If you’ve ever dealt with the misfortune of spilling something in your car or cleaning up after a pet accident, you know how tough it can be to get rid of persistent odors. Thankfully, you don’t have to depend on expensive or possibly toxic chemical cleaning products! In this guide by My Cleaning Services Petaling Jaya, we’ll show you how to efficiently and safely remove smells from carpets using just a handful of simple, everyday items. Let’s get started!
Key points:
- There are a few ways to use white vinegar and water to neutralize odors in your carpets including mixing the two together in a bucket, using it with a clean mop or rag, scrubbing the carpet from one edge to another, and letting it air dry.
- Baking soda is an effective and natural deodorizer that absorbs musty odors from carpets. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the troublesome area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming it up.
- Activated charcoal can be used to absorb nasty odors from the air and carpets by filtering out odors through adsorption, trapping them within its internal pores.
- Enzyme-based cleaners use a combination of microorganisms, or enzymes, to lift away odor-causing molecules and restore your carpet to its original clean state which is available in liquid sprays, gels, and powder forms.
- If you have pet stains you may want to add a little white vinegar to help clean and neutralize spots while baking soda helps remove any odors. Use this method anywhere in your house where odors might be lingering or as part of your regular carpet cleaning routine for fres
Use a mixture of white vinegar and water to neutralize odors
Using a combination of white vinegar and water is an effective, affordable way to neutralize odors in your carpets. The acidic properties of the vinegar help break down odors, as well as make it a great cleaning agent for carpet stains. To create the mixture, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a large bucket. Dip a clean mop or lint-free rag into the solution and wring it out until there is no more dribbling from the cloth.
Then scrub your carpet with this mixture, starting from one edge and gradually working your way towards the other side. Use enough pressure to remove dirt and grime without damaging your furniture or carpet’s surface, but not too much pressure as this can cause permanent discoloration of the fabric. Allow your carpet to air dry completely before you move on to other cleaning tasks.
Baking soda is another effective odor neutralizer
Baking soda is an effective and natural deodorizer that absorbs musty odors from carpets. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the troublesome area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. You can even mix the baking soda with a few drops of essential oil to make it smell even better! If you have pet stains, you may want to add a little white vinegar to the baking soda too.
The vinegar helps to clean and neutralize the spot while the baking soda helps remove any odors. Use this method anywhere in your house where odors might be lingering or as part of your regular carpet cleaning routine for fresher-smelling carpets.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, can be used to absorb nasty odors from the air and carpets. It has been used for years to help remove odors from water and the air in tanks and other enclosed spaces. Activated charcoal works by filtering out odors through adsorption, trapping them within its internal pores. To get rid of tough smells in carpets, spread a liberal amount of high-quality activated charcoal over the affected area and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
Be sure to use a high-grade product with no binders or additives—these can cause staining. Vacuum up the excess charcoal when finished. For severe odor problems, you may need to repeat the process a second time, allowing more time for the charcoal to do its work before vacuuming up the particles.
Enzyme-based cleaners
Enzyme-based cleaners are often used as an effective and safe way to remove odors from carpets. Generally, this type of cleaner uses a combination of microorganisms, or enzymes, to lift away odor-causing molecules and restore your carpet to its original clean state. The enzymes break down the molecules that absorb odors in your carpet, thus effectively removing the smell.
Enzyme-based cleaning agents are available in a variety of forms including liquid sprays, gels, and powders. When using these cleaners it is important to make sure they are specifically designed for carpets as some products intended for hard surfaces may ultimately leave behind residue that can further damage your carpets.
Additionally, enzymes should be applied directly onto the stained area and left on for 15 – 20 minutes to achieve maximum results. Vacuuming after application will help remove the remaining debris and any residue from the cleaner itself. It is recommended that you avoid exposing your carpets or furniture to direct sunlight when using enzyme-based cleaners as this can lead to fading or discoloration over time.
Hire a professional-grade carpet cleaner
When unpleasant odors linger in your carpets, it may be necessary to hire a professional-grade carpet cleaner to get rid of them. These professional-grade cleaners are much more effective than home-grade ones, as they are formulated with special ingredients that work best at eliminating deeply embedded odor particles. Professional cleaning is especially useful if the odor is particularly strong or if the affected area is large.
During the service, a specialist will assess the situation to determine what type of odors you are dealing with and select an appropriate cleaning solution or powder for your carpeting. Depending on what type of fabric and fabrics are used in your carpet, different solutions may be used to provide deep stain removal. The technician will then apply an enzyme-based pre-spotter and use a powerful extraction machine to deep clean your carpets thoroughly.
This process can help remove even stubborn discoloration and ground-in odors from years of accidental spills and pet accidents. Afterward, you can enjoy refreshed and odorless carpets for months to come!
Use a carpet deodorizing powder
Carpet deodorizing powders can be used in a variety of ways to eliminate or reduce odors in carpets. They can be used to target specific areas, such as pet odor or smoke damage. You can also use them throughout an entire room to freshen up carpets and rugs. When using a carpet deodorizing powder, it is important to follow directions carefully and check for any potential stains or discoloration prior to applying the powder.
Deodorizing powders are typically composed of absorbent materials like baking soda, which works by drawing odors out of carpets and upholstered furniture—and often work even better than commercial sprays, because they don’t merely mask odors but absorb them instead. When using a carpet deodorizing powder, it is necessary to apply the powder evenly so that all areas are covered.
If needed, use a broom or vacuum cleaner attachment to spread the powder throughout your carpeting before leaving it for at least 20 minutes, and then vacuum away the residue completely afterward. Additional stain-fighting components like baking soda and borax may also be present in carpet deodorizing powders; when added, these ingredients help tackle stubborn dirt and stains too!
Use a carpet protector
As an extra precaution, using a carpet protector on your carpet can help reduce odors. Carpet protectors are sprays that you apply to your carpet that helps to build a barrier between stains and odors and the fibers of the carpet. These protectors can also help to prevent future stains and odors from getting into the fibers of the carpet in the future.
When applied correctly, these protectors can often be reapplied annually or when deep cleaning your carpets for maximum protection of the carpets and fibers in order to keep them smelling fresh. Always make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for applying your particular brand before you start spraying in order to ensure that it is being used correctly and safely.
Conclusion
It is important to address odors from carpets in your home or office as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments and products available to help you eliminate unpleasant smells and restore your carpets to their former glory. From baking soda and vinegar to special enzyme cleaners, using the appropriate methods for each type of odor can help you successfully remove the source of the smell, reinvigorate your carpets and revitalize indoor air quality.