How safe are carpet deodorizers? As a seasoned vacuum tester, I urge you to try alternative methods

They're a go-to choice for many, but how safe are carpet deodorizers?

As Homes & Gardens' home tech editor, I've spent more than 200 hours testing vacuums, and I've even visited Dyson's engineering labs. I know these appliances inside and out, and one thing I've learned is that fine powders can damage your vacuum.

So, even the best vacuums for carpet need to be looked after. That's why I consulted our trusted cleaning experts to find out whether carpet deodorizers are safe.

How safe are carpet deodorizers?

While carpet deodorizers are designed to be vacuumed and freshen up our floors, the potential risks from doing so aren't worth it and should be one of the things you get rid of to make your home non-toxic. They can cause mechanical issues too.

'Carpet deodorizers all consist of very fine powders that can get past your vacuum’s filters and get into the motor,' says Taylor Riley, partner at AMR US Commercial Cleaning.

This fact is commonly understood among professional cleaners as Scott Schrader, cleaning pro from CottageCare, emphasizes: 'Having seen several cases, I can confirm that carpet deodorizers can kill your vacuum in silence, and can slither their way past your vacuum’s primary filters, especially on bagless or lower end models.'

'The powders will not just disappear; they will build up inside the vacuum where you can't see it,' he continues. It's actually one of the major vacuum cleaner mistakes to avoid, and a common cause for people getting rid of their old vacuum earlier than they should.

What are the potential outcomes?

Aside from making it more difficult to clean your vacuum, you'll end up damaging your machine and causing the vacuum to lose suction power.

'Over time, they continue to clog your filters, cake inside the motor and cause a significant loss in suction,' Scott explains. This can cause your motor to burn out, the vacuum to overheat, or for your filters to be replaced more often.

And while you can enjoy the short-term effects of a more pleasant smell, it actually isn't great for your carpets as Ronnie Kendrick, founder of CompanyClean, explains: 'Not only do they age your carpet faster and make it harder to vacuum, but they can also create extra dust that’s not great for your family or your home.'

'If you’ve got little ones or pets around, they’ll be breathing in all that dust and debris. Also, the dust that gets kicked up can end up settling on your counter tops and furniture,' he adds.

Not all carpet deodorizers are safe to breathe in, either. There are heaps of non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice that won't damage your vacuum or carpets, leading on to my next point.

What to do instead

'Keep in mind carpet odors are caused by contaminants from spills, pet accidents, mildew, dirt, and body oils that get trapped in the fibers and padding over time,' Taylor explains. This leads to the growth of bacteria and, really, what you should be doing is deep cleaning your carpet.

You can actually make a natural, effective solution using items you likely already own. One of our favorite homemade carpet cleaning solutions is vinegar and baking soda (just don't vacuum it this time). All you need is two cups of warm water, a tablespoon of white vinegar, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of eco-friendly dish soap. Then, mix it into a spray bottle (like this non-plastic set at Walmart) and gently mist it on your floors, scrubbing with a soft brush then blotting with a clean cloth.

Or, there are cleaners out there already that don't need to be mixed at home. 'I usually recommend using spray deodorizers designed for carpets if you plan to make it part of your routine. This way you don’t have to worry about damaging your vacuum and you will achieve the same results,' Taylor suggests. This Biokleen Bac-Out Carpet Cleaner Spray at Amazon is free of harmful chemicals pollutants and will freshen up your carpets naturally.

Or, to really clean your carpets, consider investing in one of the best carpet cleaners. These use safe cleaning solutions that thoroughly wash the fibers then extract the moisture from beneath the surface. This will eliminate the root cause of the smell. Our favorite, and one that I tested myself is the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam, which actually uses steam to break down stains.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Next, find out why we love cleaning carpets with a steam mop, and learn the essential rug cleaning mistakes to avoid.