Homemade Carpet Powder

By: Sarena-Rae Santos

About Sarena-Rae

Sarena-Rae Santos (The Holistic Hipppie)

I am a holistic health blogger who’s been in remission from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) since adopting a plant-based lifestyle along immersing myself in nature, herbalism, and holistic health modalities in 2019. Mesmerized by the power, soul, and science of plants, I created my website. With peace, passion, and purity, I share my research and recipes as a contribution back to Mother Earth for all she provides. In 2025, I enrolled in the Clinical Herbalist Path at the Herbal Academy to formally learn how to harness the power of herbs and connect with nature to support complete mind-body wellness.

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The author of this website, Sarena-Rae Santos, is an herbal student, but not a registered herbalist or functional medicine practitioner. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. This content is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace medical guidance from a trusted provider. The Holistic Hipppie assumes no liability for the application of the information discussed.

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The photograph taken by Sarena-Rae Santos displays a neatly arranged set of natural cleaning supplies placed on a marble countertop. At the center is a tall, clear glass jar with a white screw-top lid filled with homemade carpet powder. To the left of the jar is a brown glass spray bottle with a black nozzle filled with disinfectant spray. In front of the bottle, a vibrant red towel is rolled up, adding a touch of color and texture. To the right of the carpet powder jar lie two small essential oil bottles labeled “Lemon” and “Eucalyptus Globulus.” A deep red artificial flower with yellow accents peeks from behind, enhancing the aesthetic with a warm, decorative touch. The entire scene is framed with a colorful rainbow gradient border that enhances the visual appeal and draws attention to the central items.
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Let’s face it: If you have carpet in your home, chances are you’ve used carpet powders from the store, such as Arm & Hammer’s Carpet Odor Eliminator, which contains sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), hydrated silica, polyoxyethylene tallow, ethylmonium ethosulfate, and fragrances.

As someone who suspects Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), these ingredients are a hard pass for me in my home.

While MCS is not considered an “illness” by the American Medical Academy, it is a collection of noteworthy symptoms triggered by chemicals such as the 3,100 or so stock chemical ingredients used by the fragrance industry (1). MCS is a very real issue for many people (2). Some professionals refer to it as Sick Building Syndrome (3). MCS symptoms include:

  • Burning eyes
  • Breathing problems
  • Cough
  • Changes to heart rhythm
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Congestion and other sinus trouble
  • Diarrhea, bloating, and/or gas
  • Digestive problems
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Memory problems
  • Mood changes
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Poor concentration
  • Rash
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Sleep issues
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Trouble concentrating

This is a long list of undesirable symptoms. Clearly, caution is warranted with the products we allow in our homes. So, what can we do to improve carpet odor?

That’s when an all-natural, toxin-free carpet powder comes into play. This DIY is a straightforward and inexpensive swap that anyone can do. You only need a shaker bottle, basic pantry staples, and optional essential oils for cleaning. I like eucalyptus globulus, lemon, and sweet orange because they’re safe for dogs, kids, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Looking for more dog-friendly essential oils? Check out Plant Therapy’s list of Pup & Pony Approved Essential Oils.

Essential Oils for Cleaning Eucalyptus Lemon Sweet orange Oregano Tea Tree

You may have noticed I didn’t specify using aluminum-free baking soda. Not to worry; all baking soda is free from aluminum (it’s baking powder that has aluminum). Now, let’s get to the odor-banishing recipe that’s guaranteed to freshen up your carpets.

EQUIPMENT

  • 16-ounce shaker bottle (I used a vintage glass spice jar similar to these)

MATERIALS

  • 1 – 2 cups baking soda (if using cornstarch or arrowroot powder, only use 1 cup)
  • 1 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for moisture absorption)
  • 20 – 40 drops of essential oils for cleaning (optional, for scent, cleansing, or both)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Fill the shaker bottle with baking soda and, if using, cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
  2. Add 20 – 40 drops of essential oils and shake well to incorporate.
  3. To use: Sprinkle generously on your carpet, let sit for 20 – 30 minutes (the longer, the better), and vacuum thoroughly.

NOTES

  • Some online information claims that using baking soda with vacuum cleaners can void the warranty. I recommend checking your vacuum’s warranty information before making or using this DIY carpet powder recipe.
The photograph taken by Sarena-Rae Santos displays a neatly arranged set of natural cleaning supplies placed on a marble countertop. To the left is a tall, clear glass jar with a white screw-top lid filled with homemade carpet powder. To the right of the carpet powder jar lie two small essential oil bottles labeled “Lemon” and “Eucalyptus Globulus.” A deep red artificial flower with yellow accents peeks from behind, enhancing the aesthetic with a warm, decorative touch. The entire scene is framed with a colorful rainbow gradient border that enhances the visual appeal and draws attention to the central items.
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Homemade Carpet Powder

Banish odors and freshen up your carpets naturally with this easy-to-make carpet powder! Made with basic pantry staples and optional essential oils, this DIY solution is a budget-friendly way to keep your home smelling amazing.
Cook Time2 minutes
Servings 16 ounces
Recipe by: Sarena-Rae Santos (The Holistic Hipppie)

Equipment

  • 16-ounce shaker bottle (I used a vintage glass spice jar similar to these)

Ingredients

  • 1 – 2 cups baking soda if using cornstarch or arrowroot powder, only use 1 cup
  • 1 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder optional, for moisture absorption
  • 20 – 40 drops of essential oils for cleaning optional, for scent, cleansing, or both

Instructions

  • Fill the shaker bottle with baking soda and, if using, cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
  • Add 20 – 40 drops of essential oils and shake well to incorporate.
  • To use: Sprinkle generously on your carpet, let sit for 20-30 minutes (the longer, the better), and vacuum thoroughly.

Notes

Some online information claims that using baking soda with vacuum cleaners can void the warranty. I recommend checking your vacuum’s warranty information before making or using this DIY carpet powder recipe.

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