Can You Vacuum With Baking Soda?
Baking soda is a great natural cleaner for most homes. It's a preference for many because it's odorless. Another reason people sprinkle baking soda on carpet before vacuuming is to deodorize it.
Baking soda is inexpensive and highly versatile, so you can use it on carpets, tiles, ovens, and other items and surfaces. But can you vacuum with baking soda?
Yes and no! Let's explain.
Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) has small particles, which could damage vacuum bags or filters by causing clogs. Most vacuum manufacturers and repairmen suggest avoiding baking soda.
We will explore this contradictory question and tackle several others, including, "Can you vacuum baking soda?"
Firstly, Is it safe to vacuum baking soda? Some vacuum manufacturers have a disclaimer: you should never suck up baking soda and other small fine powder as it clogs and blocks the cyclone on the vacuums. This is mostly the case with bagless vacuum cleaners like Dyson.
So, will baking soda ruin my vacuum? The tiny particles of the baking powder damage the motor, making your vacuum motor ineffective. Do also remember that baking soda is salt, which is a natural oxidizer.
When the metallic internal components of a vacuum are constantly exposed to salt, they could get damaged. This could result in a costly repair, or you may have to replace the vacuum. When that happens, you'll have to pay all the expenses because you violated the warranty terms and conditions.
Can You Vacuum a Mattress With Baking Soda?
If dry, you can use a powerful vacuum to remove baking soda from a mattress. Note: Be sure you check the warranty and instructions on the vacuum you plan to use. If you have an upholstery vacuum, it works well in eliminating baking soda on the mattress.
Check for residue by running a hand over the surface of your mattress. Re-vacuum if you notice any baking soda residue.
Can You Vacuum Wet Baking Soda?
You can vacuum wet baking soda, but the chances of damaging your vacuum increase because it clumps together, clogging the filters and making the motor overwork.
Wet baking soda may also cause oxidation and a chemical reaction in the internal metallic parts of the vacuum, permanently damaging them.
Even with a modern, powerful vacuum, it's better to allow the baking soda to dry completely before vacuuming.
Allowing the baking soda to dry also allows it to deodorize the surfaces.
How Long to Leave Baking Soda on Carpet Before Vacuuming?
For best results, leave baking soda on the carpet overnight before vacuuming. The longer bicarbonate soda stays on the surface, the better because it absorbs more oil, dirt, and moisture as it deodorizes.
If you don't have enough time or fear that the pets and kids might cause more mess, wait at least 15 to 20 minutes before vacuuming.
Can You Use Baking Soda on Carpet Before Vacuuming?
If there's a lingering odor, you can use baking soda on the carpet before vacuuming. It doesn't have any bleaching effects and doesn't cause damage to carpets, but always spot-test before sprinkling it on the entire carpet.
Avoid excessive amounts, as it would be too much work to vacuum. Applying a light layer serves the purpose without giving you trouble removing it as long as you leave it to do its work for the recommended time.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using baking soda on a carpet before vacuuming.
Use vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter.
Replace the filters or clean them often - strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Apply baking soda using a sieve or a shaker to evenly distribute a thin layer on the carpet.
Allow at least 15 minutes for the baking soda to settle before you vacuum
Vacuum thoroughly to avoid leaving baking soda residue
How to Get Baking Soda Out of Vacuumļ¼
If you suspect your vacuum is clogged with baking soda, don't replace it yet; remove it. Follow the steps below to clean your vacuum and remove baking soda.
Empty the Canister or Vacuum Bag
Get rid of loose particles by emptying the canister or bag. If your vacuum has a bag, remove it and dispose of it, but if you have a bagless vacuum, detach the canister and empty it.
Remove the Baking Soda Residue
Use a microfiber cloth or a soft brush to remove baking soda residue stuck on the crannies, nooks, and other vacuum surfaces.
Clean Brush Rolls and Filters
The vacuum brush roll collects and traps debris between the bristles because it's always in contact with the floor whenever you vacuum. Remove and use vinegar or warm, soapy water to clean the brush rolls. Rinse and dry completely before reattaching.
Based on your filter type, use a vacuum cleaner attachment or rinse it under running water to remove the baking soda residue.
Vacuum a Clean Hard Flooring
Vacuum a clean hard flooring several times to remove the remaining bicarbonate soda. While you vacuum, the suction power dislodges and removes baking soda residue.
Prevent further recontamination by disposing of the contents after every pass.
Professional Cleaning Services
Vacuums don't extract all the baking soda in carpets. They only extract up to 60% of the baking soda. This means that even after vacuuming, there will still be residue on the carpet, making your carpet less soft and uncomfortable to sit or walk on.
That's why Zerorez doesn't recommend using baking soda to clean carpets; hot water extraction is your best resort to fix odors and remove stains and soiling. This is our field of expertise!
We have been in operation since 2001. Over the years, we have grown and have various locations in the United States, making our exceptional services accessible to many people, including you.
If, for example, you're struggling to clean cat pee out of carpet, we can help. We offer a wide range of cleaning services.
Contact us today at 866-937-6739. If you plan to have our services soon, make your wish come true by scheduling a service now, and we will be there when you're ready!
