How To Remove Tough Odors From Carpets?

Unpleasant odors from carpets can negatively impact the indoor environment, causing it to smell unpleasant. These odors can result from stains such as food, pet accidents, or spills from wine and other beverages that have not been cleaned.

But, having natural solutions to get rid of such strong odors can make a big difference. In this blog, we will discover seven effective remedies to remove tough odors from carpets. Read on to learn more!

7 Remedies to Remove Tough Odors from Carpets

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most common natural deodorizers accessible in your kitchen. Its chemical properties make it versatile for stain removal and deodorizing the carpet, simultaneously.

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the smelly area and let it sit overnight. In the morning, vacuum the baking soda and you are done. It’s a simple, safe, and inexpensive way to combat tough smells without harsh chemicals.

2. White Vinegar

White vinegar is another natural solution that is widely used as a carpet cleaner. It has acidic deodorizing properties which can eliminate carpet odors.

Mix an equal amount of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the affected area. Allow it to sit for 15 -20 minutes(several hours if the odor persists), and then blot it with a clean cloth. Once the area is dried, vacuum it to fluff the carpet fiber.

3. Borax

Besides baking soda and vinegar, borax is a powerful deodorizer for tackling odors and stains on the carpet. Sprinkle the borax powder on the smelly spot and gently work it into the carpet fiber with a carpet brush.

Let it sit for a few minutes to an hour to absorb odors and kill bacteria. Vacuum it thoroughly to remove residue.

4. Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a natural odor absorber that works wonders on carpets. Place small bowls of activated charcoal near the odor source.

Keep them for several hours to absorb odors effectively and then take them. Charcoal is non-toxic and eco-friendly, making it a safe option for homes with pets and children.

5. Essential Oil

Another solution to remove tough odors from carpets is to mask them with essential oil. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lemon, orange, lavender, or eucalyptus, with baking soda.

Sprinkle the mixture over the carpet, let it sit for at least an hour, and then vacuum. This method provides a natural, aromatic way to eliminate tough odors and refresh your home

6. Enzymatic Cleaner

If you want to use a ready-made solution to eliminate odors from the carpet, try enzymatic cleaner. They are specially formulated to break down organic odors, such as pet urine or food spills.

Apply the cleaner directly to the affected area and let it sit as directed, usually 15-30 minutes. These cleaners work at a molecular level to neutralize odors and are particularly effective for pet-related smells. Follow up by blotting and vacuuming for a clean finish.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide

When it comes to carpet cleaning and odor removal, we can not forget hydrogen peroxide. It is a powerful disinfectant and deodorizer for carpets.

Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water and apply it to the odor source. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot with a clean towel. (test on a small hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t bleach your carpet)

Tips to Prevent Musty Odors in Your Carpet

• Blot spills immediately before they seep into carpet fibers and linger with a foul odor.
• Have odor elimination solutions handy to deodorize carpets when you encounter any odor.
• Deep clean your carpets at least once a month to prevent unpleasant odors. Regular carpet cleaning not only cleans it thoroughly but keeps unpleasant odors away!
• Ensure your carpets are dried after spot-cleaning to avoid musty odors from wet carpets.

Bottom Line

The solutions; baking soda, vinegar, borax, and others mentioned in this blog are effective carpet cleaning and odor removal remedies you can use to remove tough odors from carpets.

However, we recommend opting for professional carpet cleaning once every six months to clean the carpet thoroughly and eliminate odors. At JC Steemers, we are expert carpet cleaning professionals who use advanced equipment and green solutions to deep clean carpets, making them look and feel fresh for a year.

Call us now to get a detailed quote!