. It can make it more complicated than ever to dry your carpet and may even result in you having to deal with more stains.

Stick to a routine

Regular carpet cleaning is a must. While it may not be the most fun job in the world, you need to add it to your priority list. Cleaning your carpet with baking soda can significantly improve your home's look (and, importantly, the smell!).

Always dry your carpet

Damp carpets can smell bad. When cleaning your carpets, always do what you can to dry them. This way, you will avoid any musty smells from raising their head.

 As we've proved here, cleaning your carpets doesn't have to involve harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners. Whether tackling pet stains, deodorising after a party, or freshening up your home, baking soda is the answer. Grab some out of the cupboard and get started.

Q&A 

Did we miss something along the way? Take a look at our frequently asked questions:

How do you make carpet cleaner with baking soda and vinegar?

Mix the two directly onto the stains. Follow the advice we've set out in this guide for the best results.

Is baking soda suitable for cleaning carpets with pet stains?

The short answer is yes. Baking soda can help to neutralise odours, which is great news for pet owners. You should use it if you want to get rid of nasty smells.

Does baking soda damage carpet fibres?

Not at all! Baking soda is a gentle powder so you can use it in most cases. If you feel uneasy, you can test a small carpet area first.

Have you tried our baking soda carpet cleaner? Leave a comment below!