Cure for Carpet Odors

Sep 14
09:32

2012

Ma. Theresa Galan

Ma. Theresa Galan

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Some carpet odor causes are easy to identify. If there's a smoker in your home, you have pets, or your kitchen isn't well ventilated, you'll probably have problems with carpet odor and have a clear notion of where they're coming from. These odors can be removed, and the time and effort will depend largely on the type and intensity of the odor.

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Carpet seems to capture odors and hold onto them for dear life. If the odor is strong,Cure for Carpet Odors Articles be prepared to use several applications and repeat the ones that work. Persistence is key. When possible, adding fresh air always helps to expedite the process.

Other causes can be more subtle. If someone in your home has pronounced foot odor, the bacteria from smelly feet can infiltrate the carpeting. If your home isn't well ventilated, poor air circulation can lead to odor. This can happen if you don't change your HVAC filter and vacuum cleaner bag regularly too. If you use a carpet shampooer and aren't careful about vacuuming up as much residual moisture as possible, you may be inadvertently causing a musty smell and maybe even the growth of mold and mildew.

The best way to deal with odors you can identify and also those you can't is to begin a regular carpet maintenance routine:

  • Start by vacuuming your carpeting regularly. If you have pets, daily vacuuming isn't too much. Work in one small section of carpet at a time and go over each area with multiple overlapping strokes.
  • Use area and entry rugs to trap as much obvious dirt as possible.
  • If you have a fan in your range hood and bathroom, be sure to use it to vent moisture and odor. Clean any filters often.
  • Keep pets away from carpets and use a black light to find pet stains that may be causing odor.
  • Clean spills immediately and take extra care to remove as much moisture as possible in the process.
  • Have your carpets professionally cleaned annually, and if you shampoo them yourself in the interim, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the cleaning agents you're using.

Baking Soda Baking soda can effectively absorb odors from surfaces as well as air. You can use the soda to remove bad smell from your carpets as well as from your furniture, clothes, pet house, garbage cans, refrigerator, closets, etc. It even proves useful in treating the pungent smelling load of laundry. Sprinkle some baking soda over the surfaces that are emitting the odor or in the room and let it sit for an hour. Now, clean the entire place using a vacuum cleaner. Even soda water can effectively remove odors, when sprinkled over carpet or any other surface  

Steps to Remove Odor Using Baking SodaSprinkle the area liberally with baking soda. For odors that go beyond the surface, brush the area lightly with a broom to work the baking soda down into the fibers.   Sprinkle an additional layer of baking soda on top of the carpet. Thin layers of baking soda will not work as effectively. Do not be afraid to use enough to get rid of the odor.   Allow the baking soda to set at least overnight on the affected area. Two days is even better, if possible.   After 1-2 days have passed, sweep the top layer of baking soda into the dustpan with a stiff broom. If the baking soda was placed on a rug, it can be shaken off outdoors.   Vacuum the remaining baking soda from the carpet with a strong vacuum. Do not vacuum the top layer first, as this can damage the vacuum.   Smell the area to see if there is improvement. If there is, reapply another layer of baking soda and repeat the process. Baking soda does not damage the carpeting, so the process can be repeated as often as necessary.  

For more odor removal tips for carpet, check out our main page here:  

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