How to Make Carpet Freshening Powder

We all like fresh smelling carpets. There are a variety of carpet freshening powders on the market, but all of them contain harsh chemicals and some of them are even expensive. You can make your own easily, inexpensively, and without harsh chemicals.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baking Soda.
• Fork.
• Essential oil(s), cinnamon, or another powdered spice.
• Spoon or shaker container.
• Vacuum Cleaner.

1. Begin with baking soda. In a medium size bowl add about 1 cup of baking soda for each room that you will be freshening. Use a fork to stir it up making it soft and fluffy.

2. Add a fragrance. You will want to add about four drops of essential oil or one heaping teaspoon of spice for each cup of baking soda. You can choose your favorite essential oil or a combination or use cinnamon, cloves, or ginger instead.

3. Mix well. Using your fork mix your baking soda well so that there are no clumps (if using essential oils) or the color is even (if using spice).

4. To use:
   -Use a spoon or a shaker jar to sprinkle the carpet thoroughly.
   -Let sit for at least one hour.
   -Vacuum it up.

Tips & Warnings

• Carpet freshening powder is a great way to remove odors, freshen carpets, and leave them smelling great. However it isn't great for the weave of the carpet and should only be done every now and again (once every three or four months). The problem is that most vacuums aren't strong enough to remove all the powder from the weave of the carpet, so don't get carried away.
• Try not to walk on the powdered areas a lot. This pushes the powder farther down making it less likely that the vacuum cleaner can get it out of the carpet.

[goldiec]

on 7/18/2009 Thanks for the great tips on freshening your carpet! 5*