Removing Odors from Carpet and Rugs

Carpet seizes all of life’s odors and holds them captive. It’s the dirty truth. Let’s tackle some remedies for removing odor from your carpet and rugs. There are techniques you can employ at home. If the job really stinks, give us a call!

Most odors can be extracted from your carpet, but your time and effort will depend largely on the type and severity of the odor. Several repeat treatments may be required if the smell is strong. If possible, open up your windows and run fans in the affected spaces to circulate fresh air.

Let’s Get Started

A great place to start is baking soda. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, effective in removing odors, and less harsh than over-the-counter sprays, foams or powders. Sprinkle the odorous area liberally with baking soda. If your carpet or rug has a long pile, brush the area with a broom or brush to work the baking soda down into the fibers.

After you’ve laid down a layer of baking soda, sprinkle another layer on top of it. You’ll need an ample amount of to fully remove rug odors. Allow the baking soda to set on the affected area overnight. The advantage of using baking soda is that it isn’t harmful to animals or children and it won’t damage your carpet as it absorbs odors.

Once the baking soda has worked its magic on your carpet, sweep the top layer into a dustpan with a broom to remove excess. If you’re dealing with a rug, you can shake it off outdoors. Make sure to remove as much of the top layer of baking soda as you can, then vacuum the remaining particles.

Still Have Odor?

You can repeat the baking soda process as many times as necessary without worrying about carpet damage if the odor still remains. If significant odor remains, you may want to try the vinegar method. Do you live in an especially humid area? It may be wise to try vinegar first instead of baking soda. If the baking soda gets damp while on your carpet, it can be difficult to extract out of the fibers and will leave a crusty feeling underfoot.

Using a spray bottle, apply the vinegar to your carpet or rug, careful not to over saturate. Allow the acids in the vinegar to work on the carpet odor for approximately 20 minutes, then blot with a clean soft cloth to remove the majority of the moisture. Rinse the area with a spray bottle of water, then blot with a new clean cloth to absorb any remaining water. Place fans near the damp area and allow them to dry completely.

For most odors, one of the tips we’ve covered should solve your issue. However, pet odors (though one of the most common offenses) is one of the most challenging odor problems for carpet. Urine penetrates the carpet fibers and seeps down below the carpet, penetrating the backing and the floorboard underneath. You may find that repeated applications of baking soda and vinegar aren’t cutting through the odor.

Call The Professionals

At this point, it’s wise to consult a professional service that can treat the problem safely and effectively. Our Rug Care Center will soak your rug thoroughly, breaking down the salts in the urine, in our Pet Decontamination Bath. For in-home jobs anywhere in the St. Louis area (including St. Charles), our team is ready to combat urine, pet, sneaker, and just about any other odor that wafts our way. Call our service team at 314-266-0373 for guidance or to make an appointment.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at 314-227-3932.

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Updated 8/14/2020