How to Get Rid of a Musty Odor in Carpeting
A musty odor in carpeting indicates mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew flourish in damp, humid conditions, so the musty smell is probably a result of too much moisture in your carpet. Keeping carpeting clean and dry is the best prevention for a musty smell, but once it's there, get rid of the musty odor by getting rid of the mold or mildew itself. If your efforts do not successfully remove the odor, it's time to call in the professionals. Mold and mildew can pose health risks. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp. liquid laundry detergent
- Sponge or rag
- Towel
- Carpet shampoo machine
Instructions
-
-
1
Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove as much mildew as possible. Immediately replace the vacuum bag or clean the canister outdoors to prevent spreading mold spores in your home.
-
2
Mix 2 cups water with 1 tbsp. liquid laundry detergent and stir it vigorously to create thick suds.
-
-
3
Wipe visible mildew stains with suds and a damp rag or sponge until the mildew is gone.
-
4
Rinse the affected area with clean water and dry it as thoroughly as possible.
-
5
Shampoo the entire carpet with an electric carpet shampoo machine to clean areas of mildew you can't see on the surface of the carpet. Carpet cleaning machines can be rented or purchased.
-
6
Have the carpet professionally cleaned if there is still a musty odor. The mildew has probably permeated through to the carpet backing and perhaps the pad underneath.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If the floor is wet, taking mildew prevention action immediately is essential. Lift the corner of the carpet to determine whether the carpet pad under the carpet is wet. If the carpet pad has become saturated with water, the carpet and pad must be removed to allow the subfloor to dry. If the subfloor remains wet, the floor can eventually buckle. Depending on the extent of the damage to the carpet, it can be professionally cleaned and the carpet re-stretched to fit the floor, since the carpet may shrink an inch or two during cleaning.
