How to Clean a Smelly Carpet: 4 Methods That Actually Work

Nobody wants to walk into their home and be greeted by unpleasant carpet odors. Whether it’s that musty smell from years of accumulated dust, pet accidents, spilled food, or moisture issues.

Learning how to clean a smelly carpet is easier than you might think, and most solutions use common household items you probably already have. I’ll walk you through four proven methods that target different types of odors, so you can choose the right approach for your specific situation.

Which Method to Use and When

Method 1: Baking Soda for Light Odors and Dust Buildup

When your carpet has that general “old” smell from dust and everyday wear, baking soda is your best friend. This simple ingredient works by absorbing odors rather than just masking them.

What You’ll Need:

• 1-2 cups of baking soda (I like using Arm & Hammer Carpet Odor Eliminator)
• Vacuum cleaner
• Small bowl or shaker container
• Soft brush (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Vacuum thoroughly first. Remove all visible debris and pet hair from the carpet surface.

Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda evenly. Use a generous amount – don’t be shy here. The baking soda needs to penetrate the carpet fibers to absorb those trapped odors.

Step 3: Work it in gently. If you have a soft brush, lightly work the baking soda into the carpet fibers. This helps it reach deeper where odors hide.

Step 4: Let it sit overnight. For best results, leave the baking soda on your carpet for at least 8-12 hours. This gives it plenty of time to absorb odors.

Step 5: Vacuum again. Use your vacuum to remove all the baking soda. You might need to go over the area several times to get it all out.

This method works particularly well for carpets in bedrooms, living rooms, or any area where the smell isn’t too strong. It’s also safe around kids and pets.

Method 2: White Vinegar Solution for Moisture and Mildew Issues

If your carpet smells musty or has that damp, moldy odor, you’re likely dealing with moisture problems. White vinegar is naturally antimicrobial and helps eliminate mold and mildew odors.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup warm water
• Spray bottle
• Clean cloths or paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Mix your cleaning solution. Combine equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix.

Step 2: Test in a hidden area first. Before treating the entire carpet, spray a small, inconspicuous area to make sure the vinegar won’t discolor your carpet.

Step 3: Spray the affected areas. Lightly mist the smelly areas with your vinegar solution. Don’t soak the carpet – you want it damp, not dripping wet.

Step 4: Blot with clean cloths. Gently blot the area with clean cloths to help the solution penetrate and to remove excess moisture. If you have a carpet cleaner machine, use it here for even better results.

Step 5: Allow proper drying. Open windows, turn on fans, or use a dehumidifier to help the carpet dry completely. This usually takes 4-6 hours.

Step 6: Vacuum once dry. After the carpet is completely dry, vacuum to restore the texture and remove any remaining vinegar smell.

The vinegar odor will disappear as it dries, taking the musty carpet smells with it.

Method 3: Enzyme Cleaners for Pet-Related Odors

Pet accidents are probably the trickiest carpet odors to eliminate because they often penetrate deep into the padding. Regular cleaners might mask the smell temporarily, but enzyme cleaners actually break down the odor-causing compounds.

You might also like: How to Clean Dog Diarrhea from Carpet

What You’ll Need:

• Commercial enzyme cleaner (or make your own)
• Clean cloths or paper towels
• Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
• Heavy books or weights

Commercial enzyme cleaner

Here are two favorites I personally use on my carpets, both work exceptionally well for tough pet odors:

• FOLEX Carpet Cleaner
• Biokleen Bac-Out Pet Stain Remover

For DIY Enzyme Cleaner:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Blot up fresh accidents immediately. If the accident is fresh, blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels. Press firmly but don’t rub – this pushes the mess deeper.
2. Apply enzyme cleaner generously. Spray or pour enough cleaner to reach the carpet padding underneath. The enzymes need to get to the same depth as the original mess.
3. Cover and weight down. Place plastic wrap or foil over the treated area, then put books or weights on top. This keeps the area moist so the enzymes can work longer.
4. Wait 24 hours. Enzyme cleaners need time to break down the odor compounds. Don’t rush this step.
5. Remove covering and blot. Take off the covering and blot the area with clean cloths to remove excess moisture.
6. Air dry completely. Allow the area to dry naturally with good air circulation.

For old pet stains, you might need to repeat this process once or twice to completely eliminate the odor.

Method 4: How to Clean a Smelly Carpet from Food Spills

Food spills can create stubborn odors, especially greasy or protein-based foods. The combination of dish soap and warm water cuts through grease while eliminating smells.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap
• 2 cups warm water
• Clean cloths or sponge
• Spray bottle (optional)
• Clean water for rinsing

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clean up the spill first. Remove any solid food pieces and blot liquid spills with paper towels.
2. Mix your cleaning solution. Combine dish soap and warm water. Mix gently to avoid creating too many suds.
3. Apply the solution. Either spray the mixture onto the stained area or apply it with a clean cloth. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center.
4. Gently scrub. Use a clean cloth or soft brush to work the solution into the carpet fibers. Don’t scrub too hard – this can damage the carpet.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Use clean water to rinse out the soap residue. Soap left in carpet attracts dirt and can make the problem worse.
6. Blot dry. Remove as much moisture as possible with clean towels, then allow the area to air dry completely.

Tips for Keeping Your Carpet Fresh and Odor-Free

Once you’ve tackled the existing smells, these simple habits will help prevent future odor problems:

Regular Maintenance:

• Vacuum at least twice a week, more in high-traffic areas
• Address spills immediately – the longer they sit, the harder they are to remove
• Rotate furniture occasionally to prevent permanent indentations where odors can trap

Control Moisture:

• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
• Ensure good ventilation, especially in basements or rooms without windows
• Fix any leaks or moisture issues promptly

Professional Deep Cleaning:

• Schedule professional carpet cleaning once or twice a year
• Consider this especially important if you have pets or small children

Daily Habits:

• Remove shoes at the door to reduce dirt and bacteria
• Open windows regularly for fresh air circulation
• Use doormats both inside and outside entrances

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