Learn How to Clean Carpet with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Let’s face it—carpets take a beating. Whether it’s muddy footprints, spilled tea, or that unmistakable pet smell, a once-fluffy floor can quickly become a sticky, smelly mess.

And if you don’t own a fancy carpet cleaner? Don’t worry. The answer may already be in your kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean carpet with vinegar and baking soda—a powerful natural combo that lifts stains, neutralises odours, and refreshes your home without harsh chemicals or expensive gear.

Perfect for families, pet owners, and UK tenants trying to freshen up before inspections.

Why Use Vinegar and Baking Soda on Carpets?

Vinegar and baking soda are a popular DIY cleaning combo for a reason.
They’re natural, eco-friendly, and already sitting in most kitchen cupboards.Vinegar helps break down grime and kill bacteria , while baking soda neutralises odours and gently lifts dirt. Together, they react on contact to create a fizz that helps loosen stains from carpet fibres.

They’re safe to use in homes with kids or pets, and much kinder to your health and the environment than commercial chemical sprays.

Plus, they cost next to nothing and don't leave behind strong artificial fragrances.

When to Use This Method (And When to Avoid It)

The vinegar and baking soda method is best used for everyday carpet problems—light to moderate stains, musty smells, and general freshening up.

It's especially good for tea, coffee, juice spills, pet accidents, and food spots.

However, avoid using it on antique, silk, or wool carpets. These natural fibres can be sensitive to the acidity in vinegar.

Always spot test first, especially on carpets that aren’t colourfast. Also, if your carpet has been water-damaged or has visible mould, it’s best to call in a professional cleaner.

What You’ll Need

To get started, gather some white distilled vinegar, baking soda, a spray bottle, warm water, a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush, a few clean towels or cloths, and a vacuum.

If you’d like to leave a pleasant scent behind, you can add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon to your vinegar solution.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Carpet with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Start by vacuuming the area thoroughly. This is important—removing surface dirt and debris ensures you won’t be scrubbing it further into the fibres during cleaning.

Take your time and go over the area in different directions.

Next, sprinkle baking soda directly over the carpet. Focus more heavily on stained or smelly areas.

You don’t need to bury it, but make sure it’s evenly distributed. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and longer if you're targeting tough odours.

While that sits, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. If using essential oil, add a few drops to the mix.
Once ready, lightly spray the area where you’ve applied the baking soda.

You should see it fizz on contact—this is the reaction that helps lift stains and break down residues trapped in the carpet fibres.

After spraying, leave it to sit for around 10 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to work.

Then, using your brush, gently scrub the surface. You don’t need to apply much pressure—just use circular motions to help the solution penetrate.

Once you've worked the solution in, take a clean towel or cloth and blot the area. Press firmly to soak up excess moisture.

Repeat with a dry part of the towel until the area feels only slightly damp. Be patient—this step makes a big difference in drying time and final results.

Let the area dry completely. Open windows or use a fan to speed things up if needed.

Once the carpet is dry, vacuum again to lift any baking soda residue and fluff the fibres back up.

Other DIY Carpet Cleaning Tips You Might Find Helpful

If you're looking for more chemical-free ways to keep your floors fresh, we've got you covered.

Learn how to tackle stains, smells, and dirt using only common household items—no machine required.

Check out our full step-by-step guide on how to clean carpet without a carpet cleaner for more natural, budget-friendly solutions.

For pet messes, after the fizzing has settled, consider using an enzyme cleaner to break down any remaining odour-causing bacteria.

For wine or coffee stains, you may need to repeat the process twice. If you're dealing with greasy marks, add a drop of dish soap to your vinegar mix before spraying.

How Safe Is It?

For most carpets, this method is very safe when applied correctly. Just make sure to test a small hidden patch before doing a full treatment.

As a rule, stick to synthetic, nylon, or polyester carpets. Avoid using on wool or handwoven rugs, and never over-saturate the area—you could loosen the carpet glue or backing.

How Often Should You Do This?

Use this method for full carpet cleaning every 3 to 6 months, depending on how much foot traffic your home gets.

For freshening up smells, baking soda alone can be used once a month. Spot cleaning, of course, can be done anytime stains appear.

FAQs

Can I mix vinegar and baking soda in a bottle?
No—doing so neutralises their effects before they reach the carpet.

Mix them directly on the floor for the fizzing action to work where it counts.

Can I leave baking soda overnight?
Yes. It’s ideal for odours and safe to vacuum the next morning.

Is vinegar safe for wool carpets?
No. Vinegar is too acidic for delicate fibres.

Use only on colourfast synthetic carpets unless your rug is explicitly labelled as safe for vinegar-based cleaning.

What essential oils can I use?
Lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree are popular choices.

They offer a natural scent and some have mild antibacterial properties.

Conclusion

With just two simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can restore your carpets, lift stubborn stains, and make your home smell fresher—all without using a carpet machine or spending extra on commercial products.

Vinegar and baking soda work together to deodorise and deep clean in a way that’s safe for you, your family, and the environment.

If your carpet needs more help than a DIY session can offer, Glohus is here with professional carpet and deep home cleaning services across Hertfordshire. Get the job done right—without lifting a finger.