Homemade Rug Deodorizers

A vacuum cleaner and some baking powder is all that is needed to deodorize a rug.

Commercial rug deodorizers come in a variety of scents and with a variety of chemicals that often are unrecognizable to the average person. Make homemade rug deodorizers and eliminate all those chemicals by using only natural substances. Make the deodorizer with a strong or light scent, depending on preference. Baking soda is the main ingredient in homemade rug deodorizers and is very gentle. Keep children and pets away when spreading the mixture on the rug so they do not breathe it in. Prevent pets from walking on the area while you are waiting to vacuum so they do not get it in their paws and lick it off.

Borax and Baking Soda

Combine 1/2 cup borax (found in the laundry section of the grocery store) and 1/2 cup baking soda in a bowl. Most commercial rug fresheners merely mask odors with heavy scents. Borax cleans and freshens, and baking soda absorbs odor. Place the mixture in a shaker with large holes, such as a powdered-cheese shaker. Evenly sprinkle the mixture over the rug. Let the mixture sit on the rug for 15 to 30 minutes without being disturbed. Vacuum the mixture from the rug or shake it off outside if the rug is not attached to the floor.

Cornstarch and Baking Soda

Use 1/2 cup baking soda and a tablespoon or so of cornstarch. Sprinkle the mix on the carpet. Wait the required amount of time and vacuum. Cornstarch removes minor stains by soaking them up.

Essential Oil Rug Deodorizer

Place 1 cup baking soda in a glass or ceramic bowl. Glass and ceramics do not retain scents from any added essential oil. Add 7 to 10 drops of essential oil and combine well. Pour the mixture into a shaker and evenly sprinkle it on the rug. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 15 to 30 minutes. Vacuum the rug well, or if it is not attached to the floor, shake the rug outside to remove any of the mixture. Allergy sufferers should be careful when adding fragrances as they may cause problems.

Herb or Flower Rug Deodorizers

Add a teaspoon or so of crushed cloves or ground cinnamon to either the borax or cornstarch recipes and mix well. Also add dried and crumbled bay leaves, potpourri, or dried lavender flowers to lend a lovely scent to the room.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Natural Carpet Powder Deodorizer
• Baby Center; Clean Carpets Without Dangerous Chemicals; Healthy Child Healthy World
• Utah State University; Basic Household Cleaning Items; Carolyn Washburn
• My Flooring Helper: Fixing Your Own Homemade Carpet Cleaner
• Household Management 101: Homemade Carpet Deodorizer Ingredients and Recipes

Resources

• United States Environmental Protection Agency: Source Reduction Alternatives Around the Home