The Nose Knows: Herbal Carpet Deodorizer

If you have furry, four-legged companions, and you also have any type of carpeting or rugs in your home, you already know these two things don't necessarily mix. In fact, sooner or later, you may have some lingering odors that even the most nose-blind would find hard to ignore. There are plenty of carpet products in the stores, but many contain chemicals and fragrances that might not be so good for you, your pet, and anyone else in your household. Thankfully, you can make a quick and easy carpet deodorizer at home, with just a few ingredients:

Herbal Carpet Deodorizer

Ingredients:
1 lb. baking soda
1/2 cup loosely packed crumbled, dried herbs such as lavender, sage, or rosemary (use whatever you like best or a combination)

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Spoon into an airtight jar or container and store in a cool, dry place. To use, sprinkle a thin layer evenly over carpet and let stand for 10-30 minutes, then vacuum as usual—your vacuum will consequently be deodorized as well :-)

Have any great home-cleaning hacks that are easy and safe for the whole family? Be sure to share in the comments!

Notes: You can certainly use just the baking soda for its odor-absorbing properties, but the herbs add an additional odor-fighting layer that will also help repel any critters with more than four legs. Be sure to mix the ingredients together on a relatively dry day (or in the comfort of your air conditioning) to avoid clumping. For serious deodorizing, sprinkle and leave overnight before vacuuming—just be sure to keep everyone out of the room while it sits!

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