How To Get The Musty Smell Out Of The Carpet

Are your carpets giving off a musty or unpleasant smell? Try not to panic! With the right supplies and methods, you can easily get rid of the odor and improve the overall condition of your carpets. Whether it’s long-term odors from previous moisture buildup or occasional spills, there are a few simple steps you can take to eliminate musty smells in your carpets and restore them to their former glory. Let’s talk about what supplies and methods will help remove musty odors from your carpets, so that you can enjoy fresh-smelling floors once again.

Check for Wetness

It’s important to evaluate the area of your carpet for any wetness before beginning the process of removing musty smells. Wet carpets are more likely to develop mold or mildew in addition to musty odors, and if left untreated can cause long-term damage to your floors.  To check for wetness, you can feel the carpet with your hands or use a moisture meter if needed. If the area feels damp or if the moisture meter reads over 20%, it is important to call a professional who can assess the extent of damage and provide additional advice on how to treat the issue effectively. The musty smell can be a result of a water leak or water intrusion and sometimes only a professional can help find that issue! 

Vacuum Thoroughly

The best way to get rid of musty smells in carpets is to first remove any visible dirt or stains and vacuum the area thoroughly. Next, use an enzymatic cleaner or deodorizer to help eliminate any lingering odors in the carpet. For the most effective results, allow the cleaner to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with water and allowing the carpet to dry completely.

Give Special Treatments a Try 

If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn odors, you can try using special treatments like odor eliminator sprays, baking soda, and white vinegar. The first treatment you can try is by lightly spraying a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water on the area that needs treating. Allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes before blotting up any excess liquid with a damp cloth until it no longer feels wet. 

Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire area and let sit for several hours, preferably overnight before vacuuming up all residue. The combination of ingredients will help break down unpleasant smells in your carpet fibers rather than simply masking them like some other products tend to do. 

After you add the special treatments, allow everything to dry, and then you will be able to run a carpet cleaner over the carpet. 

Consider Professional Carpet Cleaning 

Steam cleaning and deep shampooing can eliminate odors caused by spills, pet accidents, or long-term moisture buildup. Professional cleaners may also use specialized products designed to eliminate musty smells. If your carpets have a musty smell that just won’t go away, it is worth taking the time to get them professionally cleaned so you can enjoy fresh-smelling carpets once again. The huge benefit of hiring a professional carpet cleaning company is that you don’t have to do any of the hard work! This is most likely the best way to get a musty smell removed from carpet. 

Spot Clean the Musty Area

Spot cleaning musty carpets can be tricky, but it is possible to do it correctly and effectively. The first step is to identify the source of the musty smell, such as an area that has gotten wet or a pet accident. Vacuum up any residual moisture in the area before beginning your spot cleaning process. You can use a solution of equal parts vinegar and water or a stain remover to address any noticeable stains in the carpets. Blot the area with a cloth or sponge until the stain is no longer visible, then apply baking soda to absorb any remaining odors. Finish off by vacuuming up the baking soda residue, and you should be left with clean and fresh-smelling carpets!

Getting the musty smell out of the carpet isn’t easy, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. Smelling the “musty’ smell constantly can give you a headache and underlying moisture issues can cause health problems in the long run. Give each one of these ideas a try and if any of them work, give yourself a big pat on the back. If you can’t remove it yourself, then don’t be afraid to get a hold of a professional carpet cleaner.