Keeping the carpet smelling fresh

I use Febreze - or the generic stuff of it. My husband and 10 year old daughter hate strong smelling stuff (I don't mind the smell, but too strong of a smell makes me sneeze). Powders are too strong smelling (they seem to scent the air more than the carpet) What's nice about the Febreze or generic fabric refresher is that they supposedly neutralize the source of the odor as well as add a light scent. So the carpet stays fresher longer - even after the scent is gone.

I have a carpet shampooer so I clean my carpets regularly and, in between, I sometimes use the carpet freshener that comes in powder form. I think the reason that the scent fades with the foam is because it's only active when it's wet.

I have four indoor cats and two outdoor cats, so at this point, there is no such thing as fresh smelling carpet. Though we own a carpet cleaning machine, it's way too heavy for me to use on a weekly basis. I'm still saving money to buy a really good vacuum. I had to leave my Electrolux vacuum when we moved and only brought our small dirt devil hand vac. It does a pretty good job of keeping dirt off the carpet but is a pain to use cause I have to kneel down to use it. Also, I need to get some good anti-cat smell product for the carpet cause at least three of my cats have started peeing on the carpet. Very unsavory smelling! And, it's almost impossible to get rid of the odor. They all love to compete and once one of them pees, the others have to follow up. Yuck!

i like to sprinkle baking soda on the carpet then vacuum it up after awhile. i also use it on my couch and recliner.