Did you know that in 2022, baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, made up a $1.67 billion global market? By 2028, experts forecast it to grow and reach $1.98 billion.
Baking soda, after all, is so versatile that many industries, from food to personal care, use it. Doctors even prescribe it as a treatment for heartburn and acid indigestion.
Another typical, albeit controversial, use of sodium bicarbonate is carpet cleaning. You’ll find guides saying you can use baking soda carpet cleaner, but don’t explain how or if it works.
So, is baking soda effective for carpet and rug cleaning? Read on as we answer this question in detail.
Is Baking Soda Carpet Cleaner Effective?
Yes, baking soda can be an effective rug and carpet cleaner because it’s an alkali.
Alkalis are substances with a pH of 7.5 to 14, whereas a neutral substance’s pH is 7. They have detergent properties that let them alter fats, grease, and oil structures. They make the latter more soluble and easier to remove.
Baking soda’s pH is 9, making it slightly alkaline. This slight alkalinity allows it to break down dirt containing fats, grease, and oil.
Baking soda’s fine powder form also gives it the ability to absorb moisture. This makes it a nifty tool for cleaning fresh liquid spills fast.
As a fine powder, baking soda has a gentle abrasive effect. This lets it knock dirt on rug and carpet fibers loose without scratching or fraying them.
Baking soda also has odor-neutralizing properties. You can use it to remove a foul carpet smell caused by spilled food and drinks. It can also work on smelly pet carpet accidents, provided you immediately clean the poop or pee.
When Is It Not Effective?
Baking soda isn’t effective on inorganic soils, such as sand, clay, and minerals. Acids often do a better job of removing these substances.
The problem is that many acid cleaners are too potent for sensitive rug and carpet fibers. The more acidic the cleaning solution, the more corrosive it is.
Hard water deposits are especially problematic, as more can form if you use hard water to try and clean them out. You can use baking soda to remove them, but you have to mix it with vinegar for it to work. This may be okay for cleaning deposits in sinks, faucets, and tiles, but for large carpets and rugs, not so much.
Unfortunately, many states, including Utah, have hard water.
So if you live in Beaver State and use tap water to clean rugs and carpets, their fibers are likely very stiff by now. In this case, your best bet is to invest in Utah rug cleaning and carpet restoration services. They clean carpet stains of all kinds, including organic and inorganic soils.
Baking Soda Works but Not Always
Now you know that baking soda carpet cleaner works on some, but not all, types of dirt. You can use it to deal with fats, grease, or oil spills and stains on rugs and carpets. But for hard water deposits and more severe soiling, hire professional cleaners instead.
For more cleaning tips and tricks, check our guide to cleaning cast iron tubs!
