cuffs054
Well-known member
Is it ok to suck up baking soda from carpeting with a modern upright?
Baking soda
- Thread starter cuffs054
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gj3476
Well-known member
Of course!
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.
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.
honestjoe68
Well-known member
@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
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
gj3476
Well-known member
Actually after reading the posts, it depends, my bad.
crazykirbydude
Well-known member
NO NO NO! Baking soda is highly corrosive and can destroy brush and motor bearings and clog up your filter!
honestjoe68
Well-known member
@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
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
huskyvacs
Well-known member
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.
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.
cuffs054
Well-known member
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 ?
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.
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.
crazykirbydude
Well-known member
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.
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 ~
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 ~
cuffs054
Well-known member
You may ask. The answer is two elderly dogs who have gone to their rewards. And what they left behind.
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!
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!
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 ~
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 ~
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.
cuffs054
Well-known member
Now I'm confused. It was suggested to sprinkle baking soda on couch cushions to freshen, but I shouldn't use it on carpet?
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.
sptyks
Well-known member
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