How to Deodorize Carpet: 5 Safe and Natural Methods
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Carpet can get stinky for a variety of reasons. Pets, cooking, and even moisture can cause it to start smelling bad.
If your carpet is starting to smell, don’t worry. You can use one of these five safe and natural methods to deodorize it listed below in our How to Deodorize Carpet Naturally guide. Each method is easy to use, inexpensive, and safe for your family and the environment. So, if you’re looking for a way to get rid of the stench, try one of these methods today!
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How to Deodorize Carpet Naturally
Method #1: Baking Soda
Our first method in our How to Deodorize Carpet guide is to use baking soda. This is one of the easiest ways to deodorize carpet, and baking soda is also very inexpensive.
Baking is an excellent all-purpose cleaning ingredient that has almost no scent. To use this method, start by sprinkling baking soda over the carpet. Be sure to use a moderate amount, because using too much baking soda can ruin your vacuum or cause a clog. Then, let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up thoroughly.
The baking soda will quickly absorb and eliminate the odor, leaving you with a fresh-smelling carpet.
If you have stains on the carpet, it’s best to deal with the stains first before working to deodorize the entire carpet. If the stains are fresh, use a damp sponge to rub the baking soda deeper into the carpet. After a few hours, vacuum the carpet. This will help the baking soda absorb the moisture in the carpet. If the carpet has a really bad smell, use an overnight treatment. To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, shampoo the carpet with white vinegar.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
Method #2: Baking Soda and Essential Oils
This method is similar to the first, but it uses essential oils to add a pleasant scent to your carpet. You can use any essential oil you want, but some good options include lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus.
To use this method, start by dumping the baking soda into a bowl. Add a few drops of your choice of essential oils and stirs the baking soda to mix the oils in as much as possible. Then, sprinkle the mixture over the carpet. Be sure to use a moderate amount so you don’t damage your vacuum. Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up thoroughly.
The baking soda will absorb the odor and the essential oil will leave behind a pleasant scent. This method is great for getting rid of tough odors like smoke or pet urine.
Related: How to Use Baking Soda as a Natural Carpet Cleaner
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Method #3: Baking Soda and Dried Herbs
This method is similar to the first two, but it uses dried herbs instead of essential oils. Dried herbs are a great natural way to add scent to your carpet. Some good options include lavender, rosemary, or thyme.
To use this method, start by mixing the baking soda and dried herbs together in a bowl. Then, sprinkle the mixture over the carpet. Be sure to use a moderate amount so you don’t damage your vacuum. Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up thoroughly.
The baking soda will absorb the odor and the herbs will leave behind a fantastic scent. This is another great option in our How to Deodorize Carpet guide.
Related: How to Disinfect and Sanitize Carpet Without a Steam Cleaner
Method #4: Vinegar
Vinegar is another common household item that can be used to deodorize carpets. This method is a bit more time-consuming than using baking soda, but it’s just as effective.
To use vinegar to deodorize your carpet, start by mixing one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. Then, spritz the mixture onto the affected area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, blot the area dry with a clean towel and vacuum over it to pick up any residue.
This method may take a bit longer than using baking soda, but it’s still very effective at removing odors. The vinegar scent is generally not very noticeable once it has been blotted dry and vacuumed, but if you notice a vinegar smell that lingers, you may prefer to use one of the other methods in the future.
Harris Cleaning Vinegar, Orange
Method #5: Vodka
One natural way in our How to Deodorize Carpet guide is to use vodka. This natural deodorizer has many uses. It can remove a range of stains, including grass, ink, and food. It can also be used as a fabric freshener, neutralizing bad smells and removing soap scum.
To use this method, start by pouring a small amount of vodka into a spray bottle. Then, spritz the vodka onto the affected area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, blot the area dry with a clean towel and vacuum over it to pick up any residue.
This method is most effective when used on fresh stains. However, it can also be used to remove old stains that have been set in.
Related: How to Dry Carpet Fast
How to Prevent Carpet from Stinking
The best way to prevent your carpet from stinking is to clean it on a regular basis. This will remove any dirt, dust, or other debris that could be causing the odor. Be sure to vacuum at least once a week and shampoo your carpet every few months.
You should also try to clean up any spills or accidents as soon as possible. The longer a spill sits, the harder it will be to remove and the more likely it is to cause an odor.
If you have pets, be sure to groom them regularly and clean up any accidents they have immediately. You may also want to consider using a pet-friendly carpet cleaner that’s designed specifically for removing pet stains and odors.
Keeping the room dry is another effective way to deodorize your carpet. High humidity can encourage the growth of mold, which gives off a musty smell. High humidity can even cause health issues. During times of high humidity, run a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
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By taking these preventive measures, you can keep your carpet clean and fresh-smelling for years to come.
Related: Carpet Odor Removal: The Best Natural Carpet Deodorizers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make homemade carpet deodorizer?
There are many recipes for homemade carpet deodorizers, but most of them use baking soda as the main ingredient. To make your own deodorizer, simply mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil. Then, sprinkle it over the affected area and vacuum it up after a few hours.
What is the best way to remove odor from carpet?
The best way to remove odor from carpet is to use baking soda. This natural deodorizer is very effective at absorbing bad smells. To use baking soda, simply sprinkle it over the affected area and vacuum it up after a few hours.
Does baking soda really deodorize carpet?
Yes, baking soda really deodorizes the carpet. This natural deodorizer is very effective at absorbing bad smells. To use baking soda, simply sprinkle it over the affected area and vacuum it up after a few hours.
What does baking soda do for carpets?
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that’s very effective at absorbing bad smells. To use baking soda, simply sprinkle it over the affected area and vacuum it up after a few hours.
How long should you leave baking soda on carpet?
You should leave baking soda on the carpet for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it for up to a few hours. This will give it time to absorb the bad smells. Afterward, vacuum the area to remove the baking soda.
What essential oils make carpet smell good?
Some essential oils that can make your carpet smell good include lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to homemade carpet cleaner recipes to give them a nice smell.
Can vinegar damage carpet?
Vinegar can damage the carpet if it’s not used correctly. Be sure to mix vinegar with water in a 1:2 ratio (two parts water, one part vinegar) before spritzing it onto the carpet. Always blot the area dry afterward to avoid damaging the fibers.
How can I make my carpet not smell like a dog?
If your carpet smells like a dog, it’s probably because of pet accidents. Be sure to clean up any accidents immediately. You can also use a pet-friendly carpet cleaner or shampoo to remove any lingering odors.
Final Thoughts on How to Deodorize Carpet
If your carpet is starting to stink, there’s no need to panic. There are many natural ways to deodorize it without resorting to harsh chemicals as listed in this article on How to Deodorize Carpet Naturally.
Baking soda, vinegar, and vodka are all effective at removing odors. You can also use essential oils or dried herbs to give your carpet a fresh scent.
Prevention is the best way to keep your carpet from stinking. Be sure to vacuum regularly and shampoo your carpet every few months. Clean up spills and accidents right away, and groom your pets regularly. You should also run a dehumidifier during times of high humidity.