Smell out of carpets?

Question

Can I use baking soda to get a general scent out of the carpet? If so, what do I do?

Answer 1

Baking soda "adsorbs" odors, which means it takes odors from the air. It neutralizes acid-based odors in water.
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight, or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.) Redo the process if you still smell odors you wish to remove. Baking soda works like magic, it sometimes just takes time and making sure you are using enough baking soda.

Caution: While damp baking soda works really well for many odors, damp baking soda can also get stuck onto the carpet fibers and be difficult to clean. If you live in a very humid climate you might substitute a light spray of white distilled vinegar for the baking soda.
Good Luck!!

Answer 2

Baking soda will work well, as does the fragranced powders you can buy to sprinkle over your carpeting before vacuuming. I would also recommend spraying Febreeze over your carpeting on a regular basis as well.

Answer 3

Yes you can. Sprinkle it on the rug and then vacuum it up.

Instead of baking soda, I like to use my favorite perfume in a talc powder. Shake the powder out on the rug, let sit for about five minutes and then vacuum.