Baking Soda Vs Baby Powder: Which Removes Carpet Odor The Best

Having carpet can make your home feel warm and cozy. With so many carpet floor trends that are having a moment, it's no surprise that this style is still a top choice for homeowners. Unlike other flooring options, however, carpet is notoriously vulnerable to spills and stains, with its fibers absorbing liquids and odors. When faced with odors, many people choose to sprinkle common household powders like baking soda or baby powder to freshen the air and pull out the smell. But is there one that works the best?

Between baking soda and baby powder, the choice is clear: baking soda is the right one to use. In fact, using baking soda on your carpets is one of the best hacks to control gross smells in your home, since it neutralizes odors instead of just masking them. Removing carpet odors with baking soda is simple — you'll just need baking soda and a vacuum cleaner.

Start by vacuuming your carpets as you normally would. Next, generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire area, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (for strong odors, leave for a few hours or even overnight). Finally, vacuum as usual, ensuring that the powder is completely removed. You can use baking soda as part of your regular vacuuming routine by applying it monthly for light refreshes or a more thorough treatment every quarter for a deeper clean.

While baking soda and baby powder have some similarities, they also have significant differences that make them unequal when it comes to removing odors. Baking soda works so well on carpets because it's a mild base — this means that it works well as an odor neutralizer to absorb and neutralize acidic odor-causing molecules. This is just one of the unexpected ways to use baking soda in your home. Besides removing odors, it can be used for cleaning and whitening carpet stains because of its chemical nature.

While baby powder can be used to remove carpet odors in a pinch if you don't have any other solution, it doesn't actually neutralize them — it simply covers them up. Baby powder is made from talc or cornstarch — neither of which possesses odor-neutralizing properties. The sweet and distinct smell from baby powder comes from an added fragrance, and while it can temporarily make your carpet smell better, it's not a long-term solution. You can expect the odor to return once the scent of the baby powder fades because it only masks the offensive smell.