How To Remove Carpet Stains With Baking Soda

Carpet stains are an inevitable part of home life. From accidental spills during a dinner party to the everyday wear and tear of family activities, these marks can detract from the beauty and comfort of your living spaces. While the market is flooded with chemical cleaners that promise spotless results, more homeowners are turning to natural solutions. Among these, baking soda stands out as a powerful, eco-friendly alternative. Let’s explore how this humble kitchen staple can tackle various carpet stains, offering a safer approach to cleanliness.

The Versatility of Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is more than just a leavening agent for your cakes. Its natural properties make it an excellent choice for removing a wide array of carpet stains, including:

Food and Drink Spills: From red wine to chocolate, baking soda can lift these stains without leaving a trace.
Pet Accidents: Notorious for both stains and odours, pet messes can be effectively cleaned using baking soda.
Oil and Grease: Surprisingly, even greasy stains stand no chance against a baking soda treatment.
Mud and Dirt: Dry mud and dirt can be brushed away after a baking soda application.

Why choose Baking Soda?

Opting for baking soda over harsh chemicals is beneficial for several reasons:

Safety: Baking soda is non-toxic, making it safe for homes with children and pets.
Environmentally Friendly: As a natural substance, it won’t contribute to pollution or harm aquatic life when washed down the drain.
Odour Neutralisation: Beyond just stain removal, baking soda also neutralises odours, leaving carpets smelling fresh.
Cost-Effectiveness: It’s significantly cheaper than most commercial carpet cleaners.

The Stain Removal Process

The Basic Mixture Ratio

A general rule of thumb for most stains is to create a paste using a 2:1 ratio of baking soda to water. This consistency can be adjusted depending on the stain’s nature and the carpet type.

For Lighter Stains

A thinner mixture (more water, less baking soda) can be used for lighter stains or for a quick refresh. This solution can be gently worked into the carpet fibres with a soft brush or cloth.

For Tougher Stains

For more stubborn stains, a thicker paste (more baking soda, less water) can be applied directly to the stain. The paste should be left to dry completely, which may take several hours or overnight. Once dry, the residue can be vacuumed up, lifting the stain from the carpet fibres.

You might also like: How to remove carpet stains with vinegar

Step-by-Step Guide

Identify and Blot the Stain: Quickly blot away any excess liquid with a clean cloth, being careful not to rub the stain further into the carpet.
Prepare the Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Adjust the thickness based on the stain’s severity.
Apply the Paste: Gently work the paste into the stain with a soft brush or cloth. For light stains, a diluted solution can be sprayed on and brushed.
Let It Sit: Allow the paste to dry completely. The drying process pulls the stain out of the carpet and into the baking soda.
Vacuum: Once the baking soda is dry, vacuum up the residue. This not only removes the baking soda but also the lifted stain.
Repeat if Necessary: For particularly stubborn stains, the process may need to be repeated.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Baking Soda provides a diverse powerful cleaning material that’s low cost, environmentally friendly, safe and you likely already have it on hand! If you don’t already have a tub in the cupboard, it might be time to include one in the weekly shop! Use Baking Soda to tackle stains while keeping up with regular carpet maintenance.

If you’ve got stubborn stains that chemicals just aren’t budging, why not give us a try and replace your flooring? At Easipay Flooring we offer Carpets, Laminate, Vinyl, SPC and LVT flooring at affordable prices and we even let you break down the cost into weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plans too, completely interest free! Sound good? Tap the button below to get set up a home visit to see our samples and get your free quote!

Still Got Questions? Here's 15 FAQs!

Can baking soda damage my carpet fibres?

Baking soda is generally safe for most types of carpet fibres, but it’s always a good idea to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.

How long should I leave the baking soda on the carpet?

For most stains, leaving the baking soda paste on the stain until it fully dries, which can be several hours or overnight, is effective. This duration allows it to absorb the stain thoroughly.

Is there a type of stain that baking soda cannot remove?

Baking soda might struggle with extremely old or set-in stains that have dyed the carpet fibres, such as ink or dye stains. In these cases, a professional cleaner might be necessary.

Can I mix baking soda with other household products to enhance its cleaning power?

Yes, mixing baking soda with vinegar can create a bubbling reaction that helps lift stains. Apply the baking soda first, then dab or spray vinegar on top for tough stains.

How often can I use baking soda on my carpets without causing damage?

Baking soda can be used as often as needed since it is non-abrasive and not harmful to most carpet types. However, always ensure it is thoroughly vacuumed up after each application.

What should I do if the baking soda leaves a residue on my carpet?

If there’s a residue, vacuum the area again. If the residue persists, use a damp cloth to blot the area and then dry it thoroughly.

How does baking soda neutralize odours in the carpet?

Baking soda neutralizes odours by absorbing them, rather than merely masking the smell like some chemical deodorizers.

Is baking soda safe for use around pets and children?

Yes, baking soda is non-toxic and safe to use in homes with children and pets. Just ensure it’s vacuumed up completely after use to prevent ingestion.

Can I use baking soda on wet stains?

Yes, but first blot as much of the liquid as possible. Then apply the baking soda paste to address any remaining stain and odour.

What is the best way to store baking soda for cleaning purposes?

Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its efficacy. Moisture can cause baking soda to clump and lose its effectiveness.

Can I use baking soda to clean other types of flooring?

Baking soda is versatile and can be used on many types of hard surfaces, but avoid using it on delicate materials like silk or leather without proper guidance.

Will baking soda kill mould in my carpet?

Baking soda can help absorb moisture and deodorize areas affected by mould, but it does not kill mould spores. For mould infestations, consult a professional.

What should I do if the smell persists after using baking soda?

If odours persist, it may indicate a deeper issue like mould or mildew beneath the carpet, requiring professional cleaning.

Can baking soda be used in carpet cleaning machines?

It’s not recommended to use baking soda in carpet cleaning machines as it can clog the components. Use it only for direct application to stains.

Is there an environmental benefit to using baking soda as a carpet cleaner?

Yes, baking soda is environmentally friendly, as it is a natural substance that doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or phosphates, making it a safe choice that doesn’t contribute to water pollution.