A carpet serves as a protective floor covering, facilitating easy movement within the house. Neglecting timely carpet cleaning not only exposes you to harmful germs but also gives your home an untidy appearance. Would you want to enter a room filled with an unpleasant smell? The obvious response would be no. However, carpets by nature tend to trap and retain unpleasant odors, which can deeply penetrate the carpet fibers. Getting rid of these lingering smells is a difficult task.
In this blog, we’ll look at causes and solutions for successfully getting rid of the bad smell from wet carpets so you can keep your home feeling clean and fresh. So let’s get started.
Common Causes Of Wet Carpet Smell
There are several reasons for smelly carpets, and we are discussing some of them below
1. Pet Stains
Every pet owner has occasionally had to deal with the mess that their animals have made. Pets may leave urine or stool stains on carpets as they play on them. Pet hair can become trapped in the carpet’s fibers, and their saliva or vomit might stick to the fabric and damage it. These situations bring bacteria, and if the carpet isn’t cleaned immediately, it may smell really bad or unpleasant. The remaining bacteria could be harmful to your health and that of your family.
2. Water Spills
While it is commonly believed that water is odorless and will gradually evaporate, its interaction with carpet fibers can cause unpleasant odors. In fact, water has no recognized smell, but when it comes into contact with certain carpet materials, it may make a room smell bad. Water can absorb and hold on to smells when it comes into contact with damaged carpet fibers, creating an unpleasant smell that can spread across the room. It is important to address and clean up any spilled water right away in order to stop the growth of these unpleasant smells.
3. Stain and Liquid Odors
Substances like milk, sauces, or soft drinks seep into and get soaked up by carpet fibers. When these drinks come into contact with the carpet, they add moisture, which becomes the main reason for bad smells. The moisture gets stuck in the carpet fibers or the padding underneath, making the unpleasant odors even stronger. Any spill on the carpet can create its own specific smell. For example, if vinegar spills on the carpet, it can give off a strong, easily noticeable smell. Taking quick action to clean up spills and stains stops them from being strongly absorbed by the carpet fibers, further reducing the chance of remaining smells.
4. Mold and Mildew Growth
Mildew, a type of fungus that looks flat, can cause a stinky problem in your carpet. Another type of fungus that grows in moist environments is mold. It can grow in damp areas such as paper, leather, and even the ceilings, walls, and floors of moist homes. Rainy weather, leaks in your home, food spills, and pet dirt can all provide a warm and inviting environment for mold growth. This not only produces a foul odor but also releases tiny particles known as spores, which can damage the fabric of your carpet or change its color. Mold and mildew can also have harmful bacteria that might cause allergies. So, if you have kids, breathing issues, or conditions such as asthma, it’s important to clean your carpets regularly to stop mold from making your carpet smell bad.
5. Quality of the Carpet
When selecting a carpet, it’s crucial to take into account its quality, as it significantly impacts its durability, appearance, and resistance to odors. Carpets with a higher fiber count and denser pile construction are generally considered to be of better quality. One such high-quality material is nylon, known for its exceptional durability, stain resistance, and longevity. On the other hand, low-quality carpets, often characterized by a thin pile and less dense fabric, can quickly develop unpleasant odors.
6. Carpet Odor Absorption
Carpets can act like sponges and absorb the scents around them, especially when there is a musty or strong smell in your home, such as from cigarette smoke or cooking. These lingering odors can become trapped in the carpet fibers, making them difficult to remove. Even tiny spills of things like soft drinks, wines, or milk may not leave a noticeable mark on the carpet immediately. There’s also a chance that if the spilled substance has a color similar to your carpet, you may not notice the stain right away. However, the carpet can absorb these liquids and leave a lasting smell that can be really uncomfortable. It’s important to clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent the smell from settling into the carpet fibers.
How to Remove Wet Carpet Smell
A wet surface can lead to the growth of mold and unpleasant smells. Cleaning a wet carpet is a challenging task. However, there are various methods to eliminate the odor effectively.
1. Move it Out
When your carpet gets wet, it’s important to act fast. Take the carpet outside to dry; this is a key step. Sunlight helps it dry faster and prevents mold. But be careful not to leave it in the sun for too long, as that might damage the carpet fibers over time. Placing it in an open area helps it dry better and gets rid of any bacteria that might be there.
2. Baking Soda Treatment
Baking soda is a versatile and affordable solution for tackling stains and lingering odors on your carpet. Acting as an alkali and soluble salt, baking soda has excellent stain and dirt removal abilities. Once your carpet is dry, generously sprinkle baking soda on it to disinfect and remove odors. Allowing the baking soda to sit for an extended period, preferably overnight or up to 48 hours, enhances its effectiveness. If lingering odors remain, combine baking soda and vinegar to increase cleansing effectiveness.
3. Vacuuming
Following the application of baking soda and allowing it to rest for a while, the next step involves vacuuming the carpet. Using a regular vacuum cleaner, gently move it across the carpet’s surface to effectively remove the residues of baking soda. It’s important to note that at this stage, any absorbed moisture is considered safe for vacuuming after a period of 48 hours, ensuring a thorough and residue-free outcome.
4. Choose a Cleaning Solution
Choosing the right cleaning solution is critical to ensure that your carpet is cleaned effectively and safely. Given the delicate nature of carpet fibers, it is essential to pick a product that meets the specific needs and sensitivities of the carpet material. Before applying the chosen cleaning solution to the entire carpet, perform a patch test on an insignificant part to check compatibility and reaction.
5. Control Humidity at Home
Managing humidity levels in the home is essential for avoiding the development of bad odors and the growth of mold. Proper ventilation is required, which can be achieved by opening windows regularly. When mopping floors, make sure they are completely dry before bringing in the carpet. Additional steps, such as installing fans or dehumidifiers, help to improve ventilation. Exposing the carpet to sunshine regularly promotes natural drying; however, identifying and removing sources of moisture, such as leaks or kitchen moisture, is critical for long-term odor prevention.
6. Go for Professional Cleaning
In instances where household remedies fall short, especially when confronted with mold development, seeking the services of professional cleaners becomes paramount. These experts employ specialized machines designed for in-depth cleaning. Techniques such as hot water extraction effectively break down bacteria and excess moisture, providing a thorough and efficient solution. Following a specialized steaming process, the carpet is left free from bacteria and unpleasant smells, with a relatively quick drying time of 3-6 hours, restoring it to a fresh and revitalized state. Professional cleaning is particularly crucial for addressing severe carpet issues and ensuring a comprehensive restoration of both hygiene and aesthetics.
Benefits of Getting Carpets Cleaned Professionally
More than being decor, carpet is an investment that is made by house owners to protect their floors. Carpets act as floor protectors, but they also retain odor-causing particles in the air. Professionals thoroughly clean it, making sure your carpet lasts longer and smells better. They understand how to remove spots and stains, preventing the carpet from getting damaged. They also make sure that the carpet is free of allergens and harmful germs. In addition, professionals can prevent mold from forming in your carpet, which is a major cause of unpleasant smells. So, when your carpet is clean, it not only looks wonderful, but it also makes your entire home smell fresh and pleasant.
Conclusion
Maintaining clean and odor-free carpets is not just about aesthetics; it’s a fundamental aspect of ensuring a safe and healthy home environment. Lingering stains and bacteria, combined with children’s activities on the carpet, can cause the growth of dangerous mold, posing a risk to their health. Regular cleaning not only improves the appearance of the carpet but also helps to extend its life by removing buried debris and protecting the fibers. To properly handle the issue of damp carpet smells, constant cleaning is required. It will maintain both the appearance and the health of your carpets.