Having fresh-cleaned floor coverings is great, except when the air is tainted by a smelly carpet odour.
If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone. Carpets or rugs emit an odour after being cleaned are a problem for many of us.
But don’t worry. There’s an explanation for this issue and, more importantly, there are ways to fix it and prevent post-cleaning smells in the future.
Why do smelly carpets result after cleaning?
The most common cause of smelly carpets after cleaning is excess moisture. Failing to properly dry your carpet will allow the remaining moisture to seep into the underlay and the flooring beneath.
This damp environment can become a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria, which are the main culprits behind those musty, unpleasant odours.
Unpleasant smells can also come from residues left behind by cleaning products. If too much detergent is used, or if the cleaning solution isn’t thoroughly rinsed out, the remaining residue can trap dirt and bacteria, leading to bad smells as the carpet dries.
How to deal with smelly carpets after cleaning
It’s best to act quickly when you’re dealing with a smelly carpet after cleaning. Here are a few steps you can take to eliminate the odour:
1. Increase airflow
The first step is to speed up the drying process. Ensure proper ventilation in the room by opening windows and doors. Use fans to help circulate air. The quicker the carpet dries, the less likely that odours will develop.
2. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a fantastic natural deodoriser. It can also help absorb excess moisture. Sprinkle a generous amount over smelly areas, let sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it up.
3. Employ a dehumidifier
If the humidity levels in your home are high, a dehumidifier can help reduce the moisture in the air, which in turn will help dry out your carpet more efficiently.
4. Professional help
If the smells persist, it’s time to call in the professionals. Steam Boss, for example, is a Gold Coast carpet cleaning service that uses specialised steam cleaning equipment and techniques to remove moisture, bacteria, and residues that cause odours.
How to prevent smelly carpets
Here are a few preventive measures you can take to avoid carpet smells after cleaning:
Don’t oversaturate
Don’t use too much water or cleaning solution when cleaning your carpets. As we’ve discussed, over-saturating carpet can lead to unpleasant odours. Use a light touch and follow the product’s instructions.
Ensure thorough drying
After cleaning, make sure your carpet dries completely and as quickly as possible. Use fans, open windows, and consider running a dehumidifier, especially in areas with poor ventilation.
Get the professionals in
Professional cleaning services can ensure that carpets are cleaned deeply and dried thoroughly, minimising the risk of lingering smells.
Steam Boss on the Gold Coast offers advanced steam cleaning services using Encapsulation Cleaning technology, which minimises water usage and ensures faster drying times. This will help keep carpets in peak condition.
Final thoughts on smelly carpets
If your carpet or rug has the undesirable side effect of being smelly after cleaning, there is something you can do about it. It’s not a problem that is insurmountable.
Simply follow the tips outlined above to address and prevent smell carpets. Then, instead of smelly carpet after your next cleaning session, your carpets and rugs will be simply fresh and clean with no unpleasant surprises.
Of course, to save you time and trouble and ensure your carpets are clean, dry, and odour-free, it’s always a good option to call in professional cleaning help.