Do you have mold growth or smelly carpets? The longer your carpet remains wet, the greater the chance you will have musty or mildew smells. In most cases, you can get rid of mildew smells in carpeting using vinegar and baking soda. However, you might need professional help to remove really bad smells or clean the entire carpet. The following steps explain how to get a mildew smell out of your carpet.
How To Get Rid of a Mildew Smell in Carpet
Tools & Supplies
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Spray Bottle
- Rubber Gloves (optional)
- Eye Protection (optional)
1. Dry Wet Carpeting
Musty carpet smells are caused by excess moisture or water problems, so you need to dry wet carpet first. While you can dry smaller areas yourself, you may need to hire a water damage restoration company for larger areas.
2. Vacuum Up Dirt and Dust
Since dust and dirt will hold onto smells, vacuum your carpeting thoroughly. Vacuum the musty area in one direction, then again in a perpendicular direction. If the carpet is extremely dirty, use a shop vac with a hose to remove as much debris as possible.
3. Treat Musty Spots With Vinegar
Next, treat musty carpet smells with a vinegar solution. Fill a spray bottle one-third of the way with white vinegar, then top off with warm water. Then lightly mist the areas that smell like mold and mildew. The vinegar will help kill mold and mildew and neutralize musty odors. However, do not soak the carpeting because too much water can cause more problems with mildew.
4. Sprinkle on Baking Soda
Then sprinkle baking soda over the musty carpeting, using more than you think you need. It is a natural deodorizer that is safe for pets and will not damage your carpeting. You can help remove mildew smells in carpeting by gently massaging it into the carpet fibers with your hand.
5. Wait for the Treatment To Remove Mildew Smells
Now you just need to wait. While the baking soda can remove mildew smells from your carpeting in just a few hours, we recommend letting it set overnight. Then use your vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda after it gets rid of the musty mildew smells.
6. Repeat As Necessary
While one treatment will remove mild mildew smells from carpeting, you might need to repeat these steps two or three times for more intense odors. Try the alternative methods below if you still cannot remove the musty carpet smells.
Alternatives for Getting a Musty Mildew Smell Out of Carpet
While white vinegar and baking soda are usually effective at getting rid of musty smells in carpeting, sometimes you need more powerful odor removers. However, you should avoid using harsh chemicals that can stain your carpeting or even cause allergic reactions.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Another effective way to get rid of musty or moldy smells in carpets is hydrogen peroxide. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with five parts water, then spray over the musty-smelling carpet. If possible, lift the carpet up and spray the underside as well. If it still smells after cleaning, repeat the process again.
Carpet Shampoo
You can also clean mildew and moldy-smelling carpets with foam carpet shampoo. Apply the shampoo with a sponge and avoid using too much water. Follow the directions for your shampoo. Allow it to air dry, then vacuum the carpet.
Hire Carpet Cleaners
Hire a local carpet cleaning company if you cannot remove the mildew smell from your carpeting. Professional carpet cleaners will assess the damage, determine the cause, and remove even the most difficult smells.
Do your carpets smell moldy or musty, even after following these cleaning steps? Call 1-888-443-3110 now to talk with a local water restoration company near you. They are available 24 hours a day and always offer a fast response and free quotes.
