Musty smells carpets are both unpleasant and dangerous. Not only do they make your home smells unpleasant, but they may also pollute your indoor air with mold spores. The good news is that unless your home has been flooded, getting rid of musty smells from carpets is relatively simple. In this article, you will learn why mold in carpets is bad (in more detail) and how to get moldy smell out of carpet.

Why is Musty Smells in Carpet Bad?

Moldy smells from carpet can be problematic for a variety of reasons. To begin with, it could suggest the existence of mold or mildew growth in the carpet or surrounding environment like the basement.

Mold and mildew are fungi that flourish in damp settings and can cause a variety of health complications, particularly in persons who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems. Mold spore exposure can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and nasal congestion, among others.

A moldy smell from carpet might suggest poor indoor air quality and potentially lead to uncomfortable living conditions, in addition to health risks.

Furthermore, a moldy odor might reduce the value of a home or rental property, making it less appealing to potential buyers or renters. To preserve a healthy and comfortable living environment, it is critical to handle any mold or mildew growth and eliminate the moldy smell as soon as possible.

How to Get Musty Smells out of Carpet

Ensure the area is dry: Musty smells are often caused by water issues, so it’s important to address any underlying moisture problems. Fix any water damage and thoroughly dry the affected area by opening windows, using dehumidifiers, and employing fans if necessary. In cases of recent flooding, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from a restoration company to determine if the carpet can be salvaged.
Vacuum the carpet: Once the water problem is resolved and the carpet is dry, vacuum it to remove dust and aid in dissipating the odor. Using a larger vacuum cleaner can help remove more dust particles.
Treat with vinegar and water solution: Create a mixture of one cup of white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Gently mist the carpet with this solution using a spray bottle. Take care not to oversaturate the carpet, as excessive moisture can promote mold growth.
Utilize baking soda: Apply a generous amount of baking soda, which is an excellent odor neutralizer, to the carpet. Don’t worry; baking soda is safe for both humans and pets and does not damage the carpet.
Allow time for deodorizers to work: Leave the vinegar solution and baking soda on the carpet for a while to let the natural deodorizers take effect. The longer you allow them to sit, the better the results. Waiting for a few hours or leaving them overnight yields the best outcome.
Try hydrogen peroxide: Another method to eliminate musty smells is by using hydrogen peroxide. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with five parts water in a spray bottle and apply the solution to the back of the carpet. This helps neutralize mold spores and the associated odor.
Consider foam carpet shampoo: Vacuum the carpet first, then apply foam carpet shampoo using a sponge to prevent oversaturation. Afterward, allow the carpet to dry and vacuum it once again.
Repeat the process if needed: If the odor persists, repeat the chosen method until the smell is eliminated.
Note: Persistent odors may be challenging to eliminate, and in some cases, the affected area may require carpet replacement.

Contact Your Local PuroClean Office For Professional Carpet Cleaning Services

Learning how to get musty smells out of carpet may not be enough for most homeowners. Completely cleaning your carpet from mold can be challenging. If none of your efforts are successful, have your carpet cleaned by a professional restoration company such as PuroClean. We provide advanced carpet cleaning, water removal, and mold restoration services to get your home smelling fresh again.