Looking for a natural way to get your carpet smelling fresh? When you think of all the time your kids and pets spend in close contact with the carpet, chemical laden carpet deodorizers aren’t an option. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the carpet before vacuuming. It’ll absorb odors naturally, without the use of nasty chemicals.

Before using any powdered carpet deodorizer, test in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that your vacuum cleaner is strong enough to pick up the powder.

If you have area rugs instead of carpet, and your vacuum isn’t strong enough, you can save the deorizing step for a time when you can pull the rugs outside and beat the excess powder out.