Growing up in America you should be quite familiar with carpets - in fact, it accounts for 48% of the country's flooring market. However, over time, carpets tend to hold onto odors due to spills, pet accidents, humidity, and bacteria buildup. No one likes to stay in a stinky house, and they can also signal deep-set bacteria or mold growth. While deep cleaning can help, in cases where the stink or stench persists, it’s time to replace the carpet altogether.
Why Do Carpets Absorb and Hold Odors?
Carpets are made of absorbent fibers. Unlike hard flooring like hardwood and tiles, they trap moisture and debris like a sponge, leaving lingering smells in your house.
● Humidity: Moisture encourages the growth of mold between carpet fibers; learn how to get mildew smell out of carpet before it worsens.
● Dirt, Pet Dander and Spills: Over time, organic matter like pet hair breaks down and produces unpleasant odors that become difficult to remove.
● Bacteria and Mold Growth: Carpets provide warmth, moisture and organic substances for bacteria and mold to grow rapidly.
● Lack of Ventilation: Poor airflow allows musty smells to settle into carpet fibers.
● Pet Urine: The litter seeps deep into the fibers and penetrate beyond the carpet fibers into the padding, while the proteins and ammonia can break down over time and release strong odors.
How to Get Smell Out of Carpet?
There are several effective ways to eliminate carpet odors: depending on the size of the affected area, the severity of the smell, and the available cleaning products, try vacuuming and targeted treatments with natural deodorizers or commercial cleaners. For deep cleaning, steam cleaners or enzyme cleaners can offer great help.
Robot Vacuum
Robot vacuums are worth investing in for taking over the daily duty of carpet cleaning. Premium models like DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI carries 18,000 Pa strong suction 1 that captures allergens and particles that could produce stinky smells; plus, its "Carpet First" feature avoids carpet wetting and contamination: this vacuum recognize various carpet types and shapes, vacuuming all carpets first with a dry mop. With scheduled cleaning cycles and auto-empty stations, these smart devices make a reliable solution for those wondering how to get odor out of carpet.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a tried-and-true natural deodorizer that neutralizes common household odors. Regardless if it is for general cleaning or targeted treatments, simply sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, let it sit for several hours, and then vacuum it up. For those trying to find out how to get musty smells out of carpet, this method effectively absorbs excess moisture and odors, leaving your carpet noticeably fresher.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is another excellent option for neutralizing odors. Its acidity breaks down bacteria and gets rid of odors from a rug, especially stubborn pee smells. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, lightly mist your carpet and let it air dry. For those living with pets and children, this natural deodorizer is also an eco-friendly alternative.
Other Natural Deodorizers
If you’re exploring sustainable ways to get odor out of carpet without using harsh chemicals, give these natural deodorizers a try. Activated charcoal absorbs impurities and odors, while sliced onions release natural compounds that neutralize unwanted smells, and essential oilsprovide a fresh scent while breaking down odor molecules.
Enzyme Cleaners
Pet owners understand the struggle of removing pee smell from carpets – no matter how much you scrub or air out the room, the smell seems to stay. Don’t get frustrated yet! Enzyme cleaners are specifically designed to break down organic compounds, including those from pet accidents. By targeting the proteins in urine, these cleaners work at a biological level to eliminate odors. For the best results, apply as directed and let the solution dry completely.
Carpet Powders & Foaming Carpet Sprays
Specialized carpet powders and foaming sprays are formulated to absorb and neutralize lingering odors in carpet and rugs. Carpet powders work by absorbing moisture and odor molecules trapped in carpet fibers. Most formulas contain baking soda or activated charcoal, which help neutralize mildew and musty smells instead of just masking them. On the other hand, foaming carpet sprays penetrate deep into carpet fibers to break down bacteria and stains. Many formulas contain enzymes or oxygen-based cleaners, which effectively remove bad scents.
Steam Cleaners
A steam cleaner is a great way to deep clean your carpet. Unlike regular vacuuming, it penetrates deep into carpet fibers and uses high-temperature steam and powerful suction to loosen and break down embedded dirt, bacteria and tiny particles, which are the common sources of musty odors. Be aware of the carpet material, as the heat and moisture may damage certain fibers like silk, antique and handwoven rugs
How Can You Prevent Carpet Odors from Returning?
Preventing odors at their source is the first step in avoiding long-term damage to your delicate carpet and the hassle of constant cleaning. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the reappearance of unpleasant smells.
Avoid Placing Carpet in High-Traffic Area
Food spills occur more frequently in the kitchen, while pet accidents tend to happen near their favorite spots in the house (near their bed, for example). Therefore, consider placing carpets elsewhere and avoid these “dangerous” areas to minimize the risk of moisture and debris buildup in your carpet.
Clean Up Spills Quickly
If an accident happens, act quickly to stop liquids from seeping deep into the fibers, as this can lead to mold and mildew growth and cause pee smell to linger in the carpet. Immediate cleanup of spills makes a significant difference in maintaining freshness.
Vacuum Regularly
Keeping your home free of dust and dirt is important for a healthy living environment. Regular vacuuming removes dust, pet hair and other debris that contribute to odor buildup. Set a maintenance schedule for your vacuum cleaner to lengthen its lifespan.
Keep Humidity Levels Low
Excess moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Maintaining low humidity in your home prevents mold and mildew from developing. Dehumidifiers and proper ventilation helps control moisture levels and control the risk of persistent odors returning.
Disclaimer(s):
● 18,000Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI can reach 18,000Pa.
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