How to Get a Musty Smell Out of Your Carpet

So, you've noticed a less-than-pleasant, musty smell lingering in your carpet? No need to panic – you’re not alone. Carpets have a knack for holding onto odours, but don't start browsing through new swatches just yet.

There is a way to save your carpet. Read on for how to get rid of that musty smell and restore the freshness.

What could that musty smell be?

First things first, let's talk about what that musty smell could actually be. Carpets can absorb a variety of smell – from pet messes and spills to moisture and mould (the main culprit behind most musty smells).

When your carpet becomes wet and isn't dried properly, it creates a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. So, if you've recently dealt with a flood, leak or even just a spill that didn’t get cleaned up in time, you’ve more than likely found the source of the musty smell.

How to get a musty smell out of your carpet

DIY cleaning solutions

For the DIYers out there, you can easily create a cleaning solution out of household items. Try a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. Fill a spray bottle halfway with the solution and sprinkle the musty area lightly. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean towel.

Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and can destroy mould spores, but don't use too much – you don't want to swap one odour for another.

Baking soda – your new best friend

Another easy fix is using baking soda. Just put a good amount on the smelly part of your carpet and leave it overnight. It'll soak up the bad smell and any dampness. Vacuum it up the next day, and the smell should be much better.

Wet extraction cleaning

If the smell continues to linger, it might be time to think about wet extraction cleaning your carpet. Wet extraction cleaning is excellent at penetrating deep into the fibres to eliminate bacteria, mould and other factors behind those unpleasant smells.

You've got two options – either bring in a professional carpet cleaner or rent a cleaner and tackle the job yourself. However, wet extraction cleaning without the right know-how might not remove the smell completely.

Purpose-made cleaning solution

You might have to consider using a carpet cleaner specifically designed for pet odours or musty smells. Maybe your shampooed carpet now smells musty. Simply follow the guidelines on the bottle, but first test a small, inconspicuous area. This will help you avoid any unpleasant shocks, such as discolouration.

Wave goodbye to your carpet’s musty smell

If you want to know how to get musty smells out of carpet, professionals are usually the answer. If you've tried all of the above treatments and the musty odour persists, it’s probably time to call in a professional for a more thorough cleaning.

The National Carpet Cleaner's Association (NCCA) helps you find experienced and trustworthy carpet cleaners who can often undo the problems caused by DIY cleaning or just a lack of cleaning altogether. Find a carpet cleaner near you today to get your home smelling better and looking at its best.