Baby powder is an astringent substance used for the prevention of diaper/skin irritations in babies and general cosmetics. It can also be used as a cleaning agent and a freshener.
If you own a vacuum cleaner, I am sure by now you must have at least for once seen in an article ( I have written about it in the past) or heard from a friend that vacuuming powdered products can damage your vacuum.
Well, baby powder is not an exception, and trust me, there are lots of situations that could warrant you to vacuum baby powder and the first thing that will come to your mind is to wonder if you can vacuum up the baby powder.
This article is set out to provide useful information about vacuum/baby powder relationships so read on.
Can you vacuum powder
Yes, you can vacuum powder. By using the word “powder” in this context, I’m assuming you are using it as a general term for all powdered products whether it be baking soda, baby powder, or carpet powder? if that is true, then you can vacuum any of them.
However, you should avoid vacuuming any powdered product in large quantities because if you do, they can easily block your vacuum cleaner’s suction or filter. Once your vacuum suction or filter is clogged up, then your vacuum electric motor will wear off in no time and your vacuum could stop working.
Can you vacuum baking powder
Yes, you can vacuum baking soda. However, vacuuming baking soda with either bagged or bagless vacuum cleaners may reduce their efficiency. This is because baking soda powder is so fine that it can clog the filters, which may damage the vacuum cleaner in the long run. Therefore, if your vacuum cleaner has a detachable filter, remove and clean after use.
Can you vacuum Talcum powder
Yes, you can vacuum Talcum powder. However, it is not advisable to vacuum talcum powder with your vacuum cleaner as most manufacturers like Dyson strongly warn against using their product to vacuum any fine particles. According to Dyson, Talcum or any other white powder can kill the motor of your vacuum and their warranty package does not cover such damage.
Can vacuum seal cocoa power
Yes, you can vacuum seal cocoa powder. Most people store their unused cocoa powder in the freezer in an airtight and sealed container to prevent vermin infestation. Another alternative way of going this is to vacuum seal the powder. However, you must ensure that the vacuum-sealed powder is well separated from other food items in the fridge to prevent clumping and the growth of both bacteria and mold.
What powder can you vacuum
You can vacuum pretty much any kind of powder product, but you should be careful not to vacuum any powder spillage altogether at once.
Before you vacuum sprinkled powder, make sure that you sweep up a large chunk of it first, so that you don’t end up clogging up your vacuum cleaner.
Is vacuum baby powder a bad idea
No, it is not a bad idea if you don’t have any other option. If you are not using the baby powder as a cleaning agent, then you should resort to vacuuming powder spillage only when you are left with no other options.
Baby powder may look like ordinary dust, but as minute as the particles are, they are capable of damaging some internal component of your vacuum cleaner, which is why you must avoid them if possible.
Can baby powder damage the vacuum cleaner
Yes, baby powder can damage your vacuum cleaner by restricting the airflow. Baby powder particles are so fine and tiny that they can easily get into any part of the vacuum.
If the baby powder is sucked up in large quantity, it can block the suction nozzle and the filter of the vacuum and when either of them is clogged, the vacuum airflow will be obstructed. Should this happen, the vacuum electric motor will be directly affected.
Electric motor powers the fan that brings in the air which the vacuum uses to perform its function. The electric motor also uses this air to cool itself to avoid overheating. Consequently, when the airflow is obstructed, the electric motor will overheat and burn out because of insufficient air. Once the electric motor is damaged, the vacuum cleaner will stop working in general.
Can you use baby powder for vacuuming? Yes, you can use baby powder for vacuuming. Before you start to vacuum, you can spray baby powder on the surface you want to clean, for example, your upholstery to help rid it of greasy or oily stains that cannot be removed by just vacuuming it.
Can you use baby powder as a carpet freshener
Yes, you can use baby powder as a carpet freshener. Baby powders have moisture removing properties that help to get rid of musty odors from closets. Similarly, you can also use baby powder as a freshener to get rid of unwanted odor from your carpet.
Baby powder on the carpet before vacuuming
Baby powder is not just an excellent antiseptic, it can also be used as a cleaning agent and a deodorant.
Baby powder as a deodorant
Most rug/carpets come with offensive factory odor that can last for months if not treated. Baby powder has a powerful fragrance that can last on surfaces for days. As a result, you can make use of baby powder to help get it deodorized.
Baby powder as a cleaning agent
You can get rid of greasy and oil stains on your carpet/rugs using baby powder. They are super effective and easy to use. I cannot provide you with details on how to use baby powder as a cleaner, because it is not within the scope of this article. Therefore, I will enjoin you to research more about it.
Whether you are using baby powder as a deodorant or cleaner, be rest assured that your carpet will be covered with powder dust and the best way for you to clean those dust is by vacuuming them. While this is going on, keep in mind that baby powder can affect your vacuum, hence, the reason why you have to vacuum bit by bit.
How to clean baby powder from carpet
You can get rid of baby powder stains on the carpet by following the steps below.
- If your vacuum has a nozzle attachment, suck up as much baby powder as you can with it before you start vacuuming the spot. Vacuuming will get out most of the powders in the carpet but ensure that you are in total control of the vacuuming so that the powder is not spread across other clean spots.
- Make a solution from the mixtures of liquid dishwashing soap and water inside a bucket or bowl.
- Saturate a clean white towel or sponge in the solution and wring to get rid of excess water.
- Wipe the towel on the stained spot as gently as you can so that the stain is not transferred to other clean spots.
How to get the baby powder out of clothes
Follow the simple steps below to guide you through the process involved in removing baby powder stains from clothes.
- Soak in a solution of laundry detergent and water for a few minutes.
- Withdraw and toss in the washing machine and wash under normal wash cycle at 40°c
Frequently Asked Questions
Will baby powder ruin shoes?
No, baby powder will not ruin your shoes. Did you just read from the internet that you can use baby powder to deodorize your shoes but are kind of hesitant because you don’t know whether it will damage them? Well, you should be less worried because you can safely apply baby powder on or on your shoe without any damage.
Does baby powder kill cockroaches?
Yes, baby powder can kill cockroaches. Although cockroaches are very strong and incredibly durable, they can be easily affected by baby powder. Cockroaches are not centipedes or onychophorans; they don’t have lungs, but instead, they breathe through the tiny holes on their legs.
They are easily affected by any fine powder like flour, talcum powders, and baby powders. Once they inhale any of these powders, it blocks the holes and suffocates them making breathing impossible.
Does baby powder stain clothes?
Yes, baby powder can stain clothes. Baby powder may look like ordinary dust, but when it accidentally pours on your cloth, it will stain the fabric: and trust me, removal might not be as simple as it seems.
Does baby powder come out of clothes?
Yes, baby powder stain will come out of clothes.
How to keep the baby powder from going anywhere?
Sorry to disappoint you, but there’s no way you can prevent your baby powder from going anywhere. Your best bet is not exposing it to direct air.
Conclusion
The truth is baby powder can damage your vacuum for sure but they can as well help you keep your carpet clean, so you really can’t do away with them altogether.
If your baby powder usage is properly managed, you can prevent your vacuum from being damaged by it. You can do this by ensuring that your vacuum is thoroughly cleaned after each usage and stay clear from vacuuming a large quantity of baby powder at once. This simple tip will go a long way in helping you maintain your vacuum.
References
- https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/68/2/265/75190
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/talc
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88911/
Jody Bjerke is the president of Health Care Auxiliary of Minnesota (HCAM). HCAM represents 83 health care auxiliaries in Minnesota totaling in excess of 18,000 persons volunteering in services to hospitals and long-term care facilities.
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