• Carpet cleaning may appear overwhelming, but with baking soda, a versatile, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly option, the task becomes manageable.
  • This guide provides a comprehensive overview of different approaches to effectively use baking soda for carpet cleaning, offering valuable tips and insights to optimize outcomes.

How to Clean Carpet With Baking Soda

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To get started, you’ll need the following materials:

  • Baking soda
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Spray bottle
  • Sponge
  • Vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Essential oil (e.g., lemon or lavender)
  • Clean cloths

Step 2: Mixing the Baking Soda Solution

  • Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Shake the mixture thoroughly to ensure proper blending.
  • Enhance the solution with a few drops of essential oil, such as lemon or lavender, for a pleasant scent.

Step 3: Applying the Baking Soda Solution

  • Apply the solution in a light mist on the carpet, concentrating on small sections.
  • Avoid saturating the carpet to prevent prolonged drying times.

Step 4: Letting the Solution Sit

Let the solution rest on the carpet for a minimum of 15 minutes, allowing the baking soda to effectively break down stains and eliminate odors.

Step 5: Scrubbing the Carpet

  • Gently scrub the carpet with a sponge after 15 minutes.
  • Work in small sections to cover all spots effectively.

Step 6: Vacuuming the Carpet

  • Conclude the procedure by meticulously vacuuming the carpet to eliminate both the solution and any loose dirt or debris.
  • Ensure a thorough vacuuming process to extract as much of the solution as feasible.

Relevant Topics:

  1. How to Clean Baseboards
  2. How to Clean Inside Double Glazed Windows

How to Clean Carpet with Vinegar

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To clean your carpet with vinegar, you’ll need:

  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Sponge
  • Clean, dry towel

Step 2: Mixing the Vinegar Solution

  • Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
  • Shake the blend thoroughly.
  • Enhance with a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.

Step 3: Applying the Vinegar Solution

  • Apply the solution in a spray manner to limited sections of the carpet.
  • Be cautious not to over-saturate, as excess liquid may extend drying times and pose a risk of damaging carpet fibers.

Step 4: Let the Solution Sit

Let the vinegar solution rest on the carpet for a minimum of 10 minutes, allowing it to address both stains and odors effectively.

Step 5: Scrubbing the Carpet

  • Utilize a sponge to apply the solution and scrub it into the carpet.
  • Work in small sections to effectively reach the fibers.

Step 6: Blotting the Carpet

  • After scrubbing, employ a fresh, dry towel to absorb as much of the solution as you can.
  • This action aids in eliminating any dislodged dirt and debris from the surface.

Step 7: Drying the Carpet

  • Allow the carpet to naturally dry, which may require several hours.
  • Enhance drying speed by utilizing fans or opening windows.

Cleaning Carpet with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Step 1: Deodorize with Baking Soda

Deodorize carpet: Sprinkle 1 cup baking soda mixed with a few drops of essential oil evenly over affected area.

Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture

  • Combine 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of dish soap in a separate spray bottle.
  • Shake the mixture thoroughly to ensure proper blending.

Step 3: Scrub and Vacuum

  • Apply the hydrogen peroxide mixture onto the baking soda-covered carpet.
  • Gently scrub the carpet using a stiff-bristled brush in circular motions.
  • Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • Thoroughly vacuum the carpet to remove the combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Cleaning Carpet with Baking Soda and Essential Oil

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

  • Evenly spread the mixture of baking soda and essential oil across the carpet.
  • Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes to absorb any odors.
  • Ensure thorough mixing of the ingredients.

Step 2: Apply and Wait

  • Evenly distribute the baking soda and essential oil blend across the carpet.
  • Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes to absorb odors effectively.

Step 3: Vacuum

Vacuum the carpet after 15 minutes to eliminate the baking soda mixture and leave the carpet refreshed with a pleasant scent.

Cleaning Carpet with Baking Soda and Vinegar in a Washing Machine

Step 1: Prepare the Washing Machine

Fill your washing machine with warm water.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar

  • Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar into the water.
  • Stir the mixture thoroughly to dissolve the baking soda.

Step 3: Wash the Carpet

Place the carpet in the washing machine and run a cycle.

Step 4: Air Dry

Hang the carpet outside to air dry. Avoid using the dryer.

Cleaning Carpet with Baking Soda and Vinegar in a Steam Cleaner

Step 1: Fill the Steam Cleaner

Fill the water tank of your steam cleaner with warm water.

Step 2: Prepare the Solution

  • Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1 cup white vinegar in a separate container.
  • Use this combination to dissolve the baking soda efficiently.

Step 3: Steam Clean

  • Activate the steam cleaner and initiate the carpet cleaning process.
  • Enable the hot water infusion along with a combination of baking soda and vinegar for optimal cleaning.
  • Ensure thorough penetration of the mixture into the carpet fibers for effective cleaning.

Cleaning Carpet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Step 1: Mix the Solution

  • Combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1 tsp of baking soda in a spray bottle.
  • Add 2 cups of water to the mixture.
  • Shake the bottle thoroughly to ensure proper mixing.

Step 2: Apply and Scrub

  • Apply the solution uniformly across a small portion of the carpet.
  • Employ a scrub brush to thoroughly massage the solution into the carpet fibers.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

  • Rinse the carpet thoroughly with fresh water to eliminate any remaining residue.
  • Let the carpet air dry entirely before allowing any foot traffic or placing furniture back on it.

Benefits of Sprinkling Baking Soda on the Carpet

  • Eliminates odors effectively.
  • Acts as a mild abrasive, removing dirt and grime.
  • Safe for people, pets, and the environment.
  • Cost-effective and easy to use.

Why Baking Soda Turns Brown on the Carpet

If you notice baking soda turning brown on your carpet, it’s likely due to one of two reasons:

  1. Baking soda absorbs moisture and dirt from the carpet fibers.
  2. Baking soda reacts with substances like spills, pet urine, or existing cleaning chemicals on the carpet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Baking Soda Damage Carpets?

Baking soda is generally safe for carpets, but it’s advisable to test it in a hidden area first to ensure it won’t damage or discolor the fibers.

What’s the Best Homemade Carpet Cleaner?

Cleaning carpets with baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap is an effective and budget-friendly option.

How Long Should Baking Soda Sit on Carpet?

Let baking soda sit on the carpet for 10-15 minutes to allow it to absorb odors and dirt from the fibers.

How to Clean Carpet with Vinegar and Baking Soda?

Combine equal parts vinegar and water, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, scrub, and then vacuum.

Do You Put Baking Soda on Wet or Dry Carpet?

Sprinkle baking soda on a dry carpet for best results.

What Can You Mix with Baking Soda to Clean Carpet?

Essential oils like lavender or lemon can be added to baking soda for a pleasant scent while cleaning.

How to Apply Baking Soda and Water to Carpet?

Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 gallon of warm water to create a cleaning solution, then sprinkle it over the carpet before vacuuming.