Miracle Carpet Cleaner & Non-Toxic to Boot!

We've had an on-going problem with water in our basement that we have not been able to repair due to our extraordinary medical bills.  Over the past year, this caused a rust-colored stain on the carpeting.  What a stupid idea it was to put carpeting in the basement!!  Oh, well that is a blog for another day.  At any rate, my genius husband, Randy, decided to sprinkle the carpet stain with baking soda to deodorize it while I was gone this weekend.  He made a sprinkle container for the baking soda out of a recycled plastic container, punching holes in the lid to allow the baking soda to come out.  WHO would have expected the baking soda to not only make the carpet smell fresh, but it also removed the stain!!!  Had he known that this was going to happen, he would have taken pictures.  Trust me next time he will.

In addition to being generous with the baking soda, Randy used a broom to brush the baking soda into the carpeting.  He also allowed the baking soda to sit for 24 hours before vacuuming.  It is just remarkable to me.  Have any of you tried baking soda for carpet cleaning?  I know that baking soda is a fabulous cleaner for coffee stains and stains on counter tops.  It removes the stain without scratching the surface material.  Baking soda combined with vinegar is a super cleaning combination.  The combination of baking soda and vinegar makes a chemical reaction that is fun to watch and provides added cleaning power.  What is your favorite use for baking soda other than in baked goods?  I'm interested in knowing what non-toxic, old-fashioned cleaning products you use at home.
Love,
Lisa