How To Clean A Rug With Baking Soda

Is your rug in need of cleaning? Trying to keep yours looking its best can often seem daunting, especially if you are facing a stubborn stain or smell. Thankfully, there are some essential tips you can follow to restore your rug to its former glory, and baking soda is one of the most effective solutions available.

No matter whether you are dealing with day-to-day dirt, spillages, or mistakes from pets, in this guide, we take you through the process of keeping your rug clean and clear.

What are the benefits of cleaning a rug with baking soda?

Before we take a look at how you can clean your rug with baking soda, let’s first take a look at some of the biggest benefits that it can bring…

1) Cost-effective

One of the biggest benefits of using baking soda is that it is a cost-effective alternative compared to other cleaning products.

2) Free from chemicals

Another major benefit is that baking soda is free from chemicals and non-toxic, making it ideal for use around kids and pets.

3) Deodorising

Rather than simply masking smells, as many products do, baking soda is very effective at neutralising odours so that your rug smells as good as new.

4) Versatility

Baking soda is incredibly versatile, can be used for a wide range of cleaning tasks around the home, and is safe to use on most materials.

How to clean a rug with baking soda

If you are looking to clean your rug with baking soda, the process is very simple.

Step one: Preparation

When it comes to know how to clean a rug with baking soda, the first step is to prepare the area effectively. You should move all furniture off the rug and ensure you have enough space to work before thoroughly vacuuming to remove any loose dirt and debris.

Step two: Application

Next, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda evenly over the surface of the rug. Once you have covered the entire rug, leave the baking soda for a minimum of 15 minutes; however, for more stubborn stains, consider leaving it to get to work overnight.

Step three: Vacuum

Finally, use a powerful vacuum to remove all traces of baking soda. You may need to do this several times to ensure there is no residue left behind.

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How to remove stains from rugs using baking soda

While the above steps are a general method of refreshing a rug, how do you target specific stains? Here are some step-by-step instructions for the most common.

Oil-based stains and grease

For oil-based or grease stains, you should:

• Absorb as much of the liquid as possible by blotting the area with a paper towel.
• Then sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain and let it absorb the oil for at least 30 minutes.
• Vacuum the baking soda up, blotting the area with a damp cloth and a solution of water and mild dish soap.

Water-based stains

For water-based stains, such as wine or juice, you should:

• Begin by mixing your baking soda with water to create a paste.
• Apply the paste directly onto the stain and gently work it into the fibres of the rug using a soft brush.
• Rinse with clean water and then blot the area dry using a clean towel.
• For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process a few times.

Pet stains

If your pet has left their mark on your rug, you should:

• Cover the stained area with baking soda and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Spray a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar over the baking soda. You should see it begin to fizz, which will help lift the stain from the fibres.
• Blot the area with a damp cloth until the stain has gone.

How to remove odours from rugs with baking soda

With regular use, it is common that your rug can begin to smell, especially if you have pets or have spilt food on it. Baking soda is excellent at neutralising odours, so start by sprinkling it all over the rug, paying particular attention to areas with noticeable scents.

Let the baking soda sit for several hours, ideally overnight, and then vacuum it thoroughly so there are no remnants. Repeat the process again if the smell still remains.

Does baking soda kill bacteria on rugs?

While baking soda is very effective at lifting stains and neutralising odours, it is not capable of killing bacteria directly on its own. However, what it does do is create an inhospitable environment for bacteria to thrive, and when combined with other ingredients such as white vinegar, it works with them to fully sanitise your rug and leave it as good as new.

Read also: The Best Way to Clean Sisal Rugs

What cleaning products can you mix with baking soda?

Combining baking soda with other natural cleaning agents can help to amplify its effectiveness, and some of the most powerful recipes include:

Baking soda and white vinegar

This is very effective at removing stubborn stains and smells. To create this solution, mix water with equal parts vinegar and place it into a spray bottle. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the rug and spritz with the solution until it starts to fizz. Once the fizzing stops, blot and rinse the area with clean water until the stain is removed.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

This is an ideal solution for white rugs, but make sure to test it first in an inconspicuous area in case it causes the colour to fade. To create this solution, mix equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of washing-up liquid and apply it to the stain. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush until it begins to lift, and then rinse and blot dry.

Baking soda and essential oils

This is a great solution for creating a fragrant scent on your rug, and begin by adding 15 drops of your favourite essential oil to a cup of baking soda. Next, sprinkle the soda over the rug and let it sit overnight before vacuuming thoroughly.

Final thoughts

Rugs are an essential part of any décor, helping to bring your room to life. However, with daily use they can quickly begin to look a little dirty and in need of some TLC. These simple steps using baking soda can transform your rug, leaving it looking and smelling fantastic. If you find the process too time-consuming or your rug requires a deeper clean, consider calling a professional cleaning company for expert care and results.

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