Many people like thick and soft carpets. Unfortunately, carpets get dirty very quickly because of their absorbent nature. In addition, carpets also tend to have unpleasant odors due to spills, accidents, and cigarette smoke. If the carpet starts to smell bad, don't immediately think that you have to buy a new rug. Maybe you just need to put in a little extra effort to clean it. With some cleaning products commonly used in households, you can get rid of unpleasant odors on carpets.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Dealing with Common Odors
Step 1. Handle the soiled area
Before dealing with carpet odors, first remove any loose crumbs, absorb any spilled liquid, and apply soap to any obvious stains. The carpet must be in the best condition before you deal with the smell.
Step 2. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet
Baking soda works to neutralize odors trapped in the carpet. Sprinkle baking soda to form a thin layer. It's a good idea to prepare enough baking soda for each carpet you want to treat. If the baking soda clumps in one spot, smooth it out by hand.
Step 3. Let the baking soda sit for a while
According to the recommendations, you should let the baking soda sit for a few hours, but if the carpet is really smelly, there's nothing wrong with letting it sit overnight.
Ensure that children and pets do not approach the area
Step 4. Clean the baking soda using a vacuum cleaner
Don't forget to keep an eye on the dust collection bag/container because baking soda can fill it up quickly. Empty if necessary.
Step 5. Do a deeper cleaning
If baking soda doesn't work, you can make your own cleaning solution with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of hydrogen peroxide, cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) liquid soap, and 1 liter of water. Mix all ingredients in an open container. Do a test on a hidden part of the carpet before using it all over the carpet.
- Wear gloves when working with this solution.
- DO NOT cover the container after you have mixed all the ingredients.
Step 6. Pour or spray this solution on the carpet
Using the spray method is preferable because it produces an even layer, but make sure the nozzle is always in the open position and don't leave any residual solution in the closed bottle. If you don't have a spray bottle, carefully pour the solution out. Make sure not to get the carpet soaking wet.
Don't forget to wear gloves, especially if you choose to pour the solution
Step 7. Let the solution sit for 24 hours
This solution takes time to work. So let the solution do its job. It is recommended that you carry out this process in a well-ventilated area and keep children and pets away from it.
Step 8. Use a towel to absorb the excess liquid
If you find any part of the carpet wet, use an old towel or white towel to absorb it. Let the carpet dry by itself.
Method 2 of 4: Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke
Step 1. Mix white vinegar and ammonia
White vinegar and ammonia can get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke throughout the room, including the smell that sticks to the carpet. The mixture will start working to get rid of the odor on the carpet, although it may not completely go away.
Step 2. Place the mixture in a bowl
Do not fill the bowl too full to prevent the mixture from spilling out. Place 2-3 bowls for each room, especially in areas with problematic carpeting.
Step 3. Continue the cleaning process for 24 hours
The white vinegar and ammonia will absorb and get rid of the odor, even if you don't apply it to the surface. After the cleaning process is complete, collect the bowl and discard the contents.
Do not allow children and pets to approach bowls of vinegar and ammonia
Step 4. Use baking soda
You can also use baking soda to get rid of the smoke smell, just like any other smell. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and leave it overnight before you vacuum it up.
- While you are working, keep children and pets away from the area.
- There's nothing wrong with trying carpet cleaning products on the market. Usually this product is in the form of fragrant granules.
Step 5. Pour distilled white vinegar in the steam cleaning machine
White vinegar is acidic and has an effective cleaning power. Vinegar also kills bacteria and removes odors caused by tar and resins.
You can also use commercial cleaning products. Some are specially made to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke
Step 6. Start the steam cleaning machine and run it over the carpet
Read carefully the instructions for operating the steam cleaning machine. If you don't have a steam cleaning machine, you can try dampening the carpet with white vinegar. Don't worry, the vinegar smell will evaporate.
- Make sure you turn on the fan, and, if possible, open the windows to prevent mold from growing on the wet carpet.
- Find out if you can rent a steam cleaning machine, for example, at a hardware store or laundry service.
Step 7. Dry the carpet
Leave the fan on for a few moments to help dry the carpet and don't step on the carpet that is still wet.
Method 3 of 4: Get Rid of Pet Odors
Step 1. Treat the liquid that soaks the carpet
Use a paper towel to clean the area of the carpet that is exposed to urine. If the area is dry, moisten it with clean water and press it down with a paper towel.
Step 2. Apply dish soap
You should use dish soap to clean fresh pee marks. Pour a small amount of dish soap on a damp paper towel. Wipe the area of the carpet that is exposed to urine with a paper towel that has been smeared with soap.
Step 3. Sprinkle baking soda over the area affected by the urine
It's a good idea to sprinkle baking soda while the carpet is still wet. Don't worry if the baking soda gets wet.
Step 4. Leave it overnight
Baking soda and soap must be left on for a few hours to work effectively. You can cover it with a paper towel if the area where the urine is exposed is not too big.
Step 5. Spray white vinegar on the dried urine
Don't clean the baking soda just yet. Don't worry if you see foam build up as the baking soda and vinegar will react with each other. The reaction that occurs after the two ingredients are mixed will help get rid of the unpleasant odor.
- Another way you can try to clean urine stains is a mixture of water, white vinegar, and baking soda. All you need to do is mix 1 cup of water (about 240 ml), 1 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a spray bottle. You can store the remaining mixture for up to about 2-3 months.
- If the smell hasn't gone away, you can try hydrogen peroxide. However, before using it do a test on a hidden part of the carpet to make sure the hydrogen peroxide does not change the color of the carpet.
- Products that use enzymes to get rid of odors are available in the market and are so practical that you don't need to put in extra effort.
Step 6. Let the vinegar sit for 5 minutes
Keep an eye on the vinegar after you spray it on the carpet. Make sure pets and/or children don't get close to it.
If you're using hydrogen peroxide, you'll need to let it sit for 10-15 minutes
Step 7. Wet a soft cloth with cleaning liquid
Wipe off any remaining baking soda and dry the area gently. After the carpet is dry, make sure the smell is gone. If not, you may have to use a steam cleaning machine to handle it.
If your carpet is soaked with urine, you may need to buy a new rug to get rid of the odor
Step 8. Use a steam cleaning machine
If you have a severe odor problem, you may need to clean the entire carpet with a carpet cleaning product. You can use a commercially available deodorizer, or you can make your own mixture with white vinegar and water. Use the cleaner all over the carpet and let it dry. You may have to repeat it a few times to get rid of the smell.
If odors seep deep into the carpet fibers, an enzyme-containing cleaner can help inactivate odor-causing bacteria. You can simply wet the carpet with cleaning fluid and let it dry on its own. This kind of product is easy to use
Method 4 of 4: Getting Rid of Moldy Odor
Step 1. Treat the cause of the musty odor caused by the fungus
If you smell a musty smell, it means that the humidity in your home is very high. Getting rid of the musty odor alone is not enough to solve the carpet odor problem because mold spores are constantly growing. Instead, you'll need to make drastic changes to minimize humidity. Run a fan when showering, open windows so the steam generated during a warm shower or cooking can escape, or use a dehumidifier.
Step 2. Use dry & wet vacuum cleaner to absorb excess water
If the carpet is wet, using a dry & wet vacuum cleaner can help limit mold growth as wet conditions allow mold to thrive.
Step 3. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of warm water
To combat the musty smell, make a solution of vinegar and water. Do not use hot water, just warm water.
Do not heat water on the stove
Step 4. Spray the vinegar solution on the carpet
Coat the entire surface of the carpet evenly. The carpet will be damp enough to react with the baking soda.
Step 5. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp carpet
Once the carpet is sufficiently damp, sprinkle the baking soda evenly. The baking soda will react with the vinegar solution.
You may be more comfortable working in small sections, but that depends on the size of the room and the quality of the spray
Step 6. Allow the vinegar-water-baking soda mixture to dry
This process may take several hours or overnight, depending on how much solution was sprayed and whether you used a fan to help dry it.
Step 7. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the remaining baking soda
Dispose of the baking soda in the trash outside the house.
Step 8. Turn on the fan
To prevent the mushrooms from getting a chance to return, speed up the drying process. You can open windows (depending on weather conditions) to prevent the room from getting stuffy.
Step 9. Seek professional help if the odor reappears
If your carpet smells like water or mildew, you may need professional help. Mold is a serious problem and if not treated immediately can cause considerable costs. The sooner you seek professional help, the better.
Tips
- If all your efforts can't get rid of the odor from mold, or pets, the carpet pad may be damaged and should be replaced.
- DO NOT USE vinegar on marble or other natural stone. The acid content in vinegar can damage the outer layer.
- To get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke in the house, you should also clean the furniture, walls and windows.
Warning
- Do not use warm water or a steam cleaning machine to remove urine stains. The heat will make the stain sink deeper into the fibers and make it harder to remove.
- Be careful if you have children or pets. Make sure they don't approach the area being cleaned.
- Be careful when mixing cleaning ingredients. Follow the instructions given and wear gloves.
