(Newswire.net — March 26, 2019) — Does your carpet smell after deep cleaning? If yes, then it’s common for carpets to continue to stink, despite just going through a professional cleaning. You don’t have to replace the carpet since there are multiple solutions to help fix the problem. However, you must first understand why the carpet stinks after a deep clean to know how to prevent it in the future.
Carpet Smells After Deep Cleaning
Reasons for a Smelly Carpet
The main reason for a smelly carpet is that the backing padding absorbed moisture while wet and wasn’t completely dried. Once the materials underneath the carpets become wet, the odor breaks the surface with more resilience. The stink will persist until dried properly.
Another reason may be using shampoo in excess, the failure to use a deodorizer after cleaning or even using excess amounts of water. You should give your carpet enough time to dry in order to eliminate the musty odors.
For new carpets, the moldy smell is supposed to clear once the carpet is properly dried. This may not be the same case with older carpets. A smelling carpet after a thorough clean may be a sign of total breakdown. This means you need to replace it with a new one. Still, you need to consider a number of factors before taking any steps:
- If the carpet was thoroughly cleaned
- If it had any odor before cleaning
Over-wetting is the main cause when a carpet still smells after a deep clean. This may be caused by:
1. A less experienced cleaner
2. Failure to properly rinse the carpet
3. Failure to completely dry the carpet as a result of inadequate air circulation.
Besides properly drying the carpet, you can help get rid of the musty smell by using bactericide cleaning agents or making your own carpet freshener. Avoid getting the rug wet again since it will only escalate the odor. Drying the backing should be your top priority in reducing the musty smells.
Other quick remedies include:
• Allow free circulation of air on a good weather condition.
• Use baking soda to help absorb the odor.
• You can as well use vinegar in place of baking soda. They both work wonders.
• Use a sandbox to soak up the moldy odor. If you have cats, then keep the litter pan out of reach.
• Sprinkle borax on the rug and allow it to soak up. Use a dry brush to scrub it.
What to Avoid
Below are things to avoid on a wet carpet:
• Placing furniture on a wet carpet – The results of this are suitable conditions for mold growth. In addition, furniture tends to scratch a wet carpet a reason you should use protective mats. Place the furniture when the carpet has completely dried.
• Dry vacuuming – You may either damage the vacuum machine or get electrocuted. Only use a wet vacuum.
• Walking on a wet carpet – You may end up re-wetting the carpet again by squeezing water back into the fibers.
What if the Smell Persists?
You have tried your best, but no results so far. Chances are, your carpet is completely damaged. There is less you can do to save the situation now. Replacement is the only solution here. However, it’s important to understand a few concepts. Regular pet accidents are likely to create lasting odors on your carpets. Likewise, hard spill liquids can permanently settle in the carpet padding. Moisture may also be trapped in the carpet, thus causing mold growth. Smoke smells are another cause for a dirty and stinking carpet.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, damaged or wet padding may be the reason why a carpet smells after deep cleaning. You will have to dry the carpet to get rid of the smell. If the smell persists, then you must replace the carpet.