If you feel a whiff of "damp carpet" in the house, try removing the stale smell with baking soda and the strongest vacuum you have. However, if mold has gotten into the carpet fibers, you can try to get rid of it more aggressively with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Finally, if the odor persists, you should consult a professional to determine if it can be eliminated.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove the stale smell
Step 1. Spread the baking soda on the carpet
It is a product capable of absorbing odors and humidity; you simply have to buy it at the supermarket and pour it freely over the entire surface to be treated. Distribute it gently on the carpet using a sponge or broom, so that it covers as much of the fabric as possible.
- Leave it on overnight;
- Alternatively, you can use powdered borax to achieve the same result; in this case, carefully follow the precautions and instructions for use indicated on the package.
Step 2. Vacuum the surface
Use the most powerful appliance you have and make sure you cover all the carpet; when finished, pass it a second time to make sure you have treated it in at least two different directions.
Step 3. Use carpet shampoo
It is a commercially available product (in supermarkets or even online) that can remove the smell of humidity. Follow the directions on the packaging, which probably involve using the vacuum cleaner first.
- Keep in mind that some products are specifically designed to be used with a carpet cleaner, while others can be applied simply using a sponge.
- For example, it may be necessary to spread a certain type of shampoo with the sponge, let it act for at least 20 minutes, then vacuum the whole area again.
Method 2 of 3: Making Cleaning Solutions at Home
Step 1. Spray a vinegar mixture to kill the spores
White vinegar is very acidic; this characteristic gives it antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Not only is it able to kill mold, it can also loosen and lift other residues from the carpet. To make the cleaning solution, mix 1/2 liter of warm water with a tablespoon of white vinegar and a teaspoon of baking soda in a spray bottle.
- Shake the container thoroughly and spread the mixture freely on the carpet; prepare more as needed.
- Be aware that there will be a strong vinegar smell in the room until the mixture has dried.
- Once dry, carefully vacuum the entire treated surface.
Step 2. Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with dye-free soap
Combine 4 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide with one of dye-free liquid soap and mix the two with about 1.5 liters of very hot water. This solution is perfect for cleaning carpets with the carpet cleaner.
- 3% hydrogen peroxide is on sale in pharmacies or supermarkets;
- Be careful when using it, as it can cause the dark colored fibers to discolour slightly; however, the risk is minimal if you use the one with a maximum concentration of 3%.
Step 3. Combine the vinegar with the hydrogen peroxide
Use the white one and add it to the peroxide for an even more effective action. Take a spray bottle and mix 60ml of white vinegar with one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and another of dye-free liquid soap; fill the rest of the container with hot water.
Step 4. Test in an inconspicuous area of the carpet
Especially if you are using hydrogen peroxide, you need to test the product first to make sure it doesn't accidentally cause discoloration; for example, just wet a cloth with the mixture you made and rub it on the fibers in a hidden corner.
Leave the substance to act for a few minutes, then pat the carpet with a dry cloth and wait 24 hours; if you don't notice any color variation, the mixture is safe and you can use it on the rest of the surface
Method 3 of 3: Get Rid of Persistent Odors
Step 1. Keep the carpet dry
Moisture is the number one cause of mold, which in turn causes bad odor. Therefore, turn on a dehumidifier or air conditioner to try to prevent this problem or at least prevent it from recurring; alternatively, turn on a fan and open the windows.
Step 2. Consult a carpet cleaning expert
If you have tried to get rid of the damp smell but it persists despite all your best efforts, it is worth going to a professional who can check the situation and tell you if it is possible to clean the carpet and save it.
A company specializing in this area can also completely remove and clean carpet damaged by flooding or some other persistent source of moisture
Step 3. Remove the carpet for a thorough cleaning
If it was installed with the anchor strips, you can remove it, clean it and then reinstall it again. If you or the professional you turn to are able to recover the carpet and restore it to its original state, know that the padding underneath will still need to be replaced.
If you clean yourself, mix one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide with five of water and spread the mixture on both sides of the carpet, being careful to cover it completely; afterwards, leave it exposed to direct sunlight until it is completely dry
Step 4. Consider throwing it away
If the water has completely impregnated the carpet and the padding underneath, you need to replace both. In general, if the liquid has remained on the coating for more than 24 hours or if the humidity has allowed the mold to contaminate all the fibers, you need to change the flooring.
