Busy households that are filled with energetic children and excitable puppies bring lots of joy, but also some unpleasant odors that can call the carpets home. When in between deep carpet cleanings, take the time to deodorize your carpets so that they always smell fresh. There are a few different ways you can go about that. Here are the top five. 

1. Baking Soda

It is widely known that baking soda has odor eliminating properties.  This all-natural product is easy to use and very cost effective. Before you head off to bed for the night, pour a container of baking soda in a shaker jar. Distribute the baking soda evenly over the entire carpet that you need to deodorize. Get a good night's rest and then vacuum the floor in the morning. You'll be surprised how well this method works. 

2. Vinegar

Is there just one area of your carpet that's the culprit? Perhaps where the dog lays, or where you set your shoes down after coming home from a long day at work. Vinegar is another common household product that has odor neutralizing abilities. Pour the vinegar in a spray bottle and then squirt  the liquid over the area of carpet that you'd like to freshen up. There's no need to do anything else. After the vinegar drys and dissipates the odor will be long gone. 

3. Lemon Essential Oil

Give your carpet a lemon fresh scent by combining 20 drops of lemon essential oil with 1/2 cup of borax powder. You'll find this powder in the laundry isle. Sprinkle the concoction on the carpets and wait two to three hours before vacuuming. Lemons work to deodorize a carpet because the citrus acid neutralizes odors. 

4. Vodka

Surprisingly, vodka is a great odor eliminator. It not only removes foul smells by destroying the bacteria that is causing the odor, but it can also be used to remove stubborn stains. Pour some vodka in a spray bottle and apply it to the carpet evenly. Let it sit to get rid of the odor, or blot with a white towel to get rid of stains. 

5. Dryer Sheets

Although dryer sheets aren't a permanent solution when it comes to deodorizing your carpets, they are great in a pinch. If you have company coming over with little time to prepare, simply take a dryer sheet and rub it over the area of your carpet that isn't smelling its best. 

In addition to the above methods for deodorizing your carpets, you'll want to make sure your home is properly ventilated. Fresh air helps in moving unpleasant smells along. 

To learn more, contact a carpet cleaning company like KC Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners.