Any alternatives to Shake and Vac?

CL · 3 May 2005 at 11:12AM

Hi All,

I like the nice smell and freshness that shake and vac give my carpets although I doubt it is very money saving, has anyone and homemade or otherwise alternative?

Downsizing__for_sanity · 3 May 2005 at 11:33AM

Apparently bicarbonate of soda does much the same by absorbing dirt and odours. I don't know how you'd get the fresh smell, but maybe you could add some grated lemon zest or essential oil?

Queenie · 3 May 2005 at 9:30PM

You could put something in your vacuum cleaner bag ie: dab a small piece of rag with essential oil.

But, if you really prefer to sprinkle -

For general deodorizing, they also advise sprinkling baking soda on carpeting monthly, or as needed, before going to bed and let it set overnight. Vacuum the next day. They include a home-made carpet deodorizer recipe:
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
15 drops of your favorite essential oil fragrance
Extract from article at Dollar Stretcher ...

Or

Carpet DeodorizerTo make your own carpet deodorizer combine 3/4 cup baking soda, 2 tbsp corn starch, and 1/4 cup scented talcum powder. Sprinkle on dry carpet, let stand 5 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.Extract from Thrifty Tips

chrissie22 · 9 October 2006 at 5:07PM

If you soak a couple of cotton wool balls in your favourite perfume or aftershave them pop them in your vacumme (sp) cleaner it leaves a beautiful smell around the house which lasts for ages.

dolly_day_dream · 9 October 2006 at 9:15PM

This is not repeat not a replacement for Shake and Vac but when I saw it I was reminded of my friends son who seeing her shake it on went and got a bag of sugar and shook it all over her shag pile:eek: It took forever to get rid of. Thought it would give some of you a laugh:rotfl:

broomstick27 · 9 October 2006 at 9:30PM

Don't use talc! I spent a couple of hours on friday cleaning my hall stairs and landing but when i had finished it smelt funny. so i thought 'I know il us ds lavendar and chamomile talc' big mistake! the combination of carpet and old, not very good hoover meant i had to clean it all up with a brush. I now have talc dust everywhere! doh!

Sarahsaver · 9 October 2006 at 9:53PM

The neutradol powder is good. Even used to get rid of the ex h's high strength wacky baccy smell :eek:

Rachel021967 · 9 October 2006 at 10:42PM

I watched a programme the other day where they crushed rosemary and lavender in a pestle and mortar and added it to bicarbonate of soda. They then sprinkled the mixture on the carpet. I think they left it overnight and then hoovered it up.

yellowmonkey · 4 June 2007 at 3:20PM

Hi.

Have just hoovered and used the last of my Shake and Vac. Do any of you have an alternative version that is OS to use as i am trying to cut back where possible.

Many thanks

ym

Sharra · 4 June 2007 at 3:22PM

I sprinkle bicarb, leave for a while and then hoover up. You don't get the fragrance like you do from shake n vac but it gets rid of nasty carpet smells.

newlywed · 4 June 2007 at 3:23PM

Our local hoover repair center said never use shake and vac as it clogs up the hoover and causes more problems than it's worth!!!

However, I think some have said bicarb sprinkled on the carpet, left for a bit and then hoovered helps freshen it.

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Any alternatives to Shake and Vac?

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