Baking soda is an effective ingredient against oil and grease-based stains and odd food and drink mishaps.

Baking soda is a salt from a natural mineral form.

It is mined as a crystalline white solid and refined into the commonly sold fine white powder.

Closeup of baking soda being used to deodorize a carpet

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When combined with water, the powder acts as a gentle abrasive to loosen surface dirt and stains.

Here’s how to clean and deodorize carpets and area rugs using baking soda.

The product is inexpensive and will not fade or damage carpet fibers.

common household cleaning ingredients

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Vacuum thoroughly to remove loose soil and dust from the fibers.

Always work toward an exit from the room.

Sprinkle with Baking Soda

Sprinkle the carpet liberally with dry baking soda.

Materials for deodorizing carpet

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Wait and Vacuum

The baking soda should remain on the carpet for at least 15 minutes.

Vacuum away the baking soda.

you’re free to drizzle in some vinegar for a cleaning boost or stronger odor-busting.

Removing loose soil from the carpet with a vacuum

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Double the ratio to make more to cover more area.

you could pour baking soda on a wet or dry carpet.

On dry surfaces, it will absorb odors.

Person pretreating the carpet with stain remover

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

On wet surfaces, baking soda absorbs moisture and odors.

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight for an overly wet area.

Vacuum the powdery residue afterward.

Applying baking soda and water to the carpet

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Baking Soda, the Everyday Miracle.University of Wisconsin Extension

Person scrubbing baking soda into the carpet

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Vacuuming the carpet to lift the fibers

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Vacuuming the carpet to remove loose soil and debris

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Liberally sprinkling the carpet with baking soda

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Vacuuming up the baking soda

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Baking soda sprinkled on the carpet

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

A wet cloth sitting on a stained area of the carpet

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic