5 Easy Ways to Deodorize Carpets So They Always Smell Fresh

The carpets in your home experience a lot of foot traffic from day to day. Plus, depending on what room they're in, spills and stains aren't uncommon. Over time, these factors can lead to unpleasant odors taking root in the fibers of your rugs. But with just a few common household ingredients, like baking soda and vinegar, you can remove these odors and keep them from coming back. Ahead, experts share their favorite methods for deodorizing carpets.

How to Deodorize Carpet With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerful odor absorber, making it an excellent choice for deodorizing carpets, says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds.

1. Sift the baking soda through a flour sifter to prevent clumps.
2. Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the carpet, working it in with your hands.
3. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours or overnight.
4. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove all the baking soda.

How to Deodorize Carpet With Vinegar

Vinegar is a great option for removing mildew smells from carpets, says Parnell, adding that it can also kill bacteria and neutralize odors.

1. Mix 1 part vinegar and 2 parts warm water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the areas that smell of mildew, but be careful not to oversaturate the carpet.
3. Let the vinegar sit for 15 to 20 minutes. If needed, blot excess with a towel. 
4. Once dry, the vinegar smell will go away along with the odor.

How to Deodorize Carpet With Borax

Borax is an effective carpet deodorizer, but it should be handled with care. "Wear a mask that blocks dust particles the size of borax," says Parnell. You should also wear gloves when handling borax and only use it in a well-ventilated area.

1. Mix equal parts borax and baking soda.
2. Sprinkle the mixture over the carpet.
3. Work the mixture into the carpet.
4. Let the mixture sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure no children or pets come into contact with the mixture while it sits.
5. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove all the borax and baking soda.

How to Deodorize Carpet With Lemon

Another effective way to deodorize your carpet is with lemon. "The citrus scent will help neutralize odors," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. Start with dry carpet and vacuum to remove any loose dirt or debris.
2. Squeeze the juice from a few lemons into a spray bottle and dilute it with water. 
3. Lightly spray the lemon solution over the carpet. Avoid soaking the carpet.
4. Let the mixture air dry completely.
5. Once the carpet is fully dry, vacuum it to lift the fibers and remove any remaining particles. 

How to Deodorize Carpet With Vodka

As long as it's unscented, alcohol is excellent at neutralizing odors through its ability to kill bacteria, says Parnell.

1. Pour flavorless vodka into a spray bottle.
2. Spray the carpet, being careful not to oversaturate it.
3. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. If needed, blot excess with a towel. 
4. Once dry, the odor set in your carpet will fade.

How to Keep Your Carpet Smelling Fresh

To keep your carpet smelling fresh for longer, use these expert tips.

• Vacuum regularly: Prevent odors and remove dirt by vacuuming your carpets at least once a week.
• Clean spills immediately: Don't let spills sit. Clean them quickly to prevent stains and unpleasant odors from setting in, says Sokolowski.
• Use doormats: Place doormats at entrances to reduce dirt and debris tracked onto carpets, says Sokolowski.
• Promote air circulation: Ensure proper ventilation in rooms with carpets to prevent musty smells from setting in.
• Use baking soda: Make a habit of sprinkling baking soda on carpets periodically and vacuum it up to keep them fresh, says Sokolowski.