How to Get Baking Soda Out of Carpet

So you’ve used baking soda to clean up a mess and now you’ve got a mess of baking soda residue stuck in your carpet, or maybe some spilled onto the floor. Either way, you need to get it out fast! Before it starts fading your carpet.

Fet not! Most of the tools you need are probably already in your home. We’ll show you the top 3 methods for getting baking soda out of your carpet.

You can get baking soda out of carpet by using your vacuum cleaner. Simply vacuum the area of the rug until you have removed all of the baking soda powder.

Tips: 

Always clean your carpet with care, scrubbing too abrasively can untwist carpet fibers and cause matting. 

For drying wet carpet, use a fan or turn of the furnace in the winter, as wet carpet can cause a mildew smell if left too long.

Method 1: Vacuuming Baking Soda Out of Carpet

If the baking soda is dry and still a powder, a brush and pan and vacuum might be all you’ll need. 

It’s important to be careful when using a vacuum cleaner for baking soda as the small particles can damage the motor. This is why it’s important to remove as much as you can by hand first and clean your vacuum filter immediately after using it.

What you’ll need:

1. Brush and pan

2. Vacuum cleaner

Steps to remove baking soda with a vacuum:

Step 1: Use a brush and pan to scoop up as much as you can by hand.

Step 2: Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up whatever is remaining.

Step 3: Use a brush to agitate the powder deep in the fibers and vacuum again, 

repeat until all the powder is gone. 

Step 3: Clean your vacuum filter immediately

If you still can’t get all of the powder out of the carpet, try brushing your carpet and proceed to method 2.

Method 2: Remove Baking Soda with Vinegar

This can be a useful method for both powdered and damp baking soda, or if there is any powder left after vacuuming. If you’ve ever done a volcano science experiment as a child you’ll know how vinegar reacts with baking soda. We’ll use this reaction to our benefit and simply sponge up the baking soda after it bubbles up. If you don’t have white vinegar on hand, lemon juice will work as well as it’s also an acid that reacts with baking soda.

*If you don’t have vinegar or lemon juice – shaving cream or alcohol will also work.

What you’ll need:

1. White vinegar (or lemon juice)

2. Sponge or rag

3. Paper towels

Steps to remove baking soda with vinegar:

Step 1: Create a solution of half vinegar and half hot water.

Step 2: Dip the sponge into the solution and scrub the area gently until there is no more visible baking soda. Once you stop seeing a bubbling reaction you’ll know that you’ve gotten all of the baking soda.

Step 3: Use the paper towels to absorb the remaining liquid.

Method 3: Steam Cleaner

If you don’t have a steam cleaner at home they’re quite affordable to rent and do a great job at cleaning up dry or damp baking soda. Just be sure to get one that has a brush attachment, that will ensure that you get any baking soda residue deep in the carpet fibers.

What you’ll need:

1. Steam cleaner with brush attachment

2. Brush and pan

Steps to remove baking soda with a steam cleaner:

Step 1: Use the brush and pan to pick up any large amount of baking powder still on the carpet.

Step 2: Add the cleaning solution that works with your steam cleaner.

Step 3: Follow the instructions for your particular steam cleaner to wash the area with the baking soda.

Step 4: Use your hand brush to pull out any remaining baking soda that might still be lodged in the carpet.

Step 5: Wash again with the steam cleaner and let dry.

Baking Soda Removed From Carpet

If used carefully and in moderation baking soda can be great for carpet odors and cleaning, but becomes a hazard for your carpets if left to sit for longer than a few hours. Thankfully, most of the tools to get it out of your carpet, before it becomes a problem, can be found in your home. 

What will happen if baking soda is left on the carpet?

Many people use baking soda to deodorize and clean carpets. While this does work, it takes only an hour or two, after which there is no benefit to leaving it longer. Depending on the type of carpet, the discoloration can begin as soon as 24 hours. Baking soda can also seep into the layers beneath the carpet and damage the underlying flooring.

How can I safely use baking soda for odors?

Simply spread the baking soda over the offending area and use the vacuum methods described above to clean it up. Be careful not to leave the baking soda for more than a few hours or you risk damaging the fibers in your carpet.

Will dish soap or detergent work?

Dish soap and detergent can also work by applying, scrubbing and soaking it up. However, if you’re using dish soap make sure it is gentle and be especially careful with detergents as some can stain your carpet.