How to Remove Bad Odors From a Carpet

A smelly carpet can make an entire room feel unclean.

An unpleasant carpet odor can make an entire room smell unclean. Dirt and odors can easily become trapped in the fibers. Carpet and air fresheners won't do a thing to eliminate the odor, so getting to the source is imperative. A thorough cleaning is the only effective way to get rid of the smell.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• White vinegar
• Water
• Clean cloth or sponge
• Carpet shampooer
• Carpet shampoo
• Fan
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Move all of the furniture off the carpet and put it in another room.

2. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to eliminate loose dirt and dust.

3. Treat stains with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water, using a clean cloth or sponge.

4. Clean the carpet with a carpet shampooer. If you don’t own one, rent a shampooer at a home-improvement store or supermarket. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for both the shampooer and the shampoo.

5. Open the doors and windows to circulate air through the room and speed drying. Running a fan will also help.

6. Allow the carpet to dry undisturbed for several hours.

7. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the dry carpet and leave it overnight. Baking soda absorbs odors and any remaining moisture.

8. Vacuum up the baking soda in the morning.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid steam cleaning if the odor comes from urine, as this can make the smell worse. Follow the manufacturer's instructions if you opt to use a commercial stain remover.

References

• Sacremento SPCA: Successful Cleaning to Remove Pet Odors and Stains
• Allergy Consumer Review: Carpet Cleaning – Spots, Stains, Odor