Whenever odors come from carpets, many of us opt for carpet powder to get rid of bad smells. But, did we give a thought to whether carpet powder is bad for vacuums?
Carpet powder is a quick fix for unpleasant odours, but using it mindlessly can cost you. If you’re planning to use a vacuum cleaner after sprinkling carpet powders, be aware that if you are not careful, carpet power can damage your vac. In this post, we are sharing expert views on vacuuming carpet power, whether is it safe, and what to consider while vacuuming carpet powder, what the alternatives are, and much more!
Let’s jump in.
Table of Contents
What Is Carpet Powder?
Carpet powders are carpet fresheners that come in powder forms and are liberally sprinkled around the carpet. It’s easily and widely available in supermarkets and stores in colorful cans promising to deliver you clean and odorless carpets. Whether the powders are made from chemical or natural ingredients, these carpet powders effectively remove bad odors from carpets for some time.
How Is It Applied?
First, sprinkle the powder over the carpet and allow it for at least 15 to 30 minutes (the longer you leave it on, the better). After that, vacuum the carpet and consider rolling over the carpet a few times with a vacuum cleaner from different directions.
How Carpet Powder Can Ruin Your Vacuum Cleaner?
Many of us think that carpet cleaners wouldn’t damage the vacuum cleaner when applied, but it’s not a fact. Using a vacuum over carpet powder can be damaging to your vacuum in many ways:
Clogged Filters
Carpet powders are tiny particles that mimic just dust, so using carpet powder with a bagless vacuum like Dyson could clog the filters. Clogged filters would limit the vacuum cleaner’s effectiveness, so we recommend cleaning the filters every time you use carpet freshener.
Clogged Bag
With a bagged vacuum cleaner, the bag allows air circulation through the vacuum. But when you use a vacuum cleaner for carpet fresheners, the bag can get clogged with the powder, which limits the effectiveness of cleaner suction. So, we recommend replacing the bag after every usage of carpet freshener.
Belt Slippage
Powders could build up onto a vacuum cleaner driver belt. The buildup can overheat and stretch the belt, which can even break it. If you occasionally use carpet powder, this won’t be an issue, but if you use carpet powder regularly, then the previous coating cannot shed properly, so the belt life might be compromised.
Motor Problems
Carpet powders could clog the motor’s cooling filters, which can overheat the motor and damage it. Moreover, the powder could act like grains of sandpaper, so if there isn’t any motor filter, it could clog up the motor bearings. And over time, this could cause a total motor failure.
Is Carpet Powder Toxic?
Carpet powders are made from chemical and natural ingredients; typically, chemical ingredients can be toxic to those who are prone to allergies. Carpet powder made from natural ingredients is safer and recommended for use.
When we apply carpet powders and vacuum them, there would be some remaining particles each time. The remaining particles become a petri dish for bacteria growth over time. The growth of bacteria can affect your home’s air quality, causing breathing issues and allergies. If you have kids or pets at home, carpet powder could be sensitive to their skin, and it can cause skin irritation or rashes.
Is It OK To Use Carpet Powder with A Dyson?
No, you shouldn’t use your Dyson vacuum cleaner for your carpet powder. Carpet powders are made of tiny particles, making it impossible for Dyson to catch all the particles unless you are using a heavy-duty commercial-grade vacuum cleaner.
See Also: Can You Vacuum Glass With A Dyson
And, even if your Dyson vacuum manages to pick up most of the powder, the particles could block the filter, and some could even get into the motor and overheat it.
Can You Use Carpet Powder with a Shark Vacuum?
Yes, technically, it’s possible to use carpet powder with a shark vacuum; however, we do not recommend it too often. If you use shark vacuum with carpet powder, make sure to wash the filters immediately after that.
How Does Carpet Powder Affect a Shark Vacuum?
Surprisingly, shark vacuums are less prone to damage than other vacuum cleaners. That’s because Shark Vacuum typically uses plastic dust canisters instead of dust bags. Plastic canisters are known to be more effective for holding carpet powder; however, that doesn’t mean that you should use them every vacuuming session. Instead, whenever you vacuum carpet powder, you should take certain precautions to reduce the risk.
- Consider emptying your canister every time you vacuum carpet powder.
- Make sure to wash the filters every time you vacuum carpet powder.
- It’s best to use a HEPA filter to reduce the chances of carpet powder flying around.
- To ensure your vacuum works efficiently, vacuum the carpet powder a few times a year.
What Are the Alternatives to Carpet Powder?
You can vacuum regularly to remove odor from your carpets other than carpet powder. Regular vacuuming can help remove the dirt and debris that leads to unpleasant odors. If you have any spills, quickly blot the liquid and clean it before it even has a chance to set in. To ensure the longevity of your carpet’s life, consider professional deep cleaning every 12 to 18 months.
Winding Up
Finally, rounding it up, we suggest you apply carpet powders to your carpet only a few times a year. And every time you use carpet powder, consider taking necessary precautions for your vacuum. Never forget to clean the filter and dust cup after vacuuming carpet powder; if you have a bagged model, then replace the bag after vacuuming.
I hope this post meets all your queries about vacuuming carpet powder. If you have any further queries, let us know by commenting below.
Is Carpet Powder Bad For Vacuum: FAQ
Is Arm And Hammer Carpet Powder Safe For Dogs?
Arm and hammer carpet powder is not allergic and non-toxic, so it’s said to be safe for dogs and pets.
Can Carpet Powder Damage Your Carpet or Rugs?
Using carpet powder rarely damages the carpet or rugs. Only use high-end vacuum cleaners while removing carpet powders completely.
Can Carpet Powder Harm Your Family and Pets?
Carpet powders are made up of both chemical and natural ingredients; using carpet powders made from chemical ingredients may cause a rash or allergy to your family and pets.