How to Make Carpets Smell Better

Regular vacuuming can help keep a carpet fresh.

Carpets easily absorb household odors. Vacuuming alone doesn't always remove these odors. But smell-absorbing baking soda and other common household supplies can be used to freshen your carpet. After the odor's removed, keep your carpet smelling its best by vacuuming regularly, cleaning spills right away and ventilating your room whenever possible.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Cornstarch
• Talcum powder
• Shaker
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Mix 3/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup talcum powder and 2 tbsp. cornstarch in an empty shaker. Consider using a clean parmesan cheese shaker or a spice shaker.

2. Sprinkle the mixture over the entire carpet.

3. Rub the mixture in, using a broom or a stiff brush.

4. Allow the powder to sit on the carpet for at least 30 minutes but preferably overnight.

5. Vacuum up all the powder.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use straight baking soda if you don't have the other supplies.

References

• Pioneer Thinking: Homemade Cleaning Products
• "Good Housekeeping": Deodorize Your House