What are carpet powder cleaners (and are they safe to use)?

What is carpet powder?

Carpet powder, sometimes called "carpet deodorizer," is a cleaning product designed specifically for carpets. It typically consists of a fine, powdery substance sprinkled on carpets to absorb dirt, odors, and moisture. Usually, this fine powder is predominantly baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and scented. 

Using carpet powder cleaners is relatively straightforward, but you may find it helpful to follow the steps outlined below for the best results:

1. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and debris.
2. Sprinkle the carpet powder evenly over the surface, focusing on high-traffic areas and areas with odors.
3. Allow the powder to sit for the recommended time specified on the product label.
4. Use a carpet brush or broom to work the powder into the carpet fibers, which will help loosen dirt and odors.
5. Vacuum the carpet again to remove the powder.
6. Repeat the process as needed, following the manufacturer's instructions for frequency of use.

Why homeowners use carpet powder cleaners.

Some homeowners may believe that carpet powder cleaners contain the following benefits:

• A fast and efficient way to make a home smell fresh and clean 
• Safely remove ground-in dirt, stains, dust mites, and even allergens
• A fast way to make their home smell fresh and clean 
• No sticky residue left behind (which can often occur with traditional liquid carpet cleaners and can attract dirt and debris, creating an unpleasant, tacky sensation underfoot)

However, some drawbacks and safety concerns come with carpet powders and deodorizers. 

Are carpet powders safe to use?

The safety of carpet powders largely depends on the specific product and how you use it. 

One potential concern with carpet powders is the inhalation of airborne particles. Some products may contain fine particles that could irritate the respiratory system, especially for individuals with allergies or asthma. Additionally, some carpet powders may contain chemicals that could be harmful if ingested by pets or small children. There have also been recalls for some products that may contain harmful bacteria.

For example, carpet powder cleaners may contain a harmful chemical called perchloroethylene. According to NEDT Household Hazardous Products Collection Centers, this chemical can be highly toxic. You don't want to breathe it in or get it on your skin (it can cause irritation). 

It’s also difficult to remove every powder particle with a household vacuum. Despite thorough vacuuming, some carpet powders may leave behind a slight residue, particularly in high-traffic areas. The leftover powder residue can damage your carpet (and potentially your vacuum) over time. 

How to clean carpets and remove odors without using powders.

The good news is that you don't have to rely on carpet powders to enjoy a fresh and clean carpet. 

Here are some tips from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) for deodorizing and cleaning your carpets without using carpet powders:

Homemade carpet cleaning solutions.

You can create a DIY carpet cleaner for spot removal using the following ingredients:

• White vinegar: Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water. This is especially recommended for coffee and tea stains.
• Dishwashing liquid: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing soap with 1 cup of warm water. This is great for wine and chocolate stains.
• Nail polish remover: Make sure the nail polish remover doesn't have any conditioners.

Check out the charts and tables in the CRI's carpet cleaning guide for a more detailed list of which solutions to use for certain stains and spills. 

Spot cleaning carpet:

1. Absorb and gently clean up recent spills as quickly as possible. If you spill dry items, vacuum them up.
2. Don't scrub the area because you risk damaging your carpet's fibers.
3. Put carpet cleaner on a piece of cloth and gently blot the area.
4. Blot the area with water to remove the product's residue. 
5. Blot the area with a dry cloth. 

Deep cleaning carpet:

1. Invest in a carpet cleaning machine for water extractions.
2. Remove all furniture and vacuum up solid debris. 
3. Read your carpet's manufacturer's maintenance guidelines to determine whether you should pre-spray and rinse your carpet with water only (instead of chemicals). 
4. Use the appropriate amount and concentration of carpet cleaning chemicals. 
5. Use the equipment to extract as much water as possible. Complete as many passes as necessary. 
6. Allow the carpet to dry for at least 6 to 12 hours before putting the furniture back.

Baking soda to remove odors and stains.

Instead of using powders to remove odors, you can try baking soda. For example, sprinkle baking soda on your carpet. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes or even overnight to help absorb odors. Vacuum up the baking soda afterward. 

You can also use baking soda to remove stains caused by spilled drinks and pets. Just do the following:

1. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain. 
2. Allow it to sit for a few moments.
3. Spray the area with warm water.
4. Gently work in the water and baking soda. 
5. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Scoop up the baking soda paste residual paste.
7. Vacuum the area.
8. Allow the carpet to completely dry.

Why it's best to hire a professional for carpet cleaning.

It’s often recommended that you get your carpets professionally cleaned every 12-18 months.

For safety reasons, you may want to hire professional carpet cleaning services instead of using carpet powders or deep cleaning the carpet yourself. 

There are several benefits to hiring a professional for this project:

1. Remove the source of the carpet odor. Carpet powders may not remove what's actually creating a smelly carpet. It may mask the smell for some time, but the smell may come back.
2. Remove deep-seated stains and dirt. Depending on the problem and your carpet's condition, the professionals will recommend a carpet treatment. For example, they may perform a deep clean using hot water extraction or steam cleaning the carpet.
3. Save time and energy. Treating just a few stains is usually easy for homeowners. But what if you want to deep clean all of the carpet in your home? This can take hours and require a bit of physical exertion.

Hiring a professional carpet cleaning service ensures that your floors receive a deep and thorough cleaning. 

You can easily find local pros on Thumbtack. Download the Thumbtack app to compare top-rated professionals, and get free estimates. Get ready to breathe new life into your carpets. 

Vanessa Wolf contributed to this article.