Powdered carpet deodorizers offer many different scents that can brighten a room during the carpet cleaning process. Whether it’s pumpkin spice, fresh cotton, ocean breeze, or any other scents, adding them to your carpet seems harmless. But is it?
In commercial settings like offices, retail stores, and medical clinics, maintaining a clean and professional appearance is crucial. While carpet deodorizers may seem like a quick fix for unpleasant odors, their use in high-traffic business environments can lead to unintended consequences.
Read More: The Benefits of Steam Carpet Cleaning For Workplaces
Do Carpet Deodorizers Help or Hurt?
Carpet deodorizers may smell good, but they contain some harmful substances. These include abrasive chemicals that can be detrimental to the health of your carpet.
Baking soda, a common household item, is among the substances used in carpet deodorizers. Other abrasive substances include calcium carbonate, sodium silicate, and hydrated silica. These substances have been known to cause carpet deterioration and delamination. So, when you use powdered deodorizers regularly, you’ll find that it causes your carpet to soil faster than normal.

When you use powdered carpet deodorizers, you’re basically spreading abrasive soils that are hard to remove. Even after vacuuming, only 65% of the overall soils get removed. This leaves 35% sitting on your carpet’s surface and roots.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a water-soluble substance that’s one of the main ingredients in carpet deodorizers. It sticks to the carpet fibers and causes scratches every time they’re walked on. Over time, this substance sifts into the backing of the carpet, causing the carpet to lose its durability and stability. This not only damages the carpet, but the vacuum you use as well.

Should I Use Carpet Deodorizers?
Of course, it’s up to you, but the use of these products will cause your carpet to deteriorate at a more rapid pace. There are deodorizers that don’t contain these harsh chemicals, so look for one of those safer alternatives. To help you decide, let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Carpet Deodorizers
Pros:
- Helps mask odors temporarily
- Convenient and easy to use
- Leaves a fresh scent
Cons:
- Can contain harsh chemicals that damage carpet fibers
- May build up over time and attract dirt
- Not a substitute for proper cleaning
- Typically not environmentally friendly
- Fragrances and additives may trigger allergies or sensitivities
Better Alternatives for Odor Control in Offices and Businesses
Now that we’ve established that carpet deodorizers are not the safest or most effective cleaning solution that they are made out to be let’s look at better alternatives. Without a doubt, the most effective method for odor control and carpet cleaning for businesses with offices or other facilities is regularly scheduled commercial cleaning. Ongoing routine janitorial services from a commercial cleaning company prevent lingering odors from developing because messes are cleaned promptly, helping to keep spills, dirt and grime from building up.
Related Read: How To Choose The Right Commercial Cleaning Company
Commercial Carpet Cleaning You Can Count On
Looking for a solution for cleaner carpets that won’t cause havoc? ROC Commercial Cleaning offers carpet cleaning services that will get your carpet looking and smelling fresh – safely.
Reach out to us today for carpet cleaning you can count on.
This is an updated blog that was originally published in 2022.
ROC Commercial Cleaning is your trusted Minneapolis commercial cleaning company. We provide janitor services for office buildings, medical and veterinary clinics, industrial buildings, and more. We also provide floor stripping and waxing, construction cleanup, and office disinfection services. ROC Commercial Cleaning is an experienced and reputable Minnesota corporate cleaning service provider – no job is too big or too small!
Get off the cleaning rollercoaster. Contact ROC Commercial Cleaning at 612-581-2776 for your free, no-obligation estimate.