What's That Smell?
You’ve probably hired the services of a Carpet Cleaning company or you cleaned your carpet yourself.
Yet, several hours later, there is this unpleasant smell coming from your carpet.
It happens, and it is not uncommon.
Don’t doubt your cleaning skills, or feel you’ve wasted your money paying professional cleaning service. There are a number of reasons that could be responsible for your smelly carpet. In this article, we will show why it smells, and how to remove the unpleasant odor.
Why Does My Carpet Smell Worse After Cleaning?
Overwet Carpet
Often, the reason a carpet is smelly after cleaning is because of overwetting. If excess moisture soaks into the carpet padding, it will lead to the build-up of mold and mildew. It is the mold and mildew that are responsible for the bad odor coming from your carpet.
Overwetting happens when the cleaning technician is inexperienced or the cleaning machine was not powerful enough to extract all the moisture from the carpet. Plumbing leaks can also lead to carpet mold.
Old Carpet Stains
Some property owners don’t clean their carpets regularly, and this will lead to an accumulation of spills, stains, and dirt. These stains and dirt can find their way to the carpet underlay and will eventually start to smell at some point.
When the carpet is eventually given a deep cleaning, this awful odor will resurface and may persist long after the carpet has dried.
Pet Stains & Odors
3 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Carpet Smells?
1. Don’t Vacuum The Wet Carpet On Your Own
2. Don’t Put Furniture On The Carpet
3. Don’t Step On The Carpet While It’s Still Wet
How To Fix a Smelly Carpet?
The first thing to do is to open the windows to let in fresh air. This will help the carpet dry faster and prevent the build-up of a musty odor.
If your carpet remains smelly, then try any of the following remedies:
- Place bowls of white vinegar around the room and leave them overnight to absorb the odor
- Leave a box of baking soda open in the room overnight to absorb the smell
- Use a dehumidifier
- Sprinkle Borax powder on the carpet to absorb the odor
If Your Carpet Still Leaves Behind a Smell, Call a Professional Cleaning Service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my carpet have a bad odor after cleaning?
There could be multiple reasons for this. One common cause is overwetting the carpet during the cleaning process, which can result in mold and mildew buildup. Old stains resurfacing after cleaning or unaddressed pet stains and odors can also be the culprits.
Can I vacuum my carpet if it’s still wet after cleaning?
No, you shouldn’t. Vacuuming a wet carpet can be dangerous as it poses the risk of damaging your domestic vacuum cleaner or, in the worst-case scenario, getting electrocuted. If your carpet is wet, it’s recommended to let professionals handle the cleaning with a wet vacuum cleaner.
How can I get rid of the musty smell from my wet carpet?
Start by opening the windows to allow for better air circulation. This will aid in faster drying and help reduce the musty odor. If the smell persists, you can place bowls of white vinegar or an open box of baking soda in the room overnight, use a dehumidifier, or sprinkle Borax powder on the carpet.
Is it okay to place furniture back on my wet carpet?
No, it’s best to avoid placing furniture on a wet carpet. Doing so can encourage mold and mildew growth under the furniture and can also potentially damage the wood of the furniture due to moisture. It’s best to wait until the carpet is completely dry before rearranging furniture.
What should I do if home remedies don’t eliminate the carpet odor?
If you’ve tried the methods listed in the article and still experience a persistent odor, it’s advisable to hire a professional carpet cleaning service like Brownstown Carpet Cleaning. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to address stubborn odors effectively.
