Can you use washing powder on carpet as a shake n vac style freshener thingy?

[SasherinSuite]

Our carpets are a smelling a bit musty. I've used neutradol carpet freshener before but I'm wondering if I can use a light sprinkling of washing powder instead.

I really wouldn't. I'd worry about dust explosions in my vacuum cleaner.

Maybe bicarb?

(I have no idea why I think that'd be any safer, btw.)

I would say you should be ok, I have actually vacuumed up a chuck of washing powder straight from the box (this was a very lazy way of freshening the smell coming from the vac itself ).

However, what I would say is to use a NON BIO (non enzyme detergent) as my worry would be with a BIO (enzyme) detergent, is that the enzymes may start digesting the carpet - this would be if the carpet was wool based, as enzymes digest wool - hence why all detergents say not for use on wool, and to use a specialist detergent.

Bicarb powder is an excellent recommendation as this would actually absorb the smells, whereas I feel washing powder would just cover it with scent.

HTH

Definitely bicarb

Tried it, nightmare to vacuum up. I just use shake and vac now.

Bicarb.

Sorry completely forgot I started this thread . Bicarb it is. Where do you normally get yours from?

What works really well on freshening carpets is windowlene - any window cleaner with vinegar in it - spritz all round lightly, leave to dry then Hoover. Gets rid of doggy carpet brilliantly.

Oooh I've learnt something new today. Thanks ladies :-D