How to Clean Stains on Carpet and Rugs with Baking
Baking Soda can be used to remove stains and deodorize carpets including rugs. However, when cleaning carpets and rugs with baking soda the amount and the method you use vary on the type of stain. It is proven that food stains like oil spills, mayonnaise, or other non-greasy stains like blood, mud, and wine stains on carpets can be treated with a DIY baking soda carpet cleaner stain remover.
Why Baking Soda?
Bicarbonate soda which is the scientifical name for baking soda is one of the best carpet cleaners there is. Not only does baking soda remove stains on carpets but it also gets rid of bad odors. Anyone with dogs and cats will love to hear this. The amazing thing about baking soda is that it is cheap, easy to use, and non-toxic. If you need to know more, don’t stop here.
Clean Fresh Stains Right Away
It is best to clean a fresh spill right away to avoid it getting dry. Dry stains on carpets are harder to get rid of so this is something to avoid if possible. On the other hand, whether the carpet stain is wet or dry baking soda can still remove the stain. Here is how to do it.
Spot Check Before Treating The Carpet Stain with Baking Soda
Caution: If this is the first time using baking soda on your carpet it’s always best to do a color-fastness test. Simply combine 1/2 tablespoon baking soda with 1/4 cup water and mix. Pour a few drops of this solution on a small area of the carpet. . Allow to dry then vacuum and check. If the color remains the same then you can continue to treat.
#1. How to Get Rid of Greasy Carpet Stains with Baking Soda
Grease on carpets can be stubborn to remove. This is because the oil attracts dust and dirt and oil is also heavier than water-based carpet stains. This makes it more concentrated. To know if it is a grease stain you are more than likely to see an outlined circle. If you see this then it may be a grease stain. To clean greasy carpet stains with baking soda follow the steps below.
1. Spot Test: Spot test a hidden area of the carpet with baking soda before applying it on the spot. Especially if it’s the first time using a baking soda carpet cleaner.
2. Blotting the Stain: Slightly damp an absorbent cloth like a sheet of paper towel or a clean white cloth preferably. Next dab a small amount of Dawn dish soap on the damp cloth. Use this to blot the stained area. Try concentrating on the stain by gently blotting simply by moving your hand in an upward and downward motion. Keep in mind not to add too much pressure as that will cause the oil to penetrate even further into the carpet making the stain harder to remove.
3. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda over the stained area. For this, you can use your fingers to sprinkle if you don’t have a shaker bottle. Shaker bottles make it easier when cleaning greasy carpet stains.
4. Wait Time: Cover the treated area with a small towel and allow the baking soda carpet cleaner to sit for 1-2 hours.
5. Blot Again: After the time is up use another clean warm damp cloth to blot the spot to remove the soap.
6. Allow to Dry: Allow the treated area to completely dry.
7. Vaccum: Lastly, vacuum the area
#2. Treating Wet Grease Carpet Stains
Just sprinkling baking soda on a dry grease carpet stain may not be a good idea as the baking soda needs something to work with. However, if you are dealing with a wet grease carpet stain, especially when removing carpet food stains just sprinkling the baking soda alone will do just fine. Here is how.
1. Sprinkle: Scatter the baking soda on the fresh stain
2. Wait: Let it sit for 1 hour. Allowing the baking soda to absorb the grease.
3. Vaccum: Vacuum and repeat the process if needed this time giving the baking soda carpet cleaner a longer setting time.
#3. How to Remove Non-Greasy Carpet Stains with Baking Soda
A non-greasy carpet stain is water base. This could be wine, mud, coffee, blood, etc. As long as it doesn’t have grease it’s a non-greasy stain. These stains are often easier to remove. Simply follow the instructions below.
- Spot Test: First, test the area for any color fade. Above you’ll find the testing solution.
2. Moisten the Area: If the stain is dry use warm water to dampen a clean cloth then blot the stain.
3. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Next, sprinkle the baking soda on the stain completely covering it.
4. Wait Time: Cover the area to prevent it from drying. Let it sit overnight. This way there are fewer people walking around. Also the longer it sits the better the results.
5. Next Morning: Uncover the area and if it’s still wet let it sit for a while longer then vacuum.
#4. How to Clean Red Carpet with Baking Soda
To clean the red carpet with baking soda, first, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove any loose debris and dirt. Next, sprinkle baking soda (no specific amount) liberally over the carpet, making sure all the areas are covered evenly. Let the baking soda sit for 8 hours, then vacuum it up thoroughly. For tough stains on a red carpet, combine 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup normal tap water to make a paste. Next, apply it directly to the stain using a white rag, and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with water and blotting dry.
To rinse the treated area on a red carpet avoid pouring water directly on the spot. If you do this it will make the carpet extremely wet and hard to dry. Instead, use a damp white cloth to wipe the treated area. Rinse the cloth and keep wiping until the baking soda is no longer visible.
#5. How to Use Baking Soda to Clean Your Carpet
Baking soda is more than just a carpet stain cleaner. For bad odors like pet urine, old musky smells, and general carpet cleaning, this would be the most natural approach. If you plan on cleaning your carpet DIY style with baking soda here is how to do it.
- Spot Test: First, test the area for any color fade. Above you’ll find the testing solution.
2. Vacuum: First, vacuum the carpet to remove dust and particles.
3. Sprinkle baking soda: Sprinkle the baking soda over the entire carpet.
4. Time: Allow setting for 30 minutes.
4. Vacuum: Vacuum the carpet.
Caution: If this is the first time using baking soda on your carpet it’s always best to do a color-fastness test. Simply combine 1/2 tablespoon baking soda with 1/4 cup water and mix. Pour a few drops of this solution on a small area of the carpet. . Allow to dry then vacuum and check. If the color remains the same then you can continue to treat.
#6. Baking Soda House Cleaning Tips
If you need a cleaner for your entire home baking soda comes highly recommended. Baking soda can be used for cleaning grout, bathroom grout, countertops, floors, laundry and so much more. Here are a few articles using baking soda.
- 15 Brilliant Baking Soda Cleaning Tips You’ll be Needing
- How to Clean Soap Scum Off Shower Tiles and Glass Doors
- How to Wash and Freshen Towels with Baking Soda and Vinegar
#7. Leaving Baking on the Carpet
How long do you leave baking soda on the carpet? The shortest time should be 20 minutes then again it all depends on the type of stain. For the best result, it would be best to leave baking soda on the carpet for 8 hours. That would be the time from going to bed and waking up in the morning.
Spot Test Before Using Baking Soda on Carpet
If this is the first time using baking soda on your carpet it’s always best to do a color-fastness test. Simply combine 1/2 tablespoon baking soda with 1/4 cup water and mix. Pour a few drops of this solution on a small area of the carpet. Allow to dry then vacuum and check. If the color remains the same then you can continue to treat.
