What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts derived from various parts of plants such as the leaves, flowers, roots, bark, or seeds. They are called “essential” because they contain the essence of the plant’s fragrance, flavor and other characteristic properties.
Essential oils are usually extracted through steam distillation or cold pressing, and each oil has a unique chemical composition that gives it specific properties and benefits. Some of the most commonly used essential oils include lavender, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, and lemon.
Why use baking soda and essential oils for cleaning the carpet?
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb any unwanted odors or moisture in the carpet, while many essential oils have disinfectant and antibacterial properties and provide a pleasant scent. Baking soda and essential oils can be a great combination for cleaning, freshening and deodorizing your carpet.
Best essential oils for carpet cleaning
- Lemon Essential Oil:
Lemon essential oil has natural cleaning properties and a fresh, citrusy scent. It can help to remove stains and brighten up the carpet. - Tea Tree Essential Oil:
Tea tree essential oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help eliminate bacteria, mold, and mildew from carpets. It also has a refreshing scent. - Lavender Essential Oil:
Lavender essential oil has a soothing scent and can help to deodorize carpets. It is also a natural insect repellent, which can be useful in homes with pets. - Eucalyptus Essential Oil:
Eucalyptus essential oil has a refreshing scent and can help to eliminate odors from carpets. It also has antiseptic properties that can help to kill bacteria and other germs.
Baking Soda and Essential Oil Carpet Cleaning Recipe:
½ cup Baking Soda
1 drop Lavender essential oil
1 drop Lemon essential oil
- Mix the baking soda with the lavender and lemon essential oils
- Sprinkle mix over carpet
- Leave for 30 minutes
- Vacuum
The baking soda helps to neutralize odors and removes basic stains. The lavender essential oil is calming and relaxing as well as being an antiseptic and antifungal. The lemon essential oil is also a strong antiseptic, is insecticidal, antimicrobial and helps to cleanse the air.
- Always be sure to test a small area of the carpet first to make sure the essential oils do not discolor or damage the carpet.
Baking Soda and Essential Oil Recipe for Stubborn Carpet Stains
1/4 cup Baking Soda
1/4 cup White Vinegar
- Sprinkle stain with baking soda and leave for 30 minutes
- Spray the white vinegar over the baking soda
- The fizzing action helps to lift built in stains from the carpet
- Gently rub over area with a damp cloth
- For really stubborn stains this may need to be repeated.
The baking soda and white vinegar leave no toxic residue.