This guide from “Swift Maids” will introduce you to a powerful yet gentle weapon in your home cleaning arsenal: baking soda. That’s right, the same baking soda you use for fluffy pancakes can be a lifesaver when reviving your carpets. Regular vacuuming is a must for keeping your home clean, but sometimes carpets need a deeper clean to remove dirt, grime, and those stubborn smells that just seem to linger forever. So ditch the harsh chemicals and embrace the cleaning power of baking soda!
Why should you Clean Carpet with Baking Soda
Here’s why baking soda deserves a permanent spot on your cleaning shelf:
Safe and gentle: Unlike some harsh cleaners, baking soda is safe for people (including kids and furry friends) when used properly. No more worrying about harmful fumes or irritated skin.
baking soda for carpet odor: Baking soda gobbles up bad smells like a champ, leaving your carpets smelling fresh and clean. Say goodbye to that funky carpet odor!
Cleans without hurting: Baking soda acts like a gentle scrubber, lifting dirt and grime from carpet fibers without damaging them. No more worries about wearing down your carpets with harsh chemicals.
Budget-friendly and easy to find: It’s affordable and available at most grocery stores. Cleaning your carpets doesn’t have to break the bank!
Read Also: Most Common Carpet Spots
Baking Soda Carpet Cleaning Hacks
Now that you know why baking soda is a superhero for carpets, let’s explore some easy ways to use it:
Weekly Deodorizer Sprinkle: This is a quick and easy way to keep your carpets smelling fresh between cleanings. All you need is baking soda (and maybe a cheese grater, if you have a big area to cover). Here’s how:
Sprinkle magic: Lightly dust baking soda over your entire carpet. If you have a lot of space to clean, using a cheese grater can help spread the baking soda evenly.
Let it work its magic: Leave the baking soda on your carpet for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for an extra deep clean. The longer it sits, the more odors it can absorb.
Vacuum goodbye to dirt and smells: After waiting, thoroughly vacuum your carpet to remove the baking soda powder and any absorbed dirt and odors.
Stain Stopper: Baking soda can also tackle unexpected spills and stains. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar (optional)
- Spray bottle (optional)
- Soft-bristled brush (optional)
Here’s how to fight a stain:
Blot, don’t rub! The key to stain removal is to act fast. Grab a clean, absorbent cloth and blot up any excess liquid. Don’t rub, because that can spread the stain further.
Baking soda powder: Sprinkle baking soda generously right on the stain.
Vinegar boost (optional): For tougher stains, you can create a cleaning paste by mixing a little water with the baking soda. Or, you can mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the stain before applying the baking soda paste.
Let it rest: Leave the baking soda (or baking soda paste) on the stain for at least 30 minutes, or longer for stubborn stains.
Scrub and vacuum: If you use a baking soda paste, gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush. Then, thoroughly vacuum the area to remove the baking soda powder.
For greasy spills, like cooking oil, sprinkle baking soda on the stain before blotting up any excess liquid. The baking soda will help absorb the grease before it sets in.
Deep Carpet Cleaning with Baking Soda: Want to give your carpets a more thorough clean? You can combine baking soda with your regular cleaning routine. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Vacuum cleaner
- Your favorite carpet cleaning solution (check the carpet manufacturer’s instructions to make sure they work together)
Here’s how to do it:
Pre-vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum your carpet to remove any loose dirt and debris.
Baking soda sprinkle: Generously sprinkle baking soda all over your carpet. Imagine you’re giving your carpet a light snow shower!
Let it sit: Leave the baking soda on the carpet for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a deeper clean. The longer it sits, the more dirt and grime it can pull out of the carpet fibers.
Cleaning solution time: Follow the instructions on your favorite carpet cleaning solution and apply it to your carpet according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Scrub and vacuum (carefully!): We’ll get the specific instructions for this step from the cleaning solution bottle. Remember, the goal is to gently loosen the dirt and grime, so avoid over-wetting the carpet.
Final vacuum: Once you’ve finished cleaning with your chosen solution, allow the carpet to air dry completely. This might take a few hours, so plan accordingly. Then, thoroughly vacuum your carpet to remove any leftover baking soda powder and cleaning residue.
Additional Tips to Clean Carpet with Baking Soda
Test before you tackle: Before going all out and sprinkling baking soda on your entire carpet, try it on a small, hidden area to make sure it doesn’t discolor the carpet. Better safe than sorry!
Fresh is best: For the strongest cleaning power, use fresh baking soda. Old baking soda might not work as well, just like slightly stale pancakes wouldn’t be quite as delicious.
Baking soda for furniture too!: While this article focuses on carpets, baking soda can also be used on furniture! Follow the same ideas as carpet cleaning, but be gentle when applying baking soda and avoid getting the fabric too wet. You don’t want to turn your favorite couch into a soaking wet mess!
Read Also: Top 9 Benefits Of Carpet Cleaning
Beyond Baking Soda: Keeping Your Carpets Clean
While baking soda is a fantastic tool for carpet cleaning, there are other things you can do to keep your carpets looking great and needing deep cleaning less often:
Regular vacuuming: Vacuum your carpets at least once a week, or more often in high-traffic areas like hallways and around the entrance. This removes dirt, dust, and allergens before they have a chance to settle deep into the carpet fibers. Think of it as preventing a dust storm from brewing in your carpets!
Doormats are your friends: Place doormats at all entrances to trap dirt and debris before they get tracked into your home. Doormats are like the bouncers of your house, keeping unwanted dirt out!
Take off your shoes outside the house: Encourage everyone in your household to remove their shoes at the door. This significantly reduces the amount of dirt and grime tracked onto your carpets. Imagine all the dirt on the bottom of your shoes – keeping them outside keeps your carpets cleaner!
Address spills right away: The quicker you tackle a spill, the easier it is to remove and the less likely it is to stain. Don’t let spills linger like unwanted guests at a party – deal with them fast!
Consider professional cleaning: For heavily soiled carpets or those with deep-seated stains, consider professional carpet cleaning every 12-18 months. Sometimes, even superheroes need backup!
Conclusion
By using these hacks to clean carpet with baking soda cleaning along with other preventative measures, you can keep your carpets looking fresh and smelling clean. Remember, a clean and healthy home starts from the ground up! So grab your box of baking soda and get ready to conquer those grimy carpets!
Now go forth and banish those carpet woes! And hey, if your cleaning routine gets a little overwhelming, remember there are professional carpet cleaning services Calgary available near you. Don’t be afraid to delegate some tasks and free up your time for the things you enjoy. After all, a clean home is a happy home, and a happy home means more time for Stampede pancakes and celebrating victories!