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.
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:
