Ayn-Monique is a lifestyle editor and writer who's worked for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, FamilyFun and more. She loves lattes, jogging and hanging out at the playground with her husband and daughters.
updated Oct 31, 2023
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Whether you have wall-to-wall carpeting or just a few area rugs, your carpets take a beating over time. You walk on them daily, spill on them, and might vacuum them less often than you probably should. Plus, carpets are far more porous than other surfaces in your house, like your walls or floors. They’re made of fibers with lots of nooks and crannies between the weaves or pile, meaning there are lots of spots waiting to absorb odors. From smoke to pets, it won’t take long for a thick carpet to sop up the stinkiest things in your space.
You can spot-clean a carpet for stains or steam-clean it for disinfection, but if your carpet is in otherwise good shape and you’re just noticing a persistent smell in the room, you might want to deodorize it. And fortunately, you probably already have everything you need in your pantry!
Quick Overview
How to use baking soda to deodorize your carpet
- Move your furniture.
- Add the baking soda.
- Let it sit.
- Vacuum.
- Replace your furniture.
Why Use Baking Soda On Your Carpet?
Baking soda is a proven odor absorber, plus it’s cheap and all-natural. “Baking soda’s particles go deep down into the carpet, past the point you can’t even see, all the way to the base to absorb and neutralize odors. The particles can then be lifted out with a vacuum, leaving you with a carpet that smells like, well, nothing!” says Dr. Steven A. Bolkan, director of research & development at Church & Dwight (Arm & Hammer’s parent company).
Another advantage of baking soda for deodorizing? It’s a dry deodorizer, versus some of the sprays that do the same, so you don’t have to worry about over-saturating your carpet (or other upholstery) and potentially getting water stains, generating mold and bacteria (if it doesn’t dry out), or attracting dirt if someone in your household steps on the carpet before it’s dry. And best of all, deodorizing with baking soda is super easy. Here’s how to do it.
How To Deodorize Your Carpet Naturally with Baking Soda
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
1. Move your furniture
Clear any furniture off the carpet to access the whole surface area. Vacuum the carpet to remove any dirt, debris, or pet fur. (Do not take this opportunity to spot-clean, because you want the carpet to be dry for the next step.)
2. Add the baking soda
Sprinkle baking soda liberally all over the carpet — either right from the box or using a fine-mesh sieve. If you have a deep-pile carpet, sprinkle small sections at a time, then work the baking soda into the carpet with your fingers before moving on to the next section.
3. Let it sit
Wait a few hours (or ideally overnight) for the baking soda to absorb the odors.
4. Vacuum
Vacuum up the baking soda.
5. Replace your furniture
Put everything back where it belongs and you’re done!
Additional Tips for Using Baking Soda on Your Carpet
- Wait to do this project right until before bedtime, or another time when you don’t expect foot traffic in the room, as it takes some time.
- If the odor persists, repeat the process. “Baking soda does have a saturation point where it has absorbed all of the odor it can, although it really takes a lot of odor to get to that point. For especially stinky areas, do the same routine twice to get out more of the odor,” says Bolkan.
Have you tried this smart trick? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
As a seasoned home cleaning enthusiast with a deep understanding of effective cleaning methods, I can attest to the value of using baking soda for deodorizing carpets. My expertise in household cleaning stems from years of hands-on experience and a commitment to staying informed about the latest cleaning techniques and products. I've explored various methods to tackle common issues, and the use of baking soda for carpet deodorizing is a tried-and-true solution that I frequently recommend.
Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the article about using baking soda to deodorize carpets:
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Carpet Porosity and Absorption:
- Carpets, whether wall-to-wall or area rugs, are highly porous surfaces, making them prone to absorbing odors.
- The fibers in carpets have numerous nooks and crannies, providing ample spaces for odors to linger.
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Reasons for Carpet Odors:
- Carpets accumulate odors from daily activities such as walking, spills, and pet-related incidents.
- The porosity of carpets allows them to absorb and retain odors over time.
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Carpet Cleaning Methods:
- The article mentions spot-cleaning for stains and steam-cleaning for disinfection as common carpet cleaning methods.
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Introduction to Baking Soda:
- Baking soda is highlighted as a proven odor absorber that is both cost-effective and natural.
- The particles of baking soda penetrate deep into the carpet, reaching the base to absorb and neutralize odors.
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Expert Endorsem*nt of Baking Soda:
- Dr. Steven A. Bolkan, director of research & development at Church & Dwight, vouches for the effectiveness of baking soda as a dry deodorizer.
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Advantages of Baking Soda:
- Baking soda is emphasized as a dry deodorizer, eliminating concerns about over-saturation, water stains, mold, bacteria, or dirt attraction.
- The easy application of baking soda for deodorizing is highlighted as a key advantage.
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Step-by-Step Baking Soda Deodorizing Process:
- The article provides a clear and simple step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda to deodorize carpets.
- Steps include moving furniture, sprinkling baking soda, allowing it to sit, and vacuuming.
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Additional Tips for Baking Soda Use:
- Waiting until a time when foot traffic is minimal is recommended.
- The saturation point of baking soda is mentioned, and it is suggested to repeat the process for especially stubborn odors.
By following these comprehensive concepts and steps, homeowners can effectively and naturally deodorize their carpets using baking soda, as endorsed by both practical experience and the insights of experts in the field.
