Thread Number: 36801  /  Tag: Recent Vacuum Cleaners from past 20 years
Baking soda
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Post# 393746   6/23/2018 at 18:56 (2,104 days old) by cuffs054 (monticello, ga)        

Is it ok to suck up baking soda from carpeting with a modern upright?

Post# 393751 , Reply# 1   6/23/2018 at 21:02 (2,104 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

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Of course!

Post# 393752 , Reply# 2   6/23/2018 at 21:43 (2,104 days old) by broomvac (N/A)        

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What is the vacuum in question?

Generally, I would say “no problem.” However, I would avoid using a Dyson Cinetic or a Fantom (not exactly modern, but still). These vacuums do not have pre-motor filters so you run the risk of filling up your exhaust HEPA filter prematurely with anything that slips by the cyclone(s). That would be an expensive mistake.

I know these are not uprights, but I would not try a water filtration canister either.

Everything else should be good with the powder.


Post# 393756 , Reply# 3   6/23/2018 at 22:45 (2,104 days old) by HonestJoe68 (Mansfield, Ohio)        
@cuffs054

The answer to your question is not an easy yes or no...

If you are using a Bagged Upright vacuum, you might find after sucking up more than a few tablespoons of baking soda, a loss of suction due to the bag pores being filled by the soda. So I recommend if you do vacuum it up with a bagged upright to change the bag afterward.

If you are using a bagless vacuum, you might find some or a lot of the baking soda in the sponge primary filter or HEPA filter if located inside the bin. Especially in a Shark bagless, I find after cleaning dusty or powdery dirt that I need to rinse the foam filters afterward. So common sense applies and just check your filters carefully (If they are white filters it might be difficult to see the white baking powder) so just tap it against the trash can to see if it’s dusty.

Definitely listen to broomvac’s advice and NEVER use a Dyson Cinetic vacuum to suck up any Baking Soda, Drywall Dust or anything similar like Baby Powder, etc.. unless it’s just a few tablespoons. If Dyson puts in on a label, on the vacuum (which they do) it is important to follow that or you might void your warranty and have a internal motor filter clogged with the dust.

One last bit of advice, if your “modern upright” vacuum is an inexpensive bagless vacuum, you might see baking soda being blown back into the room air.. the cheaper bagless vacuums that are not totally sealed vacuums have been known to shoot the baking soda type powders right through the machine and back into the room. Think older Shop Vac type vacuums that blow a cloud of dust everywhere.

If in doubt, call the vacuum manufacturer or check their website before vacuuming up non-typical household dirt or pet hair. Thanks and I hope this helps.

Patrick


Post# 393761 , Reply# 4   6/24/2018 at 00:24 (2,104 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
Actually after reading the posts, it depends, my bad.

Post# 393768 , Reply# 5   6/24/2018 at 11:54 (2,103 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY)        

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NO NO NO! Baking soda is highly corrosive and can destroy brush and motor bearings and clog up your filter!

Post# 393769 , Reply# 6   6/24/2018 at 12:23 (2,103 days old) by HonestJoe68 (Mansfield, Ohio)        
@crazykirbydude

Hi Adin,

Good point about baking soda clogging the filters, but baking soda is a Non-Corrosive Base. In chemistry an Acid is corrosive, but a Base is Not Corrosive.

Baking soda can actually be put onto previously corroded metals to help remove the corrosion, by simply adding some vinegar to the mix to create that Fun foamy reaction! Either way, a Base can never corrode Metal.

As for brushroll bearings, most modern vacuums (the type @cuffs054 was inquiring about) have bearing guards and are typically placed under a cap or in a manor they would probably not come into contact with the baking soda. Now if you were vacuuming up bucket sized piles, maybe then a slight chance.. but who would need to do that.

Lastly, only the cheapest modern vacuum would be designed poorly or inefficiently for the baking soda to possibly reach the motor bearings, and again even if a minute amount reached those bearings.. baking soda cannot cause corrosion. Even the $40 Bissell Bagless vacuums would develop a clog in the filters, causing little or no suction to finish vacuuming up baking soda, hence prohibiting the baking soda from reaching the motor bearings.. so it’s really not an issue or concern. Even the Shark vacuums where the two layers of sponge filters are typically located right above the motor, are effective enough to prevent the baking soda from entering the motor.

These are just facts of science I fondly remember from chemistry class, I’m not meaning to argue with you my fellow vacuum fan/collector. Everybody have a great day and enjoy your vacuuming!

Patrick


Post# 393771 , Reply# 7   6/24/2018 at 13:01 (2,103 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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I would definitely not vacuum up baking soda. It is a very heavyweight material that loves to cake together and once it does, it stays put. Same with flour. It will get absolutely everywhere inside the vacuum's dirt path and fan.

Also baking soda reaching the motor bearings or shaft will certainly bond with the grease, absorb the oil, gum up the parts and grind them to a halt.


Post# 393774 , Reply# 8   6/24/2018 at 14:09 (2,103 days old) by cuffs054 (monticello, ga)        

The three vacs that could be pressed into service are: Kirby G5 Ult, Shark pro pet stick and or Aldi bagless cyclonic upright. Sounds like Kirby with new bag or Shark with clean filters ?

Post# 393780 , Reply# 9   6/24/2018 at 15:51 (2,103 days old) by broomvac (N/A)        

broomvac's profile picture
Honestly, all three should be fine. The Kirby shouldn't be harmed and neither the Shark nor the ALDI vacuum will have problems if you keep an eye on those foam filters.

Those three vacuums have sealed ball bearings in their motors which are sealed from contaminants, such as baking soda, and won't be damaged. But, that doesn't even matter because I doubt any of the powder will make it that far.


Post# 393782 , Reply# 10   6/24/2018 at 16:18 (2,103 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY)        

crazykirbydude's profile picture
Oh. I didn't know he was talking about straight baking soda. I know that stuff isn't corrosive. I thought he was talking about the Carpet Fresh crap.

Post# 393786 , Reply# 11   6/24/2018 at 16:53 (2,103 days old) by Relhall ()        

More to the point: why are you doing this?

If it’s a spill and you must, then by all means clean up the mess immediately. I hate messes. You may then need to follow the advice about changing the bag and/or cleaning filter(s) mentioned above.

In general, all vacs will suffer with any long term powder habit.


If you’re doing it for any other reason, may I ask why?

Actually, regardless of the response, there has got to be a better option than baking soda.


Still curious why ~








Post# 393791 , Reply# 12   6/24/2018 at 18:27 (2,103 days old) by cuffs054 (monticello, ga)        

You may ask. The answer is two elderly dogs who have gone to their rewards. And what they left behind.

Post# 393793 , Reply# 13   6/24/2018 at 19:05 (2,103 days old) by kenkart ()        
I think baking soda

Is ok if the carpet is perfectly dry....but it can be corrosive if wet, and the Dyson comments are well founded, its kind of like using a Rainbow for soot, talcum powder , flour or plaster dust...it will go right on thru!

Post# 393817 , Reply# 14   6/24/2018 at 22:44 (2,103 days old) by relhall ()        

I help folks with this daily.

I noticed you own a couple Oreck's and presume you've been to a retail store. If not, please find the nearest (or go online) and get "No Return"

Vomit, urine, feces or blood, plus wine, permanent marker, grass stains, all gone. It also has the enzymes needed to make smells disappear!

Scoop particles (vomit, poop) then just spray a little, BLOT A LOT (until dry). Follow the instructions. Use just a little squirt - it ain't cheap at $20/qt. - but it works.


We have used it to assist with training and cleaning up after multiple dogs

Good for the car, furniture, even stained clothes.


I may be slightly biased as I do sell the stuff; I also assure you it's worth it ~






Post# 393821 , Reply# 15   6/25/2018 at 00:48 (2,103 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Base not corroding metals-----Have you seen what lye does to aluminum-a strong "base" used to clean drains or even etch aluminum.Base can be just as destructive to metal as acids.Neutral such as water is less so.Baking soda and baking soda based carpet fresheners--DON'T do those they can even "corrode" some plastics when caked and combined with moisture.In fact many vacuum cleaner warantees are voided if you pick up baking soda or sodium carbonate based items.Sodium carbonate is different than baking soda-used as a laundry cleaning additive.

Post# 393827 , Reply# 16   6/25/2018 at 06:00 (2,103 days old) by cuffs054 (monticello, ga)        

Now I'm confused. It was suggested to sprinkle baking soda on couch cushions to freshen, but I shouldn't use it on carpet?

Post# 393828 , Reply# 17   6/25/2018 at 06:37 (2,103 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

With the possible damage to your vacuum I wouldn't use the baking soda on either item.And the fine soda will clog bag and filter pores quickly.

Post# 393831 , Reply# 18   6/25/2018 at 09:13 (2,102 days old) by sptyks (Skowhegan, Maine)        

sptyks's profile picture

@Tolivac is correct.

 

Lye is a Base and it is extremely corrosive! It will burn your skin just like Acid will.

 

 


Post# 393840 , Reply# 19   6/25/2018 at 11:56 (2,102 days old) by HonestJoe68 (Mansfield, Ohio)        
@tolivac @sptyks

YES, I understand a base can be very corrosive, I’ve included a picture so you all can see what the three of us are discussing regarding “corrosive bases” BUT we are Not talking about Lye or drain cleaner.. we are talking about simply sprinkling the Non-corrosive Base, baking soda on a carpet or furniture to help with odors. We are Not cleaning out drains.

So let’s all try to not take this further off topic and stop with the off topic conversation about the chemical properties of something Besides baking soda... save your comments, I’m not interested and I’m kindly and quietly stepping out of this discussion. 👋🏼

I’ve explained the chemistry regarding the Non-corrosive Base baking soda (ph 9) as it pertains to the question asked by @cuffs054 and given MY opinion, which is just that.. my opinion backed by chemistry supported facts. It is what it is.. nothing more, nothing less. 👍🏻

I do not wish to argue or continue to take this post WAY off course. My apologies to you Tom @cuffs054 and Adin @crazykirbydude as I did not, nor do I ever intentionally intend to take any thread off topic. I also never go for someone or make comments of an argumentative tone. Thanks for understanding Adin and I hope no hard feelings my vacuum collecting friend! 🤗

Best of luck to you Tom with your odor removing journey. Thanks to everyone on this thread for their input, but let’s all try to keep it on topic/subject. Take care and everyone have a fantastic week. Just remember... chemistry can be fun but NOTHING is more fun than using, collecting or owning Vacuum Cleaners! 😉🤗👍🏻

Patrick


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Post# 393844 , Reply# 20   6/25/2018 at 13:24 (2,102 days old) by cuffs054 (monticello, ga)        

HonestJoe, no need to apologize. I learned something.

Post# 394662 , Reply# 21   7/11/2018 at 00:41 (2,087 days old) by ridgidwd0670 (se wood co ohio)        

ridgidwd0670's profile picture
I use my Ridgid WD0670 shop vac with VF6000 HEPA filter (green one) or Cleanstream HEPA filter & HEPA bag (protects pleated filter) so no problem vacing baking soda or Love My Carpet

I use a straight suction rug/carpet nozzle (NOT the 2-1 combo rug/floor tool or turbo brush)

Then I pull up carpet & no sign of carpet fresh or baking soda underneath


Post# 394701 , Reply# 22   7/11/2018 at 17:52 (2,086 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        
try not to do it too regularly.

vacuumdevil's profile picture
Personally if I spilled baking soda I would suck it up with my central vac which has several stages of pre motor filtration. If I was using a portable vac I would change the vacuum bag afterwards and wipe out the nozzle.
baking soda is generally not good for carpet so hopefully you're not using it as an this any sort of carpet cleaning.

That being said in the industry I've seen plenty of vacuums coming in where the Arm & Hammer baking powder bags were used which were definitely hard on the motors . Definitely hurt the Armature,field and bearings as well. When talking about Bagless vacuums it's definitely too fine for most dry Bagless vacuums.


Post# 394774 , Reply# 23   7/12/2018 at 17:13 (2,085 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

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Baking soda in a Dyson cinetic up14

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Post# 394883 , Reply# 24   7/14/2018 at 03:16 (2,084 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

I have seen the same things in the Dysons brought to the vac shop my way-Mike tell the customers DON'T do baking soda or soda based carpet deodorizers.The stuff will kill motor bearings in very short order!!!And the powder is abrasive-it is used in soda air blast cleaning,abrading,and polishing.Simply used in place of sand or glass blast pellets in a sandblaster machine.

Post# 394919 , Reply# 25   7/14/2018 at 12:46 (2,083 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

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@tolivac love the sandblaster cabinet analogy!

Post# 394977 , Reply# 26   7/15/2018 at 00:47 (2,083 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Vacuumdevil-that Dyson you show in the picture is what I have seen in machines brought to the vac shop.One woman brought a Dyson whose dust bin was packed with SMELLY dog hair!!!GROSS!!!Its gotten to the point I don't want to work on peoples NASTY,DIRTY,SMELLY bagless vacuums no matter what brand.At one time worked with a friend and we sold TriStars DTD-we would take turns in doing the demos.The winner would pay for dinner.One bagless Hoover we got as a trade in was so smelly and dirty I had to put it in a large trash bag.We could not bear the smell in the our sales van.After the 3 day wait period-we waited a week-that nasty Hoover was thrown into a dumpster!Didn't bother with it!Think it was a bagless Windtunnel or whatever.

Post# 394978 , Reply# 27   7/15/2018 at 00:53 (2,083 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Oh yes,Vacuumdevil--you would probably like the old "Wheelabrator" machines.These were compressorless sand or abrasive media blaster machines.They did the blasting by spinning the blast media on a rapid spinning wheel to a hose or nozzle to the item being cleaned or blasted.Haven't seen one in many yeasrs.The wheel was spun by an electric motor or gas or diesel engine.These machines were simple.The wheels did wear so they had to replaced often.Now that company makes shredders.


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