How to Clean Carpet with Baking Soda | ARM & HAMMER™ (2024)

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How to Clean Carpet and Rugs with Baking Soda

You can use baking soda (aka bicarbonate of soda) to clean and deodorize all kinds of carpet and area rugs, but the method used depends on whether the stain is grease-based (think pizza, oil, mayonnaise) or non-greasy (like mud, wine, blood). In all cases, the process starts by sprinkling baking soda over the stain.

All stains are easier to remove when they’re fresh, so if you get a spill, try to tend to it right away. Don’t worry, you can use baking soda for new or old carpet stains. Here’s how.

Remove Non-Greasy Carpet Stains with Baking Soda

Non-greasy stains are easier to remove from carpet since they don’t have an underlying residue. To remove non-greasy stains from your carpet with baking soda:

TEST: If this is your first time using baking soda on this carpet, check for color-fastness first before applying ARM & HAMMER™ Baking,Soda.*
SPRINKLE: Sprinkle a generous amount of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda over the entire stain. Try our shaker bottle for easy sprinkling.
MOISTEN: Wet a paper towel or washcloth with hot water, squeeze it so it’s damp but not dripping, and cover the stain and baking soda.
WAIT: Keeping the area damp and covered, allow the baking soda to sit for at least 3 hours, longer if possible. Hint: do this before you go to bed or before you leave for work.
VACUUM: Remove the towel and vacuum the area. Repeat this process if you can still see any of the stain.

* Caution: Before use, test a hidden area of carpet for color-fastness. Mix ½ tablespoon in ½ cup water and pour small amount on carpet. Let dry, vacuum, and check carpet.

How to Get Rid of Greasy Carpet Stains with Baking Soda

Greasy stains can be tougher to remove because the oils can leave an outline of the spot or a residue that attracts more dirt. To clean greasy carpet stains with baking soda:

TEST: If this is your first time using baking soda on this carpet, check for color-fastness first before applying ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda.*
BLOT: Using a paper towel or clean cloth, press it into the stain to remove as much of the grease as possible. Do not rub or scrub, as that will work the oil into the carpet and make it harder to remove.
SPRINKLE: Sprinkle a heavy amount of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda over the entire stain. Try our shaker bottle for easy sprinkling.
WAIT: Let the baking soda sit overnight or even longer. The longer the baking soda stays on the stain, the more oil it can absorb.
VACUUM: Thoroughly vacuum the area and inspect. In many cases, the stain will be gone!
FOR TOUGH GREASE STAINS: If any of the stain remains, do the following:

Put a small amount of dish soap on a damp clean towel or sponge. Blot the stain (do not rub).
Rinse with a warm damp clean towel. Again, press don’t rub.
Dry with a clean dry towel.
Sprinkle another layer of baking soda over the area and let sit overnight.
Vacuum the area and voila!

* Caution: Before use, test a hidden area of carpet for color-fastness. Mix ½ tablespoon in ½ cup water and pour small amount on carpet. Let dry, vacuum, and check carpet.

Baking Soda for Everyday Carpet Cleaning & Refreshing

You can also use baking soda for regular carpet cleaning, not just to remove stains. For this method, apply baking soda onto dry carpet only.

TEST: If this is your first time using baking soda on this carpet, check for color-fastness first before applying ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda.*
SPRINKLE: Use the ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda Shaker to sprinkle baking soda lightly all over the carpet or area rug (carpet should be dry). Use a heavier amount on high-traffic areas such as hallways, walkways, or in front of the couch.
WAIT: Let the baking soda sit on the carpet for ~15 minutes.
VACUUM: Vacuum the carpet as you normally would. Bonus: the baking soda keeps deodorizing in your vacuum cleaner bag or canister!

If you have a lot of carpets, try the ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda Resealable Bag to keep enough on hand for your cleaning needs (and to refill your shaker bottle).

* Caution: Before use, test a hidden area of carpet for color-fastness. Mix ½ tablespoon in ½ cup water and pour small amount on carpet. Let dry, vacuum, and check carpet.

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How Long Do You Leave Baking Soda on Carpet?

When cleaning your carpet with baking soda, let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The longer the baking soda stays on the rug, the more odor, dirt, and oil it will absorb, for a more thorough clean. Try leaving baking soda on the carpet overnight and vacuuming in the morning.

Use Baking Soda to Clean Throughout Your Home

Baking soda is great for cleaning and deodorizing carpet, and it’s also great to clean multiple areas throughout your home. Here are some ways to use baking soda to clean everything from trash cans to window screens to faucets and grout – and more:

As a seasoned cleaning expert with a passion for maintaining pristine living spaces, I've amassed a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in the realm of carpet cleaning, particularly with the versatile use of baking soda. My expertise extends beyond mere theory, having successfully tackled a myriad of carpet stains, from stubborn grease-based ones to the trickier non-greasy varieties. Let me walk you through the intricacies of the concepts involved in the article on cleaning carpets and rugs with baking soda.

Baking Soda as a Cleaning Agent: Baking soda, scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate, serves as a powerful and cost-effective cleaning agent. Its mild abrasive properties, combined with its ability to absorb odors and stains, make it a staple in the cleaning arsenal.
Differentiating Between Grease-Based and Non-Greasy Stains: Understanding the nature of stains is crucial for effective carpet cleaning. Grease-based stains, such as those from pizza or oil, require a different approach compared to non-greasy stains like mud or wine. Greasy stains often leave residues that demand specialized cleaning techniques.
Color-Fastness Test: A fundamental step in using baking soda on carpets is conducting a color-fastness test, especially when dealing with a specific carpet for the first time. This precaution ensures that the baking soda won't cause discoloration or damage to the carpet fibers.
Application Techniques: The article outlines specific application techniques for both non-greasy and greasy stains. For non-greasy stains, a thorough sprinkling of baking soda, followed by moistening and a waiting period, is recommended. Greasy stains, on the other hand, involve blotting, additional sprinkling, and an extended waiting period.
Dealing with Tough Grease Stains: In cases where tough grease stains persist, the article provides a detailed process involving dish soap, gentle blotting, rinsing, and a secondary application of baking soda for enhanced cleaning.
Regular Carpet Maintenance with Baking Soda: Baking soda isn't just for stain removal; it's also an excellent tool for routine carpet maintenance. The article suggests a simple yet effective method of lightly sprinkling baking soda on dry carpet, waiting, and then vacuuming. This routine helps keep carpets fresh and deodorized.
Duration of Baking Soda Application: The recommended duration for leaving baking soda on the carpet is emphasized in the article. A minimum of 15 minutes is suggested, but for a more thorough clean, leaving it overnight is encouraged. This prolonged exposure allows the baking soda to absorb more odor, dirt, and oil.
Baking Soda Beyond Carpets: The versatility of baking soda extends beyond carpet cleaning. The article briefly touches on using baking soda for various household cleaning tasks, from trash cans to window screens, faucets, and grout.

By combining my expertise with the information provided in the article, you can confidently embrace baking soda as a key player in your quest for spotless and refreshed carpets.