Why Does My Carpet Smell After Cleaning?

It's a beautiful day, and you've just cleaned your carpets or had them professionally cleaned. They look great, but what's that awful smell? It's coming from the carpets themselves. So, what causes this?

One common culprit is moisture absorbed by the carpet's underlay during cleaning, leading to that musty odour. If your carpet is relatively new (a few months to about three years old), the smell should dissipate once the carpet fully dries. Open windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.

However, if your carpet is older, the smell could indicate a deeper issue. The underlay might be deteriorating, requiring replacement. Before jumping to conclusions, though, let's explore other factors that could be contributing to the odour.

Reasons Your Carpet Smells After Cleaning

A common reason for a lingering unpleasant smell in your carpet is improper cleaning. Whether done by yourself or a professional, there are several factors that could be at play:

Insufficient Extraction Power

When using a DIY carpet cleaner (like a rented Rug Doctor), the extraction power is often weaker than that of industrial-grade machines. This can leave excess water behind, causing the carpet to remain damp, leading to a musty or damp smell.

Improper Drying

Carpets that are left too wet after cleaning create an ideal environment for bacteria and germs to thrive. This can lead to a stronger, more unpleasant odour, particularly if the carpet was already smelly before cleaning.

Residue from Cleaning Products

If too many cleaning products are used or not rinsed out properly, soapy residue can remain in the carpet. This not only causes a foul smell but also attracts dirt and grime, which can make the issue worse over time.

Over-Wetting the Carpet

When carpets are over-wet during cleaning, it can lead to water damage and create the perfect breeding ground for mould or mildew. Without sufficient drying and extraction, the carpet fibers can retain moisture, making the smell worse.

Other Common Carpet Odour Problems

When carpets are over-wet during cleaning, it can lead to water damage and create the perfect breeding ground for mould or mildew. Without sufficient drying and extraction, the carpet fibers can retain moisture, making the smell worse.

Cigarette Smell

Cigarette smoke has a strong, lingering odour that can be absorbed by carpet fibers. Even after cleaning, if the smoke particles remain trapped in the carpet, the smell can persist, leading to a stale, unpleasant atmosphere in the room.

Persistent Stains

Certain stains, such as those from food or drink, may not be fully removed during the cleaning process. If these stains aren’t adequately treated, they can cause a lingering, sour smell that continues to affect the carpet even after cleaning.

Pet Odours

Pet smells, especially from urine or feces, can seep deeply into the carpet fibers and padding. Regular cleaning may not always eliminate these odours, as pet urine can leave behind a chemical residue that continues to emit a strong, unpleasant smell long after cleaning.

Read also: How to Clean Wool Carpets Yourself?

What to Do and Not Do When You Have a Smelly Carpet

If your carpet has a lingering smell after cleaning, it's important to take the right steps to address it. Keep in mind that woollen carpets or rugs and those with Hessian underlay are more prone to developing strong odours when wet. The drying time largely depends on air humidity, ventilation, the weather, and how wet the carpet is.

What Not to do When Your Carpet is Soaking Wet

1. Do Not Use a Dry Vacuum Cleaner: Avoid using a regular vacuum cleaner to remove moisture. This could damage the machine’s motor or, worse, cause an electrical hazard. If you need to extract water, use a wet vacuum cleaner specifically designed for the job.
2. Do Not Walk on the Carpet: Walking on a wet carpet can force the moisture from the underlay back into the carpet fibres, prolonging the drying time and potentially causing damage. It’s best to avoid walking on the carpet until it’s completely dry.
3. Do Not Place Furniture on the Carpet: Replacing furniture before the carpet is dry can lead to indentations and increase the risk of mould growth under heavier items like sofas or divans. Wait until the carpet is fully dry before returning furniture to prevent long-term damage.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure your carpet dries properly and the smell dissipates more quickly.

What to Do to Get Rid of a Smelly Carpet

If your carpet smells after cleaning, try these simple DIY remedies to eliminate the odour:

1. Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, focusing on smelly areas. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up to neutralize odours.

2. Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the carpet and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before blotting with a clean cloth. The vinegar smell will fade, taking the odour with it.

3. Essential Oils Spray

Mix 10-15 drops of essential oil (lavender or tea tree) with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the carpet for a fresh scent and antimicrobial benefits.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Combine 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water and 1 tbsp of baking soda. Lightly spray the carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes, then blot the area.

5. Activated Charcoal

Place activated charcoal in the room for 24-48 hours to absorb persistent odours.

Additional Carpet Deodorizing Solutions

1. Salt and Borax for Odour Absorption

Sprinkle a mixture of salt and borax over your carpet, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then vacuum. This combination absorbs odours and helps eliminate moisture that causes unpleasant smells.

2. Lemon Juice to Refresh and Cleanse

Mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the carpet to refresh it. The natural acidity of lemon helps neutralize odours while leaving a fresh, clean scent.

3. Tooth Powder for Small Areas

For targeted odour removal, sprinkle tooth powder directly onto the smelly spots on your carpet, let it sit for a few minutes, and vacuum it up. It absorbs odours and helps freshen up small problem areas.

4. Steam Cleaning for Deep Odour Removal

Steam cleaning is an effective method for deep-cleaning carpets. The hot steam penetrates the fibers, removing embedded dirt and bacteria, which are often the source of lingering odours.

These methods will help freshen up your carpet and remove unpleasant smells effectively.

Check also: How to Clean Carpet Spills?

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing carpet odours can be simple with the right methods, whether it's through natural remedies or steam cleaning. However, if the smell persists despite your efforts, it might indicate a deeper issue, such as mould or bacteria embedded in the carpet fibers. In such cases, it's best to call in the professionals. At Prolux Cleaning, we specialize in deep cleaning and deodorizing carpets, ensuring they look and smell fresh. Contact us at 020-3318-6387 for expert carpet care and mould removal services.